Quoting: Globe and Mail article: Sky-high spinoffs - September 19, 2008 by: John Lorinc
Comments by Herb Richter, member of the Stand Up Bridletowne Committee

 
"...consumers may sour on the glut of tiny suites, leading to losses in market value and condo towers that come to be dominated by low-income tenants." [Toronto Councillor Adam Vaughan]
This is a major concern for many residents in the area - that excessive development and excessive density will lead to another ghetto. The developer's own consultants, in the application documents, have stated that the proposed development will be more like those in the Jane-Finch area than any other area in Toronto - and that would be before "tiny suites" are no longer the fashion.

"By the numbers:
11,200 - Number of new units started in first seven months of 2008."
This means that the proposed Bridlewood Mall Development is HUGE! At almost 1,400 units, this one site would be equal to over 12% of all the units building in Metro Toronto so far this year. That is; 1/8th of all the new building we now see from Scarborough to East York to North York to Toronto to Etobicoke!

"By the numbers:
$4-billion+ - Value of condo projects across Greater Toronto in 2007 alone." and: "Since 1998, the city has collected $48-million in Section 37 fees."
$48-million over 10 years compared to $4-Billion in one year - that's a tiny 1/10th of 1% benefit for the public and the City.

"Unlike in Ontario, Vancouver developers can't appeal planning decisions to a quasi-judicial body"
Here in Ontario, developers can appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) where planning decisions made by the elected representatives of the City of Toronto, determinations of City Council and the expressed wishes of communities are, it seems, usually, overturned. OMB decisions are often in conflict with the Official Plan.

 
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