Dear Friends and Neighbours,

I’m writing today with a brief update on the development applications for 103 and 108 Bayview Ridge.

Preliminary Reports for both applications came before North York Community Council last week. You can read the reports by following these links: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-62107.pdf and http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-62112.pdf.

Like City Planning, I have a number of serious concerns about these applications, including the appropriateness of townhomes at this location on Bayview as well as density, traffic and green space impacts.

At North York Community Council, I passed two successful motions. The first motion expanded the notice area for City Planning’s initial community consultation to include all land owners within the area bounded by York Mills Road in the north, the Granite Club and Crescent School in the south, Bayview Ridge and Birchwood Avenue in the west and the ravine in the east. I also asked that the local school trustee be given notice.

City Planning’s community consultation is the first step in the city’s planning process – the first opportunity for the neighbourhood to speak directly to city staff about the application.

Normally, notices of the initial community consultation are only mailed to owners within 120 metres of the property in question. My motion ensures that everyone that is directly impacted by the proposal receives notice of the meeting.

My second motion directed staff to hold the initial community consultation meetings for 103 and 108 Bayview Ridge at the same time. This ensures that the neighbourhood is given an opportunity to speak to the full impact of both applications.

On a broader note, I have been speaking with senior city planning staff, including our Chief Planner, about intensification on Bayview between Lawrence and the 401, particularly townhouse developments.

After speaking with many of you, I’m in the process of organizing a larger community meeting to discuss development on Bayview and how we can protect and preserve what makes Bayview and its adjacent neighbourhoods so unique and desirable.

I will be in touch with information about the time and date of the meeting shortly.

I will also touch base as soon as City Planning staff confirm a time and date for the initial community consultation for 103 and 108 Bayview Ridge.

As always, please don’t hesitate with any other questions or concerns in the meantime.

Warm regards,

Jaye

Jaye Robinson

City Councillor

Ward 25 – Don Valley West