I just thought that i would post a follow-up to my previous post.
I can start off by saying Bermybob, I am pleased to say that we are now neighbours. Or at the very least co-owners in our respective shares of dirt and air space, as I too have taken an upper level unit in this project. Although our places are not the same in size, I would laugh if they were in fact next door to each other (leaving one of three possible unit styles for you to figure out which one I'd be in). I guess we'll find out in due time.
Although this project is still some time to completion (and starting), I am very excited about what is to come of this.
This development is offering an exceptional value for those who would like to get into the market, but are just out of reach of the big downtown places. Remember that in the housing market, everyone had to start out somewhere. As for condos, no matter what project you look at, if you get in on pre-construction, you're more likely to reap the biggest rewards.
With condo fees at $0.26 a sq. ft. prices ranging from $152,000 for a 1 bdrm to $250,000 for a good sized 2 bdrm. Why shouldn't people consider this a viable option. Especially when the builder is offering a purchase protection program (
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/586163). Also, they are offering something call the D.A.P. In my opinion, these are great marketing avenues that this builder has chosen to offer perspective buyers.
BTW: If anyone is serious about buying into this property, send me a pm and I can give you some more info. What do I get out of it? The same as you. We both get a referral bonus. Who doesn't want free cash?
Now for my rant...
Just the disclaimer for those who want to read all of this. I say these things as a matter of personal thought. It is not meant to be directed to any one person or post here.I would just like to quill the stereotype that is being cast upon this neighbourhood. With that being said, I realize that there has been quite a bit of discussion in regards to the area and it's suitability. Personally, I am not one to stifle the opinion of someone else on a topic, but what I would ask is that if you have an opinion on both the area and the project itself, that it be an informed one. I am not trying to imply that the any of the viewpoints here are of less value than others, I have noticed a few things posted that seem to be a matter of misinformation as opposed to fact.
First off: Dollerama - This is a hugely successful chain of stores that strategically locates itself into markets that can sustain it's operation. Just because there is a Dollerama near this project does not make it any less viable. That store will be a absolute bonus to anyone living here, especially those who like to entertain. If something you need to prepare a meal breaks or you just don't have it, you've got a quick cheap replacement within 5 minutes. And while you're there, you can pick up those pesky coloured cocktail napkins that you you forgot to get while you were grocery shopping at the nearby and "terribly convenient" Galleria Mall. Best part of it all, you've only spent 2 bucks compared to the $10-15 if it were a Rabba or a Macs.
Secondly: As in my previous post, this area is going to take some time to rebuild itself, but while it is happening, wouldn't it be more beneficial to everyone if people looked at the positives of this community and what it has to offer. There are a ton of little unknown places that you can get everything your heart desires at. Plus, there are so many little food, meat, and fruit markets in the area all within walking distance. These stores get there goods in on almost a daily basis and what better way to support your community. The shop local thought process is what helps to rebuild struggling communities. I would prefer a niche coffee shop 3 blocks away, run by the local guy that will provide me with a comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff, to go to instead of a Starbucks or a Tim Horten's within a block.
Finally: My take on the area strip clubs and drug dealers. H.O.L. and C.P. (anyone who knows the area knows these locations). Although, I would prefer for them not to be so in-your-face, they are not uncommon for any area of this city. That goes for affluent areas too. The Yonge and Eglinton area has a couple, King West/Liberty Village has some nearby, Queen East, Yonge St, Yorkville, and a whole lot more that I can name but shouldn't need to. What I am saying is that just because these establishments are in the community, should not degrade the area or what it is hoping to become. As you can see, Yorkville is on that list. So why don't people say that's a shady neighbourhood too? Oh, is it because it doesn't have a 1011 Lansdowne element of drug dealers to go with the rippers? If you believe that, than you may be to naive for your own good. The only difference is that instead of pot, hash, and some other not named goods sold from 1011 by a guy in sweats, you've got Coke, H, Ecstasy, Meth, and and whole new batch of 'designer' drugs being sold out of nightclubs and restaurants by guys in suits. But I guess that the key here is that it's acceptable in society today that if you can afford 'designer' drugs, then you are upper class, especially when snorting a line off a toilet seat in a restaurant bathroom.
I won't knock your area, please don't knock mine. If you look for the positives here, you may be pleasantly surprised to actually find that they do exist here.