Community Consultation Meeting for St. Jamestown N. Lanterrra Development

St. Jamestown North Development Proposal.

After attending the Community Consultation Meeting on November 7th at St. Simon's on Bloor St. E. I have the following concerns regarding the proposed development.

1. Although the consideration of privately owned, public space seems on the surface to be a move in the right direction, I have reservations around the security and upkeep ...of the space and if it will indeed be seen by the general public to be that of a regular park, or would the condo security personnel be employed to limit public accessibility and usage? Would local residents be able to walk dogs there? Would they have access in the evening or nighttime hours?

2. The idea of the double row of trees along Howard and Bloor streets seems initially impressive, however, I have concerns regarding who would ultimately be responsible for the care and maintenance of these trees? Would the condo corporation, or would the cost be transferred to general taxpayers? If it is the latter, when would such a transfer of responsibility take place?

3. I have concerns with the current and future state of the Glen Road TTC entrance, which by most accounts is unsafe and dangerous. Does the development proposal include and security improvements for this TTC access point? How would the TTC handle the increase in ridership that would undoubtedly occur?

4. There seems to be no consideration for alternative housing options such as rent to own, or subsidized housing. In fact, the only mention of anything for the community was one space that "could be used for the community". I feel this is a missed opportunity. This development is a great opportunity to bridge the neighborhoods of Rosedale and St. Jamestown and is missing the mark.

5. I would like to see this development incorporate an higher than normal number of 2 and 3 bedroom units in order to encourage families to live within the development.

6. With regards to height concerns, I am STRONGLY opposed to the current proposed tower heights of; 48, 49, 43 and 53 stories. The current zoning does not allow for structures of this height, in fact, the current zoning doesn't allow for the height of the proposed podium along Howard St. (see image above). I do believe there is a place for population intensification, however, the current proposal is far to outlandish and unacceptable. I propose the tallest tower should be no more that 25 stories. I'm also concerned with the effects the current proposal would have on wind and sunlight in the area.

7. I am concerned with the proposed demolition of 76 Howard St. and would be opposed to this facet of the proposal. I would like to see this building utilized and possibly moved, if necessary.

8. There is much concern with the construction process with regards to security, cleanliness, noise and potential damage to existing structures in the neighborhood.

9. Finally, what I have seen of the general designs so far is uninspired, boring, tedius and considering Lanterra Development's record, potentially dangerous.

St. James Town builds hope at Festival

St. James Town is once again celebrating pride in its community, hosting its annual Festival. This year’s Festival celebrates UN World Environment Day by acting locally, as the neighbourhood is joined by Live Green Toronto and local environmentalists and community advocates discussing how to revitalize apartments and neighbourhoods. The City’s Recipe for Community initiative and Live Green Toronto’s participation is signaling increased capacity to achieve continued community-building in the area.

The 2010 St. James Town Festival marks the return of its popular parade featuring local community leaders, organizations, children and cultural groups. The Festival is filled with stories of giving back, from artists within the community to festival organizers and volunteers. The Festival stage will feature local talent including King Ujah, Spirit of Jazz and the Homeless Band.

Co-Chair, St. James Town Festival Darcy Higgins says; “A politically and community engaged neighbourhood, St. James Town has the right ingredients to make positive change, harnessing the diverse backgrounds and skills we have here.”


St. James Town Safety Committee, the Festival organizer also coordinates neighbourhood safety audits, election debates, seniors’ events, an after-school program and an annual Christmas toy drive.
When: Saturday June 5, Parade begins 10:00AM, Festival Stage 11:00AM

Where: Parade begins Howard and Sherbourne St to Wellesley St, east to Parliament St, north to St. James Avenue. Festival and Stage at Rose Avenue Public School.

Bricks Fall On Cyclists

Two cyclists have been taken to hospital with minor injuries after bricks fell 35 storeys to the street at a downtown construction site.

A third person, a pedestrian, treated for minor injuries at the scene.

The project is located at Sherbourne Street and Isabella Street.

Reports of Tuesday's incident came right about the supper hour.

Police have closed the area around the building.

Early information from witnesses indicates that high winds may have toppled a brick wall under construction.

This building is the new 500 Condominium on Shebourne St. just south of where I live. I ride my bike past here almost daily.

More than family happens at Swiss Chalet

So the big delay last night was a robbery and hostage taking situation across the street at the Swiss Chalet. There were two robbers and they got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and the police have no description of them.

Story on CP24.com

Bloor Street East at Sherbourne St. July 12, 2007

Bloor & Sherbourne St. 1907

This photograph shows the END of Bloor Street at Sherbourne Street in Toronto in 1907. This is essentially outside of my front door. Of course now, Bloor Street continues with the addition of the Bloor Street Viaduct in the early part of the 20th century.