Approval given to developer to divide lot at 2165 Gerrard Street East and build quads and suites on the driveway – Beach Metro Community News

By ALAN SHACKLETON

A recent decision by the Toronto Local Appeals Body (TLAB) paved the way for a contentious plan to dramatically increase the density of a large single-family home lot in the Gerrard Street East and Main Street area.

The ruling was released earlier this month by TLAB after the developer proposing the construction appealed a decision by the City of Toronto’s Adjustment Committee (CoA) in December 2020 that did not allow the separation. of the property at 2165 Gerrard St. E. in two building lots.

P&R Developments Inc. appealed the ruling in June this year, and TLAB’s ruling overturning the CoA’s denial of batch separation was released on November 3.

With the lot separation now approved by TLAB, P&R has announced its intention to soon demolish the house that now sits on the lot and replace it with a three-story, two-story, four-story semi-detached residential building. suites in an alley. The new development will result in 10 residential units on the land on the south side of Gerrard Street East between Main Street and Norwood Avenue.

“Naturally, we are delighted now that we are able to build,” said Rolf Paloheimo of P&R Developments Inc. in an email to Beach Metro Community News.

He said the proposal still complied with City of Toronto regulations, which is why the company was surprised it was rejected by the CoA last year and why it appealed the decision to TLAB. . “We designed the project to be 100% municipal bylaw (‘de jure’) compliant and were surprised when we were turned down for our severance pay. “

In its decision, TLAB stated that the development proposal is consistent with the City of Toronto’s official plan and its objectives.

“This app represents change. The demolition of the existing dwelling will represent a change in the style of construction on the subject property, and the proposed density is high, ”wrote Christine Kilby, chair of the TLAB panel, in the decision.

“Yet the PO is considering changes in established neighborhoods. I find the App to represent a gradual and sensitive neighborhood change that is in line with the policy goals. I also find that the proposed development respects and reinforces the existing physical characteristics of the neighborhood. Overall, I find the request to be in line with the PO.

This development proposal has been strongly contested by neighbors in the community since its first appearance very early in 2020.

Local residents Victor Lam and Mark Postill spoke at the TLAB hearing in June and presented their objections to the development. They said it would have an extremely negative impact on the character of the neighborhood, and especially on those who live nearby. Of most concern were the increased density on the lot, the size of the buildings, the safety impact of the back lane with the driveway suites, and the fact that the development would contribute to parking congestion in the area. the area because the proposal does not include parking spaces.

While these concerns were heard and addressed by the TLAB, they were ultimately deemed insufficient to decline the offer to divide the lot and build the proposed development at 2165 Gerrard St. E.

“The applicant claims that the proposed development will increase density while respecting the need for neighborhoods to remain stable and preserve their character,” Kilby wrote. “What makes this request slightly more complex than a traditional request for consent to separation is the degree to which the density of the intended use of the separate property differs from its current use. This change in density on the subject property must be viewed in light of the location of the subject property in a well-established and well-served neighborhood that contains many multi-unit dwellings, as well as land use planning policies. focusing on densification as a goal… I find that the application meets the applicable legal requirements for approval.

Paloheimo told Beach Metro Community News he wants to reassure area residents that ultimately this development will benefit the community.

“We believe our project will be a positive addition to the neighborhood and hope all of our neighbors will enjoy it as well,” he said.

“We had three public meetings to gather feedback from our neighbors and the city. In response to feedback received, we have made a design change, more recently eliminating side entrances and moving rear balconies back. We are now focusing on ensuring that the end product is beautiful and durable. We intend to build beautiful, sustainable homes that you will be proud to have in the neighborhood.

Paloheimo said P&R is in the process of applying for a building permit. “We are optimistic we can start demolition and construction soon.”

Beaches-East York Councilor Brad Bradford has been monitoring this proposal from the start and said it was important for the developer to listen to community concerns regarding the design of the buildings and the preservation of a large oak at the back of the plot.

“In the midst of a housing crisis, we need to be able to build reasonable housing options in places like these without harming neighboring communities,” he said.

Bradford said a balance needs to be struck when it comes to increasing the density available in established areas of the city.

“Change in a growing city is inevitable and it is important to find the right balance,” he said. “In this case, the TLAB felt that the plan meets all the planning tests that are in place for good reasons. Stopping all growth is simply not an option if we are to keep our communities, businesses and livelihoods intact. People need affordable housing. We also cannot accept any kind of growth without restraint or consideration.

For previous articles on the 2165 Gerrard Street East proposal, please see the following:

https://beachmetro.com/2021/05/25/hearing-on-plan-to-sever-single-home-lot-on-gerrard-street-east-for-multi-unit-build-to-be- heard-by-the-town-planning-appeal court /

Meeting on multi-unit development plan for Gerrard Street East site slated for Sept. 9

Three townhouses, laneway suites proposed for single-family home lot on Gerrard Street East