Changes ordered to controversial condo plan after CBC investigation
A controversial development proposal in the city's west end will need to undergo major changes, city council said today.
CBC News reported on the original proposal for the former industrial site at Keele Street and St. Clair Avenue West — a plan that city staff had warned could potentially be "unsafe."
Council voted today to require the developer to address city planners' concerns.
Some local councillors were advocating for the development even after a staff report recommended against it.
The project consists of four buildings, including residential, retail and commercial space.
City planners had warned that the towers in the original plan would be too tall, too close together and would be located too near a neighbouring rail corridor.
The report also noted that future residents on upper floors of the buildings could be exposed to "unacceptable levels of odour" from a nearby rubber recycling plant.
On Wednesday, city council gave the green light for a mixed-use development on the property at 6 Lloyd Avenue, but asked that the buildings be restricted in height and be set back farther from the rail corridor.
Council was scheduled to vote on the item on March 31, but the issue was deferred.
Developer Louie Santaguida, of Stanton Renaissance, said this was to allow for more time to address the issues raised by city planners.
If you have any information about this or other stories, please contact our investigative unit: John Lancaster john.lancaster@cbc.ca (416-205-7538) and Sarah Bridge sarah.bridge@cbc.ca (416-205-5511).
