WATCH ABOVE: A group of like-minded homeowners are opposing a proposed townhouse development plan they say will change the make-up of their street as a result of “density creep.” Mark McAllister reports.
TORONTO – A group of like-minded homeowners in an affluent Toronto neighbourhood are being criticized on social media for opposing a proposed townhouse development plan they say will change the make-up of their street as a result of “density creep.”
The recently created Density Creep Neighborhood Alliance claims the construction of the midrise units on Keewatin Avenue near Mount Pleasant “exceeds the current zoning restrictions in height” and “does not fit with the character of the street.”
Developer Trolleybus Urban Development tells the Toronto Star they still need rezoning approval from the city to go ahead with the plan but insists its proposal would allow new housing options for homeowners considering the rising price in the city’s real estate market.
To defend their territory, the alliance has started a Save Our Streets campaign and are encouraging concerned citizens to contact city planner John Andreevski and Ward 25 Councillor Jaye Robinson.
The project would essential replace eight single-family homes with 80 stacked townhouses.
Lisa Goodwin, one of the members of the group opposing the development, tells the Toronto Star the new midrise buildings could hurt the neighbourhood’s property values which she says runs between $1.1 million to $2.2 million.
The proposed new units are expected to cost homeowners around $500,000.
“The developers have nothing to do except make money here. They are going to make at least $40 million here,” said Marcia Visser, another member of the group. “They’re not going to be here afterwards. They’re not going to hear the noise. They’re not going to go through the public safety issues. They’re not going to go through the infrastructure concerns.”
Visser told Global News that “many people’s privacy will be affected” by the proposed development.
“This is a vibrant community,” said Visser. “Typically when you have developments of that size is because the community is in trouble. Many times, not always. Our concern is that it’s higher than the density that’s required.”
A new report released by the Pembina Institute, a non-profit think tank that advances clean energy solutions, suggests communities and neighborhoods in the Greater Toronto Area could benefit more from the construction of mid-rise buildings, which make it more economically viable and affordable for families.
News of the alliance’s plan soon gained traction on Twitter with the hashtag #densitycreep trending across Canada on Monday.
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