As I mentioned to you last week, I believe the Urban Design Study will be used as a guideline but will not be the only criteria to ultimately decide what gets built here. The larger policies will more likely prevail and this location, at a subway station, is clearly targeted for greater density. I would not be one bit surprised to see the height and density approved if this goes to the OMB, which seem likely. It’s only 2 extra storeys above what was recommended in the study after all. I believe beauty is more important than height in this instance and so I would strongly recommend that you try to gain greater concessions from the developer on the exterior appearance. He’s already conceded once on this and I suspect he could move some more. He will be very reluctant to give up valuable floor space and he will have good planning support for what he has proposed.

The support of the BWVRA would be quite important to the developer if he could get it. Are you willing to negotiate, which may entail making some compromises from what is recommended in the study? I think we’d all be better off if you do because if you don’t we could very well end up with a tall AND ugly building marking the gateway to our community.

Just reiterating my thoughts, some of which come from being on the developer side, and winning side, of a recent OMB case. I’d be happy to discuss this with you further if you wish. Rob