Some Beach residents on Kippendavie Avenue are concerned about a proposed development for a four storey condo building that will house approximately 60 units. The developer, Dino Longo, has successfully acquired 6 homes on the west side of the street, numbered 66 to 76 Kippendavie. There are no permits yet in place (allegedly due to delays imposed by the recent civic workers strike), and there is certain to be a lengthy Committee of Adjustment hearing, and even possibly an OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) hearing due to variances sought from the building by-laws.

The builder held an informal public meeting back on July 6 to allow neighbours to see the development plan for the site.  These plans call for a building in a ‘T’ shape, with the fourth floor stepped back making it appear (from the street) that the building is only three storeys tall. Architectural drawings show a traditional design on red brick with second storey balconies in the front and a prominent entranceway.

The original plan called for a building containing 70% one-bedroom units (the rest two-bedroom) from 600 to 800 sq. ft. Fifty-eight parking spots are allotted for the building in underground parking, which would be accessed via a laneway in the rear.

Residents from Kippendavie who attended the meeting voiced a number of concerns. First of all was the increased density on the lots, which, if the plans are completed, will be considerably over the city’s current zoning for the street. The four storey height was also a problem, particularly for neighbours across the street. If built as proposed, the height would be 15 metres, five metres over the zoning limit.

The parking situation was also raised as an issue, particularly in light of a very narrow and curvy laneway being used as access to the underground parking garage. Construction of the parking garage is an environmental issue for some, as all of the trees currently on the lot, including a number of mature oaks, would be taken down.

Unlike the issue with a proposed condo development on Neville Park Avenue, no one objected to the idea of even having a condo building, likely because the proposed building is flanked by a condo unit to the south (60 Kippendavie) and a co-op to the north.

Since the July 6 meeting, according to Realtor Al Sinclair, who is working with the builder, changes have already been made to the proposal. Instead of the original 80 units, the design now calls for 60 larger units.

Councillor Sandra Bussin, who attended the meeting, said that until the full application is submitted to the city and staff have the opportunity to study the proposal and make their recommendations, she couldn’t comment. However, once the application is submitted, a formal public consultation will be held in the Beach.  Longo, the developer, told the audience that he was quite willing to set up a committee to work with residents about their concerns.

How do you feel about the proposed Kippendavie project?