Who will defend neighbourhoods? Letter from David Godley in March 5, 2015 Toronto Star

David Godley at break during OMB hearing on Feb. 13, 2015. Jaan Pill photo

The following letter to the editor from David Godley is from the March 5, 2015 Toronto Star:

Re: Tory’s executive committee in battle over new city staff positions, March 2

Tory’s executive committee in battle over new city staff positions, March 2

Councillor Michelle Berardinetti’s move to eliminate new staff positions is shortsighted. It will open the way for developers to degrade our neighbourhoods because policies cannot be implemented.

We have the best neighbourhoods in North America and they are both a quality of life and economic asset. The Ontario Municipal Board cannot be relied on to help Toronto as it acts basically as an arm of the development industry.

Without City planning staff to defend neighbourhood and heritage character at the OMB we will be throwing out policies of the Official Plan, which cost millions of dollars to prepare.

City planning is needed to provide a framework for both the development industry and the community. The mayor has it right on this one.

David Godley, Toronto