MisterF
Senior Member
I wouldn't be so sure that the OMB will approve this development. It tends to base its decisions on municipal policies, unless it finds that the policies aren't sound. If the city has sound policies to back up its decision, there's no reason to think the OMB would go against that.
Certain areas aren't appropriate for skyscrapers, even if the area is only two blocks long and even if there are skyscrapers surrounding that area.
Yes we can. Nearby subway lines don't automatically make high rises more desirable. Dozens of European cities show that. With an existing 4-5 storey streetscape to work with, there's plenty of room for density on this property without building a high rise.Otherwise, the city should get out of the way! This building is proposed for a vacant lot a two minute walk from one of our only subways. We can't not build transit and protect heritage and cap heights. Pick one!
Using words like fetish to belittle someone's position does nothing to strengthen your own. I could just as easily say "I'm not sure I understand this fetish with height". But that wouldn't get us anywere would it?I'm not sure I understand this fetish hereabouts that every building must blend in to context.
The problem with this argument is that materials are easily changed late in the game, even during construction. That's very difficult for the city to control. Besides, a nice looking tower won't impact the character of the area any less than an ugly tower of the same height.Agreed. A tower built with Home Depot materials will cheapen the block. I think we'll deeply regret this in 10-20 years. Material quality is a far more important concern in this case than height.
Certain areas aren't appropriate for skyscrapers, even if the area is only two blocks long and even if there are skyscrapers surrounding that area.