Redraw wards based on population

Councillor Filion’s ward has 100,000 people
City average is 58,000
So he wants city wide ward boundary review
Kris Scheuer
(Written for Town Crier Feb. 3)

John Filion wants the city to redraw ward boundaries so the population is more evenly distributed for council representation.
And if it doesn’t happen soon, he’s looking at taking matters into his own hands.
A few years ago the Willowdale rep asked for a staff report on redrawing the 44 ward boundaries, but it never materialized. He expects a report this council term.
Filion has taken up the cause again because his ward is so densely populated.
His office represents 88,840 residents, according to city stats projections to 2009.
Filion said the current number is closer to 100,000 people. The city median is 58,776 residents per ward, so Filion represents almost double the average. Ward 23 is bounded roughly by Steeles Avenue, Bayview Avenue, Highway 401 and Bathurst Street.

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North York development push

Residents, Councillor Pasternak not a fan of townhouse plan
Kris Scheuer
(Written for Town Crier Jan.4)

Residents Maria Korenberg, Maureen Simpson, Harold Raven, Daisy Stone, Les Resnick are among hundreds against the current townhouse proposal. Photo by Francis Crescia/Town Crier.

A plan to add almost 200 townhouses to a quiet enclave in North York is drawing the ire of nearby residents, who say they want the land to remain as green space.
The Toronto District School Board sold vacant land at 55 Antibes Drive to developer Menkes, which has proposed 197 condo townhouses.
If approved, the development will feature 16 units facing Antibes and 181 townhouses accessed from a new public road.
The grassy site is northwest of Finch and Bathurst and residents have been using the property as a playing field especially as it is directly east of Antibes Park. Resident Harold Raven has helped organize neighbours to fight the project.
“The community as a whole objects to the redevelopment of the site,” the Antibes resident says. “It is green space.”
With the oval-shaped neighbourhood lined with narrow roads, condos, highrise apartments and townhouses, Raven said the area is high density already.
“Traffic is horrific now, If you get 197 town homes with 300 cars it will turn the traffic problem into a nightmare,” he said.

Bell cancels North York cell tower

Plans for backyard cell tower abandoned
But Bell looks for new site in the surrounding area
By Kris Scheuer
(Written for Town Crier May 6.)

L-R: William Marlatt, wife Lee, 1-year-old son and neighbour Wilfred McOstrich want proposed cell phone tower moved. Photo by Francis Crescia.

William Marlatt is pleased Bell Canada has abandoned plans for a 40-metre high cell phone tower steps from his infant son’s bedroom.
Marlatt, who with neighbour Wilfred McOstrich started what they call the Anti-Bell Coalition, gathered hundreds of signatures on a petition and encouraged residents to fight the proposal.
Bell had planned to erect cell phone tower at 4800 Leslie St., but has since backed down.
“It appears Bell has gone back to the drawing board,” Marlatt said May 3. “I am elated and grateful for all the neighbours who wrote emails and correspondence to various levels of government.”

Sophia condos now seniors housing

North York project changed to affordable apartments
Patricia and Bathurst site should see action this summer
By Kris Scheuer
(Written May 6 for Town Crier.)

The Sophia Condos project has changed to a seniors affordable housing complex. Photo by Karolyn Coorsh/Town Crier.

A once controversial plan to build luxury condos at Patricia Avenue and Bathurst Street has now morphed into a project of a different kind: A 237-unit affordable housing rental highrise apartment building.
Several years ago, developers Cityzen planned to construct 240 condos in a 10-storey building described as being luxurious enough to rival the finest European hotels with a fully equipped gym, steam rooms, a party lounge and full catering kitchen.
At the time, many residents on Patricia protested the project, which they feared would bring congestion and traffic problems to North York street.
Multiple calls to Cityzen were not returned, but their lawyer Adam Brown confirmed the new project is moving forward under the previous approvals, but with some changes.

Shelley Carroll may run for mayor

Bid for city’s top job isn’t certain
But councillor Carroll says she’ll be on the ballot in 2010
By Kris Scheuer and Karolyn Coorsh
(Written  Oct. 6 for Town Crier. Update here.)

Whether it be for mayor or councillor, Shelley Carroll will be on the ballot for 2010.

One thing is for certain: North York councillor Shelley Carroll is running in next year’s municipal election.
The Don Valley East rep is contemplating whether to seek re-election in Ward 33 or jump into the race for mayor.
The budget chief said she’ll make a decision before the end of the year.
“I am running for council if nothing else,” Carroll said from her city hall office. “I do have to think about the mayor’s office.”