"The proposed development is huge - 30-40 condominium towers (most of them 20 stories or taller), half a dozen office towers etc."
Time to think about moving out. This is horrendous. I dread to think what this will do to the surrounding area. I moved out to Whitby because I hated living downtown in Toronto.
Unless they widen all the roads (destroying more green land) and put double decker GO trains on Lakeshore East how on earth do they expect people to travel around in the area.
I'm all for embracing this new developement. Much better to be living in the middle of an exciting new area than accross from industrial lands. Maybe we'll get an LCBO, Video Store and a few fun restaurants!
"Just think, people will be able to live and work in the area."
OK - so they are suggesting 5,000 jobs (and not all of them will be jobs that people who work in Toronto would do - just because of salary limitations) and don't get too excited about the new jobs, a lot of them may already be taken by people transferring with who ever it is that is moving in - and 15-20,000 people - assume that at least (because they will be condos - more adults) 50-60% will be working outside the area - that's at least 9 or 10,000 additional people travelling to work. It's hard enough to get a seat on the GO train now. How on earth will we get around without the type of congestion that is in Toronto now? Just a question!!!!!
I know that it's going to be a long time in the making but it's no good waiting until it's all done to think about these things.
But maybe our house prices will go up (and therefore our taxes) because people who work in the new towers will want a house instead of a condo. Lots to think about.
"The proposed development is huge - 30-40 condominium towers (most of them 20 stories or taller), half a dozen office towers etc."
Time to think about moving out. This is horrendous. I dread to think what this will do to the surrounding area. I moved out to Whitby because I hated living downtown in Toronto.
Unless they widen all the roads (destroying more green land) and put double decker GO trains on Lakeshore East how on earth do they expect people to travel around in the area.
If you hated living in Toronto, moving right beside a GO station was not very wise. You cannot expect to live right beside a train station and a major highway and expect the things to stay the way they are. We also have 407 coming down the road so we are at the centre of a major communication conjunction. All those things (intensification along communication corridors, 407 extension) have been in planning for years - we cannot simply plead our ignorance. This area is going to become more urban - whether we like it or not. As I said, this is our chance to have some positive impact.
Maybe I moved close to the GO station because I didn't drive and wanted to be able to walk to catch the train instead of driving!!!!!
My point is that all things have to be considered not just how wonderful it will be to have thousands of more people and cars to ruin the wonderful area that we live in now.
I guess we can't be "Last Man in the Lifeboat". This is a great area, no wonder they picked it for further developement.
I like the fact they are planning it in stages and are taking into account the balance of commercial and residential but its a shame that the industrial lands will be lost for the Town. Overall, the tax base needs more industrial not residential. I agree with the higher density but I hope the Town is also looking towards allocating industrial land in the north around the proposed 407 route to balance out their assessment before more residential development porposals are accepted.
The Provinces Places to Grow strategy is the right way to go, which includes in-fill developments on existing areas and higher density, but with regards to this particular development its a good proposal for the developer and the Town if they take into consideration the impacts it will have on the existing infrastructure. Roads are just one aspect, as we are facing the issue of north-south links and hwy access that aren't up to snuff. If the development is accepted, the Town can require certain requirements be met which includes lighting improvements, money for road development/improvements and of course schools/hospitals/fire/police.
I'm a bike rider and walker, although I also own a car (only one and that's a challenge with 5 of us) so I speak from experience when I say the increased traffic that is created by any new development needs to be carefully considered. I hope there are bike trails linking to the Henry St bridge as well as paths for pedestrians to the GO and to Iroquois Park as the existing sidewalks are really not aesthetically pleasing, especially with overhead wires and heavy traffic flying by.
I also hope they are looking at their mistakes. Look at how poorly the Walmart area in north Whitby was done with regards to traffic and parking and I think you'll agree with me, the Town of Whitby needs to have some better guidance on commercial/residential mix.
I'm sorry that Kittie and Risky are disappointed with new development. Don't worry, your house will be worth a lot more once the development is up and running so best of luck finding a better neighbourhood for your family to grow up in. This really is an amazing location.
GO Train riders shouldn't worry either, as we won't have to worry. Its Ajax and Pickering riders who won't ever get a seat now.
New and innovative developments are good for Whitby, but they need strong planning and hopefully not be lead by the developers who are in it for the money and leave communities with huge issues once completed. This is clearly what's transpired in many parts of Durham where politicians are facing tax payers wanting more schools and services. Without a balanced tax base, you aren't going to get it, so accept only the best and forget the rest. This community is a jewel so I suspect many prospectors are out there digging.
Due respect...anyone that is interested in this issue should take the time to read the original Master Plan for the area (Schedule G)...the north side of Victoria St was designated to be a Prestige Business Park[b] with research, IT, corporate offices, training facilities, and high tech production.
I am not opposed to that original designation...it will bring more tax money and greater opportunities for Whitby residents to work closer to home.
What I am opposed to is changing the original Master Paln to include a residential component that will see the construction of 30+ monolithic condos of 20 stories each!
In the original plan, the residential increase in THE ENTIRE AREA was only 6,700...the developer is taking about 15,000-20,000 on top of that cap. That is a lot of people in a small area (bordered by a highway, rec centre, lake and conservation area).
Keep the original plan...don't let a developer made our decisions for us because we are dazzled by dollar signs.
- The land is already designated as industrial so we can end up with something rather unpleasant anyway without going through any hearings.
- Some local residents expressed fear that this may ultimately turn into a Toronto style ghetto. I disagree for many reasons (the design is different, it's a mixed style development with lots of jobs on site, you can't rent those units etc.)
These are condos, not rentals...But there are still 40 of them...seriously, 40.
But even 1 is more than the Town planned for or asked for.
As I have said before...I think we have to think of this not as amending the developers plans to suit us, but instead keeping to the original Master Plan developed by the Town (a series of low rise, high tech, knowledge based business in a knowledge park environment with no residential) with a large buffer/bern between the Park and Victoria (like Atlas has along Victoria in Ajax).
If we go into this trying to manage the developers desires to a manageable size, we are still putting into play THEIR VISION not the Town's vision.
Remember: The Town did not ask for proposals to develop this land with condos, office buildings and small retail outlets...that is the developers vision. Tell them they are wrong.
Does anyone know if the planned residential is meant to be apartment buildings with presumed rental units or condos with fully owned units. That designation will make a huge difference.
"These are condos, not rentals...But there are still 40 of them...seriously, 40."
Trust me - condos can very easily turn into rentals !!!!