I looked at the design at giraffeliving website and I must say it looks like an IKEA furniture warehouse and so does the lobby. The design sure won't fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. I believe it will be a long time before the entire building sells.
If you guys don't like the corner of Bloor and Dundas West then move away. The law is quite clear about signs. The Giraffe will just be another ugly building at that corner. Sounds like you guys want a Manhattan style living then move downtown.
Whats coming to city counsel agenda this fall will be a couple of new zoning bylaws that will also hamper the site such as the new anti vibration laws. The only good thing about the giraffe is the website ( somewhat original). They are fishing for clients but will be many years before anything is built from my experience. They need enough people to secure a reserve fund needed by provincial law. Thats why its better to buy used than new because you know when you can move in and not worry that your property management and builder going bankrupt and your out your cash.
I know all this for I must confess I have a couple of friends in the know and the other because I bought a condo before it was built and the builder went bankrupt ( thats right not all do of course) however this one has all the signs that something is amiss.
Its funny that a 3-4 years ago when i was on my way to my bank on Marmaduke this same group approached me at the bank entrance to sign a petition that they had at the time against the Stinson Lofts on reducing there floors plans by 2 stories.
Some of the area residents are a bunch of whiners that dont have better things to do than just lie,badmouth and reject any new development.
City councilor Gord Perks is another poor accomplisher that couldnt care if everyone lived in a cave.
Here are some of the development-related issues identified by area residents and business owners.
Do you have any to add to the list? Email us with your one-line description at:
friendsofdundasandbloor@gmail.com
Aesthetics and design
Construction impact on the viability of Bloor Street businesses
Consultation with the community – ensuring the area residents have a real influence on the outcome
Density - too much density for the neigbourhood and for the corner
Environmental impact and green buildings
Fit with neighbourhood character – is a tower too “downtown” for the neighbourhood. Precedents set for development up Dundas and across Bloor to Keele
Improving the Intersection and Street Life – people pass through and don’t stay/shop
MasterPlan – taking a long term view of the whole area, and not a short term view of the site and the proposed building
Parking - adding more cars to the area
Pedestrian Safety - reducing the peril to pedestrians at an already dangerous intersection. Jaywalking
Shadows – the shadows cast by such a tall building, in conjunction with Crossways
Taxi’s making u-turns
Traffic congestion and impact on TTC vehicles turning at the corner
TTC/Transit Hub – realizing the full potential of this hub. Connecting with GO Transit and adding a second entrance on the East side of Dundas