By StaffOctober 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
The proposed development consists of an 11-storey mixed-use building containing commercial and residential uses at-grade, and residential uses in its above-ground levels. The proposed concept provides vehicular parking in a surface parking area located along the south side of the building and below-grade in 3 underground levels. In total, approximately 316 vehicle parking spaces and 276 bicycle parking spaces are provided. The proposed concept provides a total of 255 residential units, consisting of 3 (1%) studio units, 162 (64%) one-bedroom units, 48 (19%) two-bedroom units, and 41 (16%) three-bedroom units. Approximately 1,273 m2 of commercial space is also provided.The site is at 84, 92 & 104 Plains Rd E & 990 Glenwood Dr
A completed application not yet been received by the Planning department
Public Engagement
Hybrid Pre-Application Community Meeting
Oct. 30, 2024
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
126 Plains Rd East
St. Matthew on the Plains Anglican Church – Fireside Room
For those who likely do not know, this Whopper includes 92 Plains RD as part of the property assembly. This application was appealed then approved at OLT in a settlement agreement Hearing. around 2020.
I was a Participant and wrote a long statement, and was allowed to speak, something not allowed now. The Hearing went on for a while in steps, till the City agreed to settle with amendments.
There were no City comments on Existing “Shall” OP flaws and errors in sections of what was allowed on the site. and OLT approved. I wrote to the Gazette on this, and the then communications guy (who disappeared, unexplained) later), wrote a complaint.
The OLT approved 92 Plains was for 7 floors max, 49 units, 55 parking units, FAR 2.51. The applicant planners and lawyers, and OLT thought and stated that this was “Good Planning” in it’s arguments in support and approval.
Look at the Whopper; 11 floors, 255 units – 316 vehicle parking spaces and 276 bicycle parking spaces
My point here is that some applicants are submitting proposals, that are opposed by neighborhood citizens, and then successfully appealed to OLT, but then do not meet demand enough to sell enough pre-sell units to finance, so the property just sits there as dirt with no start.
Several years later, money inflation and housing market inflation provide a possible overall economic value inflation that the approved proposal to build becomes an inflationary asset incentive, to try again if you have not sold in the first place or did not really try.
This was because you could see what was happening with the OLT and Provincial planning amendments and persistent meddling and taking over. What has happened is that developers have had an almost can’t lose situation for several years. Take 2 or 3 years to get an OLT approval, then sit on a dirt pile as inflation creeps up, increasing the speculative gains, for more years and more pressure from governments. It’ s a big deal. What will happen to 92 Plains Rd?
I commented in the Gazette that something is happening in or near the MTSA, for OLT approvals that did not sell any units for unexplained reasons. This 92 Plains Rd is the second that I am aware of. The first one a few months ago is 35 Plains Rd, which is now planned to be sent to City as a new application that is much larger.
OLT Floors 7
Proposed. 12
OLT Units 72
Proposed 161
OLT Parking 86
OLT Far 4.41
A building designed for single members of cycling clubs? Okkaaay.
Am I missing something here? 65% of the units in this complex will be studio or one bedroom units. However, every real estate report and study indicates that market demand is for multi bedroom housing to accommodate the influx of new immigrants, many of whom are married, have kids, and often have parents living with them.
If mum and dad live in the one bedroom unit, where are the kids and the parents supposed to stay? Maybe that’s what the surplus of bicycle parking spaces is for.
I really wish developers in this City would get their act together, and start building housing accommodations that people actually want, need and can afford, instead of trying to force fit everyone into their bewildering creations.