Chair questions on R7A zoning appropriateness and neighborhood scale
Thomas-Henry raises Community Board 7's concern that the development is out of scale. St. Jacques explains R7A is intended for wide streets like Northern Boulevard, CD7 voted 26% in favor, and the R12A to the north protects low-density mid-blocks. He acknowledges no R7A buildings exist within a two-to-three block radius but cites the rationale for transit-oriented density.
Thank you.
I have a few questions.
Have you engaged with the owners of the two non-applicant sites in the rezoning area?
We have had conversations with them, but they are not actively involved in this rezoning effort.
What is the plan for the proposed commercial space?
Undetermined at this point.
This is a very active local retail corridor.
There are some national businesses, but it's generally local retail.
So haven't decided, but we think there will be a very good market for a local serving retail or service use.
Okay.
Just a point of information about a block away, there were some local retailers that recently had to close down because they're, I think it's literally across the street from you.
It was a cleaners and a restaurant had to close because the owner was selling the property.
So, and they've been, at least the cleaners has been a longstanding part of the community for several years, maybe a consideration.
Thanks for that information.
And I'll note that the developers are locally based, so we're happy to take suggestions or create connections with retailers seeking new space.
Okay.
And the existing space, you mentioned, I believe you mentioned there are businesses in that space.
It's commercial now or they're not?
Sorry, no.
It was previously a dialysis center that's been demolished.
So the site's currently vacant and cleared for development.