Plans emerging for Roselawn/Duplex sites

[attach]6400[/attach]Plans are emerging for the vacant housing on the south side of Roselawn Avenue, west of Duplex Avenue. Unknown to ARECA, discussions have been going on for some time.

The site is contaminated and chemical treatments for the past eight years have been unsuccessful. The owners now say the only solution is for some of the structures to be demolished so that the contaminated soil can be removed.

Two forms of infill are being discussed with the North Toronto District Community Planning Department. The owners want to build 12 townhouses, with two sets of three fronting onto Roselawn and six in behind. The site would have publicly accessible pathways and underground parking via the existing sloping driveway at the western boundary. The Community Planning Department is pushing for a four-storey condo building.

The owners of the site are planning a community barbecue at which time they hope to gather feedback from the neighbourhood. ARECA has initiated talks directly with the owners, involving our own planner, to discuss how best to create infill housing that complements the existing character of Roselawn Avenue.

Latest news on the Midtown Plan

Council has approved the formation of the [url=https://streeter.ca/midtown-planning-group-established.html]Midtown Planning Group[/url] to provide input on a comprehensive strategy for planning in the Yonge and Eglinton area. ARECA has long advocated for this and we welcomed its arrival. Much work has already been done by Terry Mills in conjunction with a number of community leaders. It can be viewed at [url=http://www.midtownplan.ca]www.midtownplan.ca[/url].

The midtown area is divided between two planning districts, two community councils and three local councillors. ARECA supports the formation of the Midtown Planning Group but regretted it appeared without notice to the community and with no opportunity to speak before council voted. For this reason ARECA suggested an amendment to the motion presented at council. It was ARECA’s position the group should include key stakeholders from the business and development communities.

The midtown area is changing fast and the effects will not only be felt by the residential community. Our businesses will be affected and, along with key players in the development community, they deserve a proportional representation at the table. The local councillors did not accept the ARECA amendment. The existing Midtown Plan currently being crafted with input from all local community associations will continue to meet and will support this long overdue strategic planning exercise.

The Helendale Block

The Stanley Knowles community has set aside meeting space and times for discussions within the community as to how best to develop block between Helendale to Montgomery avenues, west of Yonge Street.

Since it is obvious significant intensification will occur, ARECA remains committed to the best possible outcome for the public realm.
Orchardview Boulevard, especially the intersection at Duplex, has public safety issues that remain unresolved. It is fitting that the over 100 member Stanley Knowles community is starting this important dialogue.

ARECA will be represented at these discussions and has already made planning suggestions as participants in the Midtown Plan initiative.

ARECA is a volunteer community association representing the views of residents in matters that affect our community in North Toronto.