GRANGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Open Board Meeting
19 October 2016, 7:00-9:00 PM
Staff Lounge, University Settlement House
In attendance: Don Young, Nicolas Rouleau, Pesha McKendry, Dennis McIntosh, David McIntosh, Sarah Mason-Apps, Karen King, Geoff King, Willie Chen, Angelo Ambrico, Max Allen, Ralph Daley (chair).
1. Welcome:
Approval of agenda and September minutes, approved. Introductions of guests: Sarah Mason-Apps to present on TCHC issues on D’Arcy Street; Angelo Ambrico, Ryerson graduate planning student, joining GCA to work on projects.
2. Planning & Development:
Members were requested to bring problem statements for projects, as discussed at the previous meeting, for proposing to U of T Engineering Projects. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to reviewing completed problem statements, providing feedback and moving forward with plans.
In the review of possible projects, Ralph suggested that some we had listed might not be of merit as engineering problems, e.g., laneway naming information regarding historical context of the name chosen vi an information tile embedded in the sidewalk. David suggested that this proposal is more of an information communication design problem than an engineering problem. Ralph indicated it might be best to submit all our proposals so that U of T professors could evaluate and decide which to move forward with.
Dennis addressed the issue of bike lanes, offering the example of Poland, where fluorescent bike lanes were installed to that capture solar energy during the day to illuminate them at night. Pesha presents her proposal to develop garbage container solutions (individual and collective) improve garbage management (organics, recycling, garbage), and examine models in other cities (Barcelona). David presented a community drone mapping proposal. Nicolas addressed green walls proposal, leading to discussion of sustainability, volunteer labour, maintenance, protection from vandalism Max addressed two proposals: 1. Vehicle/pedestrian conflicts at St Patrick/Dundas intersection and 2. bike track/condo conflict especially at the proposed development at 452 Richmond. There was discussion of dog facilities and a possible proposal that could be split into two problem statements. Karen wants to develop a proposal to address dog relief/waste problems and non-concrete alternate surfaces, and Max wants to develop a proposal to develop structures useful for both humans (seating) and dogs (playing). Julie is writing and will send to Ralph a proposal regarding the management of construction disruption. The Artistic Hoarding proposal remains to be done by Ralph, David and Angelo. Angelo offered to support the group with mapping software.
Ralph will send out an email on the submission process. Each person should submit their own proposal with their own email address, not the GCA’s. Ralph suggests that is if anyone is unsure of their proposal, they send it to him for assistance.
Developments: Max provided updates on the following proposed developments:
115 McCaul. This involves redesign of the exterior of the OCAD building on the south-east corner of the Dundas and McCaul intersection. The building is to be repurposed from administration to art studios, and there is a major redesign of the exterior involving attaching a metal scrim to the outside of the building. Max noted there is already severe street crowding at this intersection, producing safety concerns. It was suggested that CGA recommend Committee of Adjustment approve the interior and floor space building variances on the condition that the corner cutout at grade remains, and COA turn down the scrim which overhangs the sidewalk and street. OCAD is asking for variance in scrim height (nearly twice the current building height). There was consensus regarding this intervention at COA.
35 McCaul. COA turned down the proposed expansion down, and the owner has appealed to OMB, hearing next Thursday. Max has requested that Joe move at council to send someone from city legal to defend COA decision or to settle in a way satisfactory to the neighbours with a donation by the owner to the city for streetscape improvements.
263 Adelaide. The problem here is that there are three towers to be built by 3 separate developers on the block. The city has enacted a block plan for all three of them, as the city requires siting the buildings in specific locations to maintain 25 metre separation of towers. Developments such as this adjacent to bike lane routes are proving problematic, and we recommend the city be responsible for addressing the impact of developments on bike lanes.
3. Grange Green Plan
Ralph reports that we are trying to move forward on the map that was produced by the Councilllor’s office, showing geographic focal points for green plan action. Ralph is attempting to locate the layered digital map. Ralph also reports that he attended an organizing committee meeting for Green Neighbours 20, a ward wide coordination mechanism for environmental and green activities. The first meeting focused on specific activities, less on coordination, but there is potential for linking community associations in Ward 20
4. Community Standards:
41 Darcy
Sarah Mason-Apps attended as a guest to present concerns with this address, a TCHC single men’s rooming house, where the licence is being renewed, and the Councillor’s office has asked for comments from GCA in this matter.
She reports: there are several issues with this site, for 40 years it has been a men’s only rooming house, where they share bathroom and kitchen. It is a vital part of the community, but in some situations people rent a unit and then sublet to drug users/dealers (like 370 Dundas Street, women’s only rooming house); possible that meth being cooked in units, TCHC involved, police involved. Sarah outlined problematics of removal of problem renters and their usual return; this is not supportive housing; there are clearly documented drug problems, nearby break ins of cars and homes.
Ralph questions how these problems connect with licence renewal? What action can GCA take? Max suggests we write MLS and the TCHC board, saying we oppose renewal until criminal drug situation at this site remedied. Sarah sees the problem with this suggestion as giving TCHC incentive to unload the property. She asks that we be simply be aware of the problem. She specifically does not want us to intervene in licence renewal. Max suggests a possible solution is a proactive superintendent in the building. Ralph suggests GCA not intervene in the licencing matter at all.
5. Institutional:
Ralph requested ideas about the timing and content of a possible AGM
Next Meeting: November 23, 7:00 PM