There were outbursts, ejections, and innuendo about political contributions during a heated debate over a proposed high-rise development in the North Talbot neighbourhood. On Wednesday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) considered an application by York Developments to build a 30-storey building with 286 residential units at the northeast corner of Ridout Street and Kent Street. A report from city staff recommended refusing the zoning changes because the high rise would be too tall, incompatible with adjacent heritage-listed buildings, and not sensitive to the existing neighbourhood. Situated just outside the downtown planning district (where the tallest buildings are permitted), city staff suggested the property could accommodate a building with 18 storeys. The committee heard from a number of delegates who argued against the demolition of the relatively affordable apartments at 550 Ridout St., increased traffic, and the impact of the tall building on nearby houses. “The existing affordable housing is paramount for the community of North Talbot as it remains a diverse neighbourhood of people and housing,” argued Anna Maria Valastro, a member of the North Talbot Neighbourhood Association. The tone of the meeting changed when Coun. Steve Lehman put forward a motion to approve the application by York Developments despite the recommendation of city staff and concerns raised by neighbours. Lehman argued the building would be permitted within the downtown planning district, immediately across the street. “I can’t see why it wouldn’t be good to add some more storeys here and bring more people in,” he said before being interrupted by people in the public gallery. “That’s not right!” a woman yelled. “You’re not listening to us!” Valastro shouted. “You are trying to ram this through!” a man said while pointing his finger at the committee. “You are a bloody disgrace!” Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis instructed security guards to eject the people who were shouting from council chambers. When the meeting resumed, tensions rose between councillors. “We have planning policy guidelines for a reason, [but] we never follow those planning policy guidelines,” Coun. David Ferreira said to his council colleagues. “I have no idea why that is! I can see why members of the public are outraged, because I am too.” Coun. Sam Trosow added, “I share [Ferreira’s] sense that this is outrageous, and I can understand members of the public [because] this is their community that is being destroyed.” Ferreira then crossed the line in the opinion of the deputy mayor, when he referred to Coun. Susan Stevenson’s comment that the high density building will generate Development Charges (DC’s) and additional property taxes. “We’re discussing the money, the DCs, the tax revenue generation, and the campaign donations that might come out of that, too,” Ferreira asserted. Lewis interjected, “Your comment about this leading to campaign donations is out of order, and as chair I am going to ask you to retract it.” So Ferreira concluded, “There’s a lot of issues that are going to be arising from the way this is crafted right now. We should be refusing this application,” “Shame on this committee for doing this! I think its very bad policy,” added Trosow, who also received a warning from the deputy mayor about his choice of words. “I think this is an appropriate place [for the building] that supports downtown intensification, walkability, access to services, and at the end of the day provides 286 units of housing for folks in London,” argued Lehman. “It’s steps away from where 40-storeys would be allowed.” “The community is not going to be happy with 18 or 30 storeys, so we’re going to have to make a decision, based on the motion that’s before us,” Lewis told colleagues before calling for the vote. Lehman’s motion to recommend approval of the 30-storey tower was supported 3 to 1 (Hillier opposed). Council will make a final decision on March 3.
