Thanks to UrbanToronto Forum member, Travis, for bringing it to our attention about a major change to the 7-storey condo development that was planned for the site at 1040 Islington Avenue in Etobicoke.
Developer, Mantella Corporation alongside Page+Steele architects has decided to scrap their initial proposal of creating 1,400 condo units and opted for the building of 250 3-storey town-houses to fill 3.7 acres at the corner of Islington Avenue and Norseman Street. The development plan also includes underground parking for the town-home residents, as well as a new public road to connect Islington and Norseman Street to help ease the expected increase in traffic to the area.
Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor, Peter Milczyn accredited the planning process, as well as residents' NIMBY-attitude in helping to create the change. Mantella's lawyer told Milczyn, "we found the market was not there for a series of apartment buildings," and that "the neighbours did not welcome that kind of built form in the neighbourhood."
Although Councillor Milczyn and his residents are not welcoming of high-density vertical development, Etobicoke North Councillor, Doug Ford, wants more of it to his ward, in typical Ford fashion being quoted saying, "I'd encourage all developers to come up to Rexdale. We're open for business."
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