Councillor Dianne Saxe
Ward 11, University-Rosedale Toronto City Hall
100 Queen St W Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Dear Councillor Saxe and Community Planning Department,
Re: Resubmission of Development Proposal at 126-130 Avenue Rd
On behalf of ABCRA, we want to provide feedback on the recent resubmission of the development proposal for 126-130 Avenue Rd, as discussed at our monthly planning meeting on June 3, 2024. We have significant concerns regarding the proposal’s disregard for critical pedestrian safety measures and the potential negative impact on our community.
Our primary concern is the omission of a G type loading zone in the resubmitted proposal. Avenue Rd. is already a hazardous environment for pedestrians, a fact acknowledged by the city’s ongoing investments to enhance safety in this area. Allowing street-level garbage pick-up on either Bernard Ave. or Avenue Rd. would only exacerbate existing safety issues, placing pedestrians at even greater risk.
Additionally, we strongly believe that the heritage buildings on the site should be set back by at least 1.5 to 2 meters. This adjustment would provide more space for pedestrians, aligning with the objectives of the Avenue Rd Study. Although planning staff have indicated that such changes, including the addition of a G type loading zone, may reduce retail space, we firmly assert that pedestrian safety must take precedence over retail provisions and heritage preservation.
In conclusion, we urge the planning department to reject the current proposal in its present form. It is imperative that the safety of our community’s pedestrians is prioritized. We look forward to seeing a revised proposal that adequately addresses these concerns.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your dedication to making our city a safer place for all its residents.
Sincerely,
The ABC Residents Association,
Ian Carmichael and John Caliendo,
Co-Chairs abcra@abc.ca
