Residents, developer join up at Junction
December 30th, 2006Neighbours back Options for Homes’ condo towers proposal after learning the costly extras would be eliminated
Excerpt from an article by Shelly Sanders Greer - Toronto Star
It’s not uncommon for concerned residents to pack a Committee of Adjustment meeting when a builder plans a couple of 23-storey condominium towers for their neighbourhood – especially when the developer needs approval from the city for several variances to make the project work.
But it’s an extreme rarity when the builder has the residents’ full support. In fact, you might call this a case of YIMBY – yes, in my backyard.
Such was the situation this fall involving The Village at High Park, a proposal to house 600 people in affordable and environmentally friendly buildings near Keele and Dundas Sts. Nobody opposed the variations, and the 30 residents present told city officials they support the extra height and density requests.
Businesses have come and gone, and some buildings that once contained thriving stores and restaurants have been left empty. One that became a derelict eyesore was an old Canadian Tire building at 417 Keele St., a half block north of Dundas. A couple of years ago, The Nexxt Corporation came in, bought the Canadian Tire land, and had plans to build a large, upscale condo on the site.
Eventually, in response to community opposition, Nexxt dropped its plan. But Nexxt contacted another developer, Options for Homes, which has a history of developing affordable condos on less-desirable land, and creating strong communities. The Distillery District in east downtown got its start with an Options project – 70 Mill St.Clark was one of the opponents, but when she heard the developer was Options for Homes, which eliminates costly extras and sells condo suites at cost, she quickly became a proponent.
“I read an article about Options for Homes in the Star and I had been to the Distillery District, so I got quite excited,” she says. “They organized a neighbourhood meeting, wanted to discuss the impact and concerns, and asked us how a development could be done to address concerns.”
“Going from a traditional condo to an Options condo, plus the design changes, got rid of all the opposition,” says Pino Di Mascio, a planner and partner at Urban Strategies, which worked with The Nexxt Corporation as well. “Residents thought the building was too tall and worried about what 600 extra people would do to a neighbourhood. But Mike had endless meetings and was open to concerns so that… people were comfortable with this project.”"Our approach takes $100 a square foot off the price,” Labbé says. “It will cost $98,000 for a small, 400-square-foot bachelor unit. The most common size will be the one-bedroom-plus-dens at 630 to 645 square feet. They will be priced in the $147,000-$155,000 range. The largest suite, at 970 square feet, is $212,000, 15% lower than market value.”
Parking spots cost an extra $15,000, but Labbé hopes that many of the new residents will consider the car-sharing plan, especially since the building will have only enough spots for 70% of the residents.”This is not a matter of choice, but an opportunity given,” he explains. “There will be 20 to 25 smart cars and vans available. A computer system will register who has a car and for how long, and residents with driving licences and the proper insurance will be able to book a car through the Internet or by phone.”
Construction is slated to begin in July 2007, with summer 2008 occupancy, if all goes as planned.
———————————————————————————
Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information
