Last time when I was in the area, the site was still an empty lot. Yesterday I took a few pictures thinking that it's just another condo, but then I couldn't find the corresponding thread. After a quick google search it turned out to be a grocery store, which I didn't even know about. However I've read a few comments from concerned locals regarding the increased traffic generated by this development. I'm not familiar with traffic in this area, but I'd imagine it's pretty bad. Do you think the crosstown will address this?
I don't think an additional grocery store here will make a big difference in traffic. It could steal some people from Metro (right at Eg & Bayview), maybe. The truth is though, if you add anything anywhere, someone will voice concerns about traffic.
I mean, in terms of traffic around this area in general, the crosstown LRT construction has made traffic pretty bad especially with the chock point at Laird-Brentcliffe TBM launch shaft.
I personally find it OK, but that's probably because I generally don't drive during rush hour. I know that spot of Eg is pretty bad now during rush hour. It's pretty bad now, but what can you do, it's a necessary part of growing the transit system. In a year or two there will be even more construction when Bayview & Mt Pleasant stations start preliminary construction. Metrolinx also opened a new office at Eg & Bayview strip mall.
Once the LRT is done, I think traffic will get better because of the construction going away and also freeing up a huge amount road capacity which buses currently occupy. If Eg Connects happens, it goes to 4 lanes instead of 4 + bus lane, but the removal of the buses from the road (which is a huge amount), will equalize it and allow traffic to flow smoother.
Long term though, I'm personally of the mindset that inevitably Toronto will keep growing, traffic will keep getting worse around the city, so big picture wise, having transit that can bypass that traffic will protect mobility.
So Eg Crosstown addresses it in terms of allowing people to get around without being stuck in traffic. Also the Crosstown allows people to go further west to Eg West station and use that branch of the subway rather than Yonge.
Hmm I don't think the traffic is that bad.
I'll probably apply for a job at Whole Foods when it opens, LOL.
Good luck