105 22nd Street, Long Branch, Committee of Adjustment severance and variances

Jaan Pill (email to David Godley):  Again, I would be pleased to post this on my website, but would like to know if this would be a good way to go or not.

David Godley:  Yes this one is fine.

The message from David Godley follows below

From: David Godley <mhairig@pathcom.com>
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 4:51 PM

Subject: 105 22nd Street, Long Branch, C of A severance and variances

Good afternoon,

I see this severance is coming up on June 4. It is another pair of 3 storey twins with density of 0.89 from 0.60. The site is on a corner so a little less impact than usual. Nevertheless it is an alien form to the traditional neighbourhood.

I do not believe there is justification for 3 storey dwelling in Long Branch (although 22nd St. was officially in New Toronto) as it is opposite to the base character. Some support for this thinking is in the 86 23rd OMB decision.

It is clear that the development does not respect or reinforce the character of the area. Nearby buildings are bungalows with major impacts on the next door neighbours. How can the variances be seen as minor especially in light of De Gasperis Divisional court ruling.

In addition the zoning was changed to specifically stop this type of development by controlling floor height; there can therefore be no doubt as to the intent of the bylaw.

It is a complete puzzle why the Local Planning Department do not mention these matters in their reports or give evidence to this effect at hearings. To some extent the destruction of Long Branch must be laid at the Planning Department’s door.

We cannot rely on the OMB who live in a fantasy world where common sense is a rare visitor.

The soldier houses dominated by garages and with rear balcony overlooks and large increases in density severely impact compromise good planning and look “stupid” (as a member of the public said at MPP Milczyn’s forum.)

From the May 4 community meeting it is clear Long Branch vigorously oppose such development but find the constant defense of their rights fatiguing.

The weakness of professionalism may be the reason why the Committee of Adjustment are so at sea.

Approval by the Committee of Adjustment for a single 3 storey house at 0.60 density to 0.99 approval suggests the members do not understand the issues or their role.

The planning and legal framework must be observed. (see comments attached). Decisions based on personal views or whim are invalid.

Only Dominic Gulli will be on the new Committee it seems. This is a great opportunity for all the members to be fully briefed by the Paul Bain’s OP section.

There seems to be a disconnect between OP Section and local planners so perhaps they could be briefed at the same time. Aligning the different sections of the Planning Department would be a positive step.

I would appreciate any comments to explain the bizarre situation.

David

Nomination Committee recommended on May 14 2015:
Committee of Adjustment, West Panel:

Tony D’Aversa

Tony D’Aversa is a successful entrepreneur, an industry innovator, community leader, and a family man. He is the owner and president of a paper packaging company that manufactures and supplies packaging to top-tier clients worldwide. Tony is eager to bring his communication and mediation skills, leadership experience, good judgment, and professionalism to the citizens of Toronto.

Dominic Gulli

Dominic Gulli is an academically trained urban planner, with over 35 years of experience in city and transportation planning. As a former Director for the City of Toronto in the Transportation Services Division, Dominic was responsible for the delivery of transportation services in accordance with the City’s Strategic Plans.

Megan McIver

Megan McIver received a BA in Environmental Policy and Business Administration from Trent University. Megan began her career at Queen’s Park where she served as Issues Manager to two of Ontario’s Cabinet Ministers, and Senior Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Finance. In 2015, Megan joined Scotiabank’s Small Business Banking team as a Business Analyst where her focus is on regulatory compliance. Megan is an environmentalist, women’s and children’s advocate, and volunteer.

Nathan Muscat

Nathan is a life-long Toronto resident, passionate about cities and development. He is a trained planner and practices municipal, real estate and development law at the Region of Peel. Nathan attended planning school at Ryerson University and studied law at the Universities of Windsor and Detroit. He worked on revitalization initiatives in Detroit and volunteers with the OBA Municipal Law Executive. He has experience acting for private owners and municipalities on various planning matters.

Allan Smithies

Allan Smithies graduated from Sheridan College’s Transportation Planning program in 1978, and was employed by the former City of Etobicoke in a number of positions including Transportation Planner and Manager of Transportation Planning. Most recently, Allan served as Manager of Traffic Planning/Right of Way Management for the City of Toronto from 1999 until his retirement in March 2014.