Condo boom raises concerns

Residents are concerned with yet another huge development proposal, this time a 38-storey tower at one of the most congested intersections in North York — Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue East.

The applicant, Amexon, has designed a development that is well beyond what the official plan envisioned for the area. Toronto City Council refused the application, so Amexon filed for a hearing at the Ontario Municipal Board.

Sound familiar?

Some developers see opportunities to enhance and expand neighbourhoods respecting the city’s official plan, whereas others don’t.

There are many common arguments made to justify tall buildings and intensification. One common argument alleges that everyone will take public transit.

The TTC’s statistics show a very different story. In fact, since 2003, Bessarion, Leslie and Bayview subway stations have seen minimal increases in ridership despite the intense saturation of condominiums in those areas.

Amexon has continuously argued that their proposed development will not have an impact on traffic, that their 38-storey tower shadowing streets is acceptable and that their development proposal is not invasive to existing communities. Yet the real impact will negatively affect many residents.

I have objected to their proposal, residents have objected to their proposal, and city staff has objected to their proposal.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the province will listen to all of us and refuse Amexon’s plan at the Ontario Municipal Board. 

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