date posted: 2004-06-01
An Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing which begins on June 14th will lead to what is most likely to be the most important decision to affect downtown Richmond Hill in its 130 year history!
What is literally looming over the historical village core is a revised proposal for a massive condominium complex at the site of the former Major Mac Hotel. The developer, Tridel, originally sought approval for a 12 storey building last June, and when Council deferred its decision in order to try to negotiate a building more suited to the downtown and nearby residential areas, Tridel took its proposal to the OMB.
In September 2003 I introduced a detailed motion on the Tridel application which was a compromise between the 45 foot height limit currently in place and the 12 storey proposal. The motion calls for a building which follows the contour of the land as it slopes from Yonge Street to Church Street; protects the views of the historical church steeples; permits reasonable density; and requires architectural and facade treatments which are compatible with the existing heritage buildings.
Tridel has now countered with a 9 storey building on Yonge Street which rises to over 11 storeys on Church Street! The density of this building will far exceed that which is permitted. The proposed building will dwarf everything nearby including the churches. Traffic from the condominium will be routed along streets such as Church Street and Roseview Avenue.
Last September, Council decisively supported my motion; including the hiring of outside experts to defend the Town's position at the OMB. The future of downtown Richmond Hill may well be decided by a Board which is not elected. Council's direction to its team of experts is to defend Council's position vigorously in front of the OMB.
Residents can have a say and help determine the future of downtown Richmond Hill by attending a special evening session of the OMB on Tuesday, June 22, 2004. It will be held at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in the Vaughan Room commencing at 7:00 pm. Anyone wishing to speak may do so by registering with the Board upon arrival.
The outcome of this Board hearing will have a decided affect on the way our downtown will develop in the future and whether or not neighbourhoods will be protected.