Community Meetings – April 28, 2015 & May 4, 2015 – Underlying story is destruction of the character of Long Branch

The following message is from David Godley of Long Branch:

Community Meetings

A number of people have asked what is the difference between MPP Milczyn’s planning meeting and Councillor Grimes’ planning meeting.

The Provincial meeting is about changes to the Planning Act including limiting appeals to the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) which do not really impact the destruction of Long Branch Character.

April 28, 2015

In the Fall it is the Province’s intent to review the OMB which is central to our concern.
Open House hosted by Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Peter Milczyn: Royal Canadian Legion, 110 Jutland Road 6.30-8.30, April 28, 2015

May 4, 2015

The City meeting is about Preserving the Character of Long Branch with Planning Staff in attendance.

The idea is to come up with strategies to halt inappropriate development.
Assembly Hall, , 7-9pm May 4th

Letter to Editor, Toronto Star – David Godley, April 27, 2015

Re: Toronto Star Article on infill planning Page GT2 April 24th 2015

Letter to the Editor

“This insightful article does not mention the cause of poor planning in Ontario – the OMB.
In the last 10 years this body has changed from thoughtful to an “Alice in Wonderland”.
Now financially conflicted development planners and highly paid lawyers have proved to the satisfaction of the OMB that for minor variances:

1. minor means major, 2. adjustment means radical change 3. modest means huge.

The OMB ignores the Planning Act, the Official Plan, and Divisional Court rulings to approve even the most glaringly bad planning.

The Committee of Adjustment’s and Planning Department’s powers are reduced if they know OMB approval is likely in the offing.

On top of this it is highly stressful for a resident to go to OMB hearings and risk being belittled and bullied.

Once outlandish approvals are given the only option is for neighbours to move away. And they do in increasing numbers.

The wildly out of control OMB is overdue for review. ”

David Godley
401 Lake Promenade
Toronto M8W 1C3

416-255-0492