April 12, 2018: Letters to Newswest; Community design plan needed.

April 12, 2018: Letters to Newswest;
Community design plan needed.

By Bob Huson.

Re: Gary Ludington’s article on Why Westboro, March 15th.

I attended the City meeting Feb 28th with respect to 342 Roosevelt Avenue and left thinking, “What if the owner of a house next to me applied to the City to demolish it and construct a building with 25 residential units with no parking?” I don’t think I would want to live next it.

At the other end of Roosevelt another proposal has been submitted to the City to demolish three residential homes and construct a six storey mixed use building that includes two commercial units and 35 dwelling units.

All of this begs the question, “Is there a long term plan for intensification for residential streets close to the LRT stations in Westboro?.

I asked this question at the Feb. 28th meeting. From what I understood from Councillor Leiper, apparently not. What we have now for our community is what is referred to as “spot” planning with “minor” zoning bylaw amendments.

I would suggest there is an urgent need for some sort community design plan for residential streets close to LRT stations. I understand the requirement for intensification and its link areas close to LRT stations. However, if what is happening on Roosevelt Avenue is the City’s planning vision for other residential streets close to LRT stations what can be expected for other streets in the area?

After the Feb 28th meeting, our councillor Jeff Leiper tweeted “it was the most contentious meeting we have seen this term”.

I wonder why!