Residents of a North York neighbourhood are voicing their concerns over a proposed condo development they say will dwarf their homes.
“The height impact will be hugely significant on shadowing. It’s like a David and Goliath story,” Michael Lancefield said of the 12-storey – plus “mechanical penthouse” – condo being proposed at 630 to 686 Finch Ave. E. (east of Bayview Avenue) in the Bayview Woods community. “It’s going to be like standing next to the world’s biggest cruise ship. You’ll look dwarfed and so will the homes, and it’s going to significantly impact property values.”
The site, which currently has a two-storey plaza along with a one-storey auto repair garage, backs onto Banstock Drive, a residential street, where Lancefield has lived most of his life.
Lancefield said the proposed condo will be “right against” his property line, resulting in a complete loss of privacy. “Everything I do will be monitored by people overlooking me: when I leave, habits, backyard entertaining.”
Lancefield said he first learned about the proposal on Thanksgiving weekend when a public notice appeared on the site. Since then, he and a handful of his neighbours formed a committee that hand delivered flyers to the neighbourhood to get the word out about the proposal. They have expanded their group to nearly 100 people who communicate mainly via email, said Lancefield, noting the group has also held a virtual meeting to discuss concerns.
The project’s developers, Tridel and BAZIS, also hosted two virtual open houses for the community in November. A community consultation meeting will be held by city planners and the local councillor, Shelley Carroll (Ward 17, Don Valley North), in early 2021, likely in mid-to-late January.
app.toronto.ca
