So this proposal to build 2 additional storeys reportedly yielded more than 50 letters of objection...
By ALAN SHACKLETON A proposal to add height and depth to a storefront in the Kingston Road Village is raising concerns among a number of community members
beachmetro.com
Important to look at the details.
My reflex was to wonder why anyone would object to a mere 2 storeys added on retail strip, on an arterial road.
But as is the case, at least sometimes, there is some substance to some objections. They may indeed be selfish in some way, but equally understandable.
Lets look at this one, which comes from the business next door: (source from the above story in Beach Metro)
The Great Escape is a beloved institution in the area, and the location has been a book store for decades. It was known as Ed’s Books for many years before the name was changed to The Great Escape in the 1990s. Katya Nosko, owner of the store, said she will lose light and the appeal of the area at the back will be completely lost by this proposal.
She said her business and the backyard event space she had created there could completely disappear as it will be blocked out by a three-storey brick wall.
“There is a huge loss of light there and the loss of my garden,” said Nosko.
She uses the large garage at the back of lot to hold concerts, art and photo exhibitions, readings and other events including weddings.
Is this credible? Hmmmm
This got to me to wondering what that space looks like now.........
Here's an aerial view. Where you see 'knife | fork | book is the bookstore in question, with the proposal being immediately to the left in this image.
The only at-grade picture I can find, so far, is one from the bookstore's website, which doesn't reveal much:
A second aerial pic doesn't leave me feeling that there's a lot of 'there' there.
This one from TOMaps is taken in winter (no leaves) which gives a slightly better perception of the space, a garage of some sort occupies the rear, I believe this is used as an event space of some kind:
So this is one tiny yard.
The mature trees are actually in the lots further to the west, not the bookstore's lot.
***
The tree next door does not appear to be in good health, I'm not sure that the 4-storey building would make any material difference given that southern sun would still be available, but I can't see the tree close-up or its growing conditions.
This is the crown of the tree next door, I notice lots of die-back for a tree in August. It also appears to shed its leaves really quickly in fall.
Hmmm.
beachmetro.com
