dt_toronto_geek
Superstar
I'd suggest that there are probably higher insurance premiums and liability issues for empty buildings that sit for extended periods of time. Older neglected buildings can deteriorate fast with floods and building infrastructure problems once leaky roofs begin when they're not heated plus they can be vandalized, there's an increased chance of fire, squatters and so on. Take a walk past what's left of the Sam's/old Future Shop sites and take a whiff, it's positively gross.
I don't like empty lots in high profile areas either but there's another angle that land owners/developers probably have to consider.
That said, as I suggested before I think a bond should be held by the City after demolition so that if situations such as 1BE, Yonge-Dundas etc. get delayed, the area can be temporarily turned into an attractive public space by the owner of the land. Not to the level of a Music Garden public space, but something that rises visually above what we see now and is functional at the same time.
I don't like empty lots in high profile areas either but there's another angle that land owners/developers probably have to consider.
That said, as I suggested before I think a bond should be held by the City after demolition so that if situations such as 1BE, Yonge-Dundas etc. get delayed, the area can be temporarily turned into an attractive public space by the owner of the land. Not to the level of a Music Garden public space, but something that rises visually above what we see now and is functional at the same time.
