Conserving Long Branch (Toronto) – April 2016 update from David Godley

The following text is from David Godley:

Long Branch is being invaded! Soldier Houses are on the march! 
They have already established bridgeheads throughout the Neighbourhood.

3 storey twin houses on narrow lots are disfiguring beautiful and engaging Long Branch in direct contravention of the Official Plan.

OMB approvals have spawned many more applications particularly in the most attractive spots.

Perhaps the Premier should order the OMB to follow its Mission and Mandate.
 Recent political contribution revelations detract further from the optics of the OMB role.

There are 8 critical applications to be heard over the Spring at the Committee of Adjustment on April 14, May 12 and June 9.

These strike at the heart of Long Branch character.

30 36th Street pm 14 April @ 5pm in Council Chambers, Etobicoke Civic Centre (see attached reports)

2 Ash Avenue pm 14 April @ 5pm in Council Chambers, Etobicoke Civic Centre

2 & 4 Shamrock Avenue, 12 May

80 23rd; 20 Elton; 50 36th; 9 38th.

I have been working with the next door neighbours of 30 36th but one is immobile and another has family commitments. Any help in taking the petition door to door would be appreciated. Contact nwalenta@rogers.com

A handful of people are committed to attend the Committee of Adjustment hearing but it is strength in numbers. You can help the community by attending any of these meetings to support those who are opposing in the immediate area.

There will be vacancies for volunteers going door to door for a number of applications coming before the Committee of Adjustment. Please email me if you are interested.

The attached report to the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association group shows my own experience at the Committee of Adjustment and contains observations:

Report to LBNA Formation Committee – March 30, 2016

Note that the Etobicoke York Planning Department building (behind the main Civic Centre) will remain closed until sometime next week due to vandalism. However staff still have access to phone and email.

Below is the Planning Department’s March report with updates.

March 10, 2016 Committee of Adjustment Hearing

1.A88/16EYK 72 Thirty Eighth Street This is a Minor Variance application. A second storey addition above the existing rear deck and a second storey addition above the existing front porch is proposed. The associated variances are for floor space index (0.47 where 0.35 is permitted) and front yard setback (4.19 m where 5.53 is required). Staff have reviewed the application and are of the opinion the four tests outlined in the Planning Act are being met. Approved

2. B85/15EYK, A747/15EYK & A748/15EYK 20 Garden Place – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Planning staff are recommending that the applications be deferred in order for the applicant to submit revised plans that would be more in keeping with the purpose and intent of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Deferral was defeated and refusal was approved.

3. B54/15EYK, A488/15EYK & A489/15EYKÂ 22 Thirtieth Street This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. The application was previously deferred to allow the opportunity to hold a community meeting. The Ward Councillor and Planning staff held a community consultation meeting on the evening of February 24th at the Long Branch Public Library. The applicant along with the property owners and eight residents of Long Branch were in attendance. The purpose of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for the residents to gain further understanding of the revised proposal and to voice their concerns and/or comments regarding the design of the two proposed dwellings. Planning staff have submitted an information report to the Committee raising continued concern regarding the proposed flat roof design of the homes. Approved.

February 11, 2016 Committee of Adjustment Hearing RESULTS

1. A19/16EYK 38 Thirtieth Street This is a Minor Variance application. A new 2-storey detached dwelling with an attached garage is proposed. The associated variances are for floor space index (0.63 where 0.35 is permitted), building length (18.3 m where 17 m is permitted), eaves setback (0.4 m where 0.5 m is permitted) , and front yard soft landscaping variances (42% where 50% is permitted). Approved on condition

2. B80/15EYK, A716/15EYK & A717/15EYK 88 Laburnham Avenue (North Long Branch) – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Planning staff are recommending that the applications be deferred in order for the applicant to submit revised plans that would be more in keeping with the purpose and intent of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Deferred Sine Die to allow the opportunity for further consultation with the community and the Ward Councillor, April 13.

Reviewed Applications in Long Branch

1. B75/15EYK, A667/15EYK & A668/15EYK “ 2 Ash Crescent – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Staff have reviewed the application and are recommending a deferral to provide the applicant an opportunity to have further discussion with Planning staff and the community to develop a revised proposal that is more in keeping with the established physical character of the neighbourhood and more in accordance with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-laws. Hearing date April 14

2. B77/15EYK, A692/15EYK & A693/15EYK “ 42 Exmoor Drive (on the edge of Long Branch) – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Planning staff are recommending that the applications be deferred in order for the applicant to submit revised plans that would be more in keeping with the purpose and intent of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Hearing date TBD

3. B2/16EYK, A13/16EYK & A14/16EYK 30 Thirty Sixth Street – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Staff have reviewed the application and are recommending a deferral to provide the applicant an opportunity to have further discussion with Planning staff and the community to develop a revised proposal that is more in keeping with the established physical character of the neighbourhood and more in accordance with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-laws. Hearing date 14 April

4. B8/16EYK, A73/16EYK and A74/16EYK – 2 Shamrock Avenue – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Staff have reviewed the application and are recommending refusal. Hearing Date May 12

5. B9/16EYK, A76/16EYK and A77/16EYK “ 4 Shamrock Avenue – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Staff have reviewed the application and are recommending refusal. Hearing Date May 12

Also on April 14 agenda are variances for 66 Ash, 29 38th and 57 25th.

New Applications in Long Branch

1.B11/16EYK, A95/16EYK and A96/16EYK 9 Thirty Eighth Street- This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Currently under review by staff.

2. B12/16EYK, A121/16EYK and A122/16EYK – 50 Thirty Sixth Street This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Currently under review by staff.

3. B16/16EYK, A167/16EYK and A168/16EYK 80 Twenty Third Street This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Currently under review by staff.

4. B17/16EYK, A174/16EYK and A175/16EYK – 20 Elton Crescent – This is an application for consent with associated minor variances. Currently under review by staff.

36 Clissold Street has been saved in Ward 5. The local residents, true neighbourhood champions, were so thorough in their opposition the applicants withdrew a few days before the OMB hearing.

Mike Laffrade is ordering front lawn signs drawing attention to the severances and proposed severances in Long Branch.

2 27th Street

Photo of 2 27th courtesy of Bill Plewes – 9 mature trees were destroyed for this severance.

Photo of 2 27th courtesy of Bill Plewes 9 mature trees were destroyed for this severance.

These would have been saved if plans had been followed and a single house had been built

Another pair at 4 27th will be built where you can just see the roof of the existing bungalow, again on an OMB decision.

Other attachments from David Godley:

30 36th OP

opinterpret

Click on photo to enlarge it; click again to enlarge it further

[End of text from David Godley]

Comment from Jaan Pill regarding successful outcome for Clissold Street

Very pleased to know of the success of the residents on Clissold Street.

Residents from the street originally contacted us through the Preserved Stories website; that’s how I initially got to know of the severance application they were facing. I met with some of them to compare notes and help with planning for the Committee of Adjustment meeting regarding 36 Clissold Street; I believe David Godley was involved as well.

I’ve mentioned to the chair of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association committee, that is working on preparation of support material, for people planning to speak at Committee of Adjustment meetings, that the work of the residents on Clissold Street serves as an inspiration for all of us.