Interns a great help in building midtown plan
[attach]6685[/attach]ARECA continues to register a voice for the community throughout the many development processes currently in play, especially in the Yonge-Eglinton sector. This involves attending meetings and preparing comments to inform all stakeholders. In this we are assisted by Terry Mills in his capacity as a planner. In particular, ARECA is actively supporting Mills in the creation of a plan for midtown.
Version four of the Midtown Plan Consolidation Strategy is available from ARECA upon request. The website [url=http://www.midtownplan.ca]midtownplan.ca[/url] hosts all of the ideas, suggestions and renderings to date.
ARECA has been successful in having four young planning interns, sponsored by the Toronto Public Space Initiative, assigned to help with the many aspects of good planning currently needed in our area. Our community will benefit from access to this pool of planning talent and the interns will gain practical and marketable experience related to their chosen field of study.
ARECA proposes Montgomery Square
Of particular interest to local residents is ARECA’s request for a historic neighbourhood designation to be given to the area immediately in front of and beside the Postal Station K on Yonge Street at Montgomery Avenue.
ARECA has concerns that condo buildings are being built at such a fast rate with not enough thought being given to community benefits or public realm improvements. The area between Helendale and Montgomery avenues along Yonge Street has three major development proposals being considered by city planning. ARECA believes this represents an exciting opportunity to plan for Montgomery Square.
The area is home to the old village police station, hire hall, post office and is in close proximity to the library. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows us to consider an open pedestrian space that would compensate for the loss of open space on the RioCan site at the Yonge/Eglinton intersection.
At the same time, a historic neighbourhood designation would allow for the many historic memories embodied in the original high point in the old village of North Toronto.
Development at Henning Avenue
ARECA has met with Madison Homes, the developer of 90 Eglinton Ave. W. at Henning Avenue. Plans have not changed since the public meeting Madison hosted in 2012. However, we were told that a development application will soon emerge, probably in the early spring.
The developer’s project manager indicated that the proposed height will not be as tall as 36 storeys but not as low as 20 storeys. This looks like another development that is headed for the OMB.
ARECA presented some ideas that would be of benefit to local residents and we were pleased with the tone of the meeting. The Toronto Hydro building immediately beside the development site has been declared surplus but as yet there is no indication as to when it might be for sale. How that site is developed will be crucial to a beneficial outcome for local residents and the area in general.
ARECA is a volunteer community association representing the views of residents in matters that affect our community in North Toronto. ARECA represents the area bounded by Eglinton Avenue West, Yonge Street, Roselawn Avenue, Avenue Road, St Clements Avenue and Chaplin Road. If you live in the ARECA area please join your community association. To join send a cheque for $20 ($10 seniors) for your 2013 membership, along with your name, address and phone number and email address to Avenue Road Eglinton Community Association, c/o Membership Secretary 23 Elwood Boulevard, Toronto M4R 1B8. Note if you wish to receive fax or email updates from ARECA please include these with your membership details or email us at [email=information@areca.info.]information@areca.info.[/email]