Dandy Horse
Active Member
http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/2504574-residents-vow-to-fight-development-all-the-way-to-omb/
---- from the richmond hill liberal (newspaper):
They were mannerly, well-spoken and organized, but make no mistake, they are prepared to fight.
More than 200 residents who overflowed council chambers last week received praise from councillors for the orderly way they presented their case against a development planned for Yonge Street in Richvale.
But compliments aren’t what the ratepayers want. They want the proposed highrise development stopped and they vow to fight all the way to the Ontario Municipal Board, despite warnings from one councillor that their chances of success are slim.
“We are prepared and we are very passionate and are going to defend ourselves at any expense,†said Jon Priestly, spokesperson for the South Richvale Ratepayers Association.
Residents in the Ward 5 area bounded by Carrville Road, Yonge Street, Bathurst Street and Hwy. 7 are fighting a proposed development at the southwest corner of Yonge and Westwood Lane.
Two developers are proposing three zoning bylaw amendments to allow mixed-use, high-density residential/commercial buildings including a 24-storey residential building and seniors apartments on 5.12 acres at 8874 and 8890 Yonge St.
Local residents, however, say the height, density and design is inconsistent and incompatible with the neighbourhood. They are concerned about lack of parkland, traffic, safety, noise and shadowing over nearby homes.
A petition with more than 600 names voiced concern that the development would cause a significant drop in property value, overload schools and community services and create unbearable parking and driving conditions.
“It’s detrimental to the residents and it could set a precedent,†said chairperson Colin Dungy. “Frankly, it thumbs its nose at the official plan.
“We have to ask, who determines the future of Richmond Hill? ...Is it going to be driven by developers seeking, understandably, maximizing their profit? Or is it going to be based on the principles of sound planning?â€
“We understand there’s going to be growth,†resident George Lucas told councillors. “But you need to know how this is going to affect us — dramatically. I’m sure the developers don’t live somewhere under a highrise. And I think developers have a moral obligation to society and some vision to create something lasting, something good, something that will fit in a community ... I hope that the dollar isn’t the bottom line.â€
Ward 5 Councillor Nick Papa supported the residents’ statements, pointing to flaws in the design including lack of parkland, too-small units and buildings too close to the street.
“I’d like to see something well built with good-sized condominiums and respecting the neighbourhood ... How much money do you want to make? Be comfortable. Be respectable.â€
Councillor Lynn Foster emphasized the importance of preserving the “iconic vision†looking north up Yonge Street from Hwy. 7 to the old church steeples in centre of town.
Michael Goldberg, planning consultant for the applicants Great Land (Westwood) Inc. and Angelo, Louise and Josephine Cimetta, said the developers’ plans — for one and two-bedroom units with underground parking, 10,000 square feet of commercial use and an “upscale†seniors residence — presented the fundamental building blocks and “a very good starting point for discussionâ€.
He said his clients have heard residents’ comments and there is room for discussion.
However, in the meantime, the applicants have already appealed directly to the OMB. Notice of their move was filed with the town last Friday.
Mr. Priestly said his neighbours are prepared, if necessary, to go to bat for the community, are strongly united and have the social media to do so.
They may also have the finances and clout.
With multi-million dollar custom-built homes on large lots and property assessments ranging from $500,000 to $6 million, Richvale “has Canada’s who’s who of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and even politiciansâ€, Mr. Priestly said.
And residents are prepared to take their battle to the OMB if necessary.
“If you have a $3 or $4 million home, to spend $50,000 or $100,000 for a lawyer to prevent a $500,000 devaluation, it’s not rocket science. We’re going to do it and we’re going to put up a damn good argument.â€
But Councillor Greg Beros warned residents to be realistic about their chances.
While he agreed with residents’ concerns, he said “I want to speak to the reality of the situation... To think that just because we say ‘no’ fixes everything? That’s not the case at all.
“If the official plan was the Bible, we wouldn’t be here arguing this. Will this council really decide what building goes up in your community? Maybe. There may be an opportunity for a settlement offer. And that’s the card some of the developers play.â€
But he added, “we’re the lowest form of government in the whole hierarchy of government in Canada... We are but a child of the province. ...I only say this not to be negative but to put the point home that we don’t get to create our own destiny at times.â€
Mr. Beros appealed to the developer to listen to the community, “come with something that is reasonable they can say yes toâ€.
Councillor Godwin Chan agreed it may not be in anyone’s best interest to go to the OMB, “but at the end of the day, it is the southern gateway to the beautiful town of Richmond Hill. It has to be visually appealing.
“It’s good that we’re standing together with the community. This is something we’re not afraid to take to the OMB on the ground of principles, for respect for this community’s expectationsâ€
The next step in the planning process involves staff gathering technical information, working with the developer if representatives are willing, and when analysis is complete, presenting their report back to council.
---- from the richmond hill liberal (newspaper):
They were mannerly, well-spoken and organized, but make no mistake, they are prepared to fight.
More than 200 residents who overflowed council chambers last week received praise from councillors for the orderly way they presented their case against a development planned for Yonge Street in Richvale.
But compliments aren’t what the ratepayers want. They want the proposed highrise development stopped and they vow to fight all the way to the Ontario Municipal Board, despite warnings from one councillor that their chances of success are slim.
“We are prepared and we are very passionate and are going to defend ourselves at any expense,†said Jon Priestly, spokesperson for the South Richvale Ratepayers Association.
Residents in the Ward 5 area bounded by Carrville Road, Yonge Street, Bathurst Street and Hwy. 7 are fighting a proposed development at the southwest corner of Yonge and Westwood Lane.
Two developers are proposing three zoning bylaw amendments to allow mixed-use, high-density residential/commercial buildings including a 24-storey residential building and seniors apartments on 5.12 acres at 8874 and 8890 Yonge St.
Local residents, however, say the height, density and design is inconsistent and incompatible with the neighbourhood. They are concerned about lack of parkland, traffic, safety, noise and shadowing over nearby homes.
A petition with more than 600 names voiced concern that the development would cause a significant drop in property value, overload schools and community services and create unbearable parking and driving conditions.
“It’s detrimental to the residents and it could set a precedent,†said chairperson Colin Dungy. “Frankly, it thumbs its nose at the official plan.
“We have to ask, who determines the future of Richmond Hill? ...Is it going to be driven by developers seeking, understandably, maximizing their profit? Or is it going to be based on the principles of sound planning?â€
“We understand there’s going to be growth,†resident George Lucas told councillors. “But you need to know how this is going to affect us — dramatically. I’m sure the developers don’t live somewhere under a highrise. And I think developers have a moral obligation to society and some vision to create something lasting, something good, something that will fit in a community ... I hope that the dollar isn’t the bottom line.â€
Ward 5 Councillor Nick Papa supported the residents’ statements, pointing to flaws in the design including lack of parkland, too-small units and buildings too close to the street.
“I’d like to see something well built with good-sized condominiums and respecting the neighbourhood ... How much money do you want to make? Be comfortable. Be respectable.â€
Councillor Lynn Foster emphasized the importance of preserving the “iconic vision†looking north up Yonge Street from Hwy. 7 to the old church steeples in centre of town.
Michael Goldberg, planning consultant for the applicants Great Land (Westwood) Inc. and Angelo, Louise and Josephine Cimetta, said the developers’ plans — for one and two-bedroom units with underground parking, 10,000 square feet of commercial use and an “upscale†seniors residence — presented the fundamental building blocks and “a very good starting point for discussionâ€.
He said his clients have heard residents’ comments and there is room for discussion.
However, in the meantime, the applicants have already appealed directly to the OMB. Notice of their move was filed with the town last Friday.
Mr. Priestly said his neighbours are prepared, if necessary, to go to bat for the community, are strongly united and have the social media to do so.
They may also have the finances and clout.
With multi-million dollar custom-built homes on large lots and property assessments ranging from $500,000 to $6 million, Richvale “has Canada’s who’s who of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and even politiciansâ€, Mr. Priestly said.
And residents are prepared to take their battle to the OMB if necessary.
“If you have a $3 or $4 million home, to spend $50,000 or $100,000 for a lawyer to prevent a $500,000 devaluation, it’s not rocket science. We’re going to do it and we’re going to put up a damn good argument.â€
But Councillor Greg Beros warned residents to be realistic about their chances.
While he agreed with residents’ concerns, he said “I want to speak to the reality of the situation... To think that just because we say ‘no’ fixes everything? That’s not the case at all.
“If the official plan was the Bible, we wouldn’t be here arguing this. Will this council really decide what building goes up in your community? Maybe. There may be an opportunity for a settlement offer. And that’s the card some of the developers play.â€
But he added, “we’re the lowest form of government in the whole hierarchy of government in Canada... We are but a child of the province. ...I only say this not to be negative but to put the point home that we don’t get to create our own destiny at times.â€
Mr. Beros appealed to the developer to listen to the community, “come with something that is reasonable they can say yes toâ€.
Councillor Godwin Chan agreed it may not be in anyone’s best interest to go to the OMB, “but at the end of the day, it is the southern gateway to the beautiful town of Richmond Hill. It has to be visually appealing.
“It’s good that we’re standing together with the community. This is something we’re not afraid to take to the OMB on the ground of principles, for respect for this community’s expectationsâ€
The next step in the planning process involves staff gathering technical information, working with the developer if representatives are willing, and when analysis is complete, presenting their report back to council.
