Gordon Prentice at Large - Politics in Newmarket
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- Written by: gordon prentice
New charges on developers proposed by York Region could affect the economic viability of Slessor Square says Bob Forrest, one of the key people behind the controversial project.
Press reports quote from a letter sent by Forrest to the Region in which he complains about current development charges which are “staggering”.
He goes on to say he will be having a discussion with associates about the economic viability of Slessor Square.
Seems to me that taxpayers shouldn’t carry costs that properly belong with developers.
That’s what these development charges are all about.
The Region will decide on the level of any new charges in May.
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- Written by: gordon prentice
I read that John Taylor’s motion on height restrictions went through the Committee of the Whole at its meeting on 27 February.
However, I note there was no reference to his proposed 15 storey height cap that caused such apoplexy in some quarters. Maddie Di Muccio, for one, slammed the very idea.
At least we know where she stands.
But what surprised me more than anything else was the absence of any debate on Taylor’s motion. Here it is:
That Council direct staff to bring a report to Committee of the Whole in 45 days outlining the process(es), including public consultation, for which Council could enact a height restriction for multi storey buildings in the Town of Newmarket. Furthermore that Council direct staff to include in the report an analysis of any issues associated with height restrictions policy for consideration by Council.
True, the motion is largely about process but it provided councillors with an opportunity to say something, however tentative or hesitant, about the kind of development they want to see In Newmarket.
Instead.
Just silence.
I believe councillors should listen to what people in their Wards are saying. That’s the right thing to do.
But they should also give a lead. That means speaking out and giving their point of view, qualified if needs be, on the big issues facing the Town.
Councillors are uniquely placed to shape public opinion.
They should be leading the public debate rather than standing in the shadows.
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- Written by: gordon prentice
The twin towers at Slessor Square will dominate the skyline in Newmarket. No doubt about it.
But their overbearing bulk and mass will be more intrusive in some places rather than others.
After some prompting by the Town, the developers have agreed to produce a “viewshed analysis” giving a view of the twin towers from selected vantage points around town.
But who selects the vantage points?
These views can dramatically influence our impression of the street scene.
The Newmarket Visualisation Study, published in 2010, (see Newmarket documents section) takes eight locations around town and paints a picture of what they will look like as change occurs (emerging street scene) and at the end of the day (full build out).
In Section 3.3.1 we are given an impression of what the view from Davis Drive looking towards Yonge Street will look like at full build out.
I don’t see the 20 storey condominium at the junction of Davis and George that was given approval by the Council in 2009.
Is it there somewhere? Perhaps lurking behind a tree?
I’d like to see the Visualisation Study updated to take account of planning approvals already granted and those – like Slessor Square – that are in the pipeline.
At the moment, it suggests a future Newmarket with a variety of interesting medium rise buildings.
Not too many looming towers, if any.
It gives a false impression of what is on the horizon.
Back to the drawing board!