146 Manor Road East
The owner of this property is proposing to renovate a vintage home that will be the tallest and longest dwelling on the local block. The adjacent neighbours asked for SERRA’s assistance to oppose the application at the Committee of Adjustment (CoA) and OMB hearings. The neighbours provided strong letters of opposition and appeared at the CoA to oppose the proposed building. SERRA appeared at the OMB hearing on March 9, 2016, to provide a deputation to oppose the height, mass and scale of the application. We expect a decision from the OMB within the next 2 or 3 months.
198 Manor Road East
This property is on the east end of the bowling club property that was recently sold to the city to become a local park. SERRA has met with the adjacent neighbour and the architect for the proposed dwelling. The initial discussions have been productive and we await a revised set of site plans that may resolve some of our early concerns. A CoA hearing has yet to be scheduled. We will provide an update on the progress of this development.
466 Merton Street
The proposed dwelling has an integral garage, and there is a significant minor variance because the lot size is less than 25 feet. SERRA has raised concerns about this proposal and has canvassed the local neighbours to determine their concerns. We understand that the owner has revised the plans. The CoA hearing is rescheduled for April 20, 2016.
48 Petman Avenue
SERRA is continuing to work with the neighbours opposing the proposed development. The owner has indicated that he will proceed with the original proposal as presented to the CoA on January 6, 2016. The committee chairman suggested that the owner should ask Ward 22 Councillor Josh Matlow to host a mediation meeting to resolve key issues. We understand that the owner has asked for a second deferral, and a revised hearing date has not yet been determined.
368 Balliol Street
SERRA worked with local neighbours to oppose the original application at a CoA hearing on May 27, 2015. The original application was deferred at the CoA hearing as a result of active and vocal opposition by local neighbours. We understand that the owner has decided to build an ‘as-of-right’ house that does not have any minor variances. Demolition has already taken place and foundation work is continuing on the site. This is a surprising development, and SERRA is encouraged by the decision to build the ‘as-of-right’ house. The original proposal had 18 minor variances – a high water mark for minor variances in the SERRA catchment area.
585 Hillsdale Avenue
SERRA assisted the local neighbours who oppose the proposed development at CoA and OMB hearings. The residents of Hillsdale Avenue were active in their opposition with a petition with over 50 names, and key residents made deputations at the CoA and OMB hearings. The OMB hearing was held on January 28, 2016, with residents supported by a city lawyer and a private professional planner. Josh Matlow was instrumental in providing city resources to help residents oppose the application.