Chatsworth development row on OMB docket

A pre-hearing at the Ontario Municipal Board over a proposed condominium development on Chatsworth Drive will take place in mid-August, where arguments for the expected fall hearing will be set.

The city has yet to take an official position on the almost two-year-old issue, but is expected to do so in June, according to Ward 16 councillor Christin Carmichael Greb.

At issue is a proposal by Parkset Developments for a seven-storey condominium on land previously inhabited by the Fifth Church of Christ Scientist building, which was razed in December, 2013.

The site is on a one-way street populated by single-family homes. It has been mired in controversy from the beginning. Neighbours had expressed concerns about the height and density of the project, but before any public meetings could take place, and without a permit to do so, a demolition team hired by the developer took down seven trees in February, 2014.

Lions Demolition was fined $5,000 per tree last month, after pleading guilty to charges laid by the city. Charges against Parkset Developments were dropped.

The city has previously been openly opposed to the project. Carmichael Greb said she wouldn’t speculate as to what the city’s position might be now, but says she maintains her support for the community and opposition to the proposal.

“I have my issues with its size and density,” she said. “You can only put certain things on that size of a lot and a seven-storey condo is pushing it.”