Parkdale residents to meet with city, developer over 'scary' condo proposal

Parkdale residents are meeting with city planners and representatives of a developer Tuesday to express their concerns about two condo towers proposed for the intersection of King Street West and Dufferin Street.

The projects are slated for 1182 and 1221 King St. W.

The developer, Lifetime Developments, wants to build 17- and 14 storey buildings on opposite corners of the intersection with retail spaces below.  

But both resident groups and the local business improvement area worry about the impact it will have on Parkdale.

"A development like this can be quite scary for an individual, whether they are a business owner or resident" said Anna Bartula, executive director of the Parkdale Village BIA. 

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She's worried that current businesses will be displaced and that new development will lead to higher rents for both residents and retailers.    

"I would hope that there is potential for the existing business on that street to be able to have their businesses in that development. Chances are they probably won't."

The buildings are also expected to house 701 units, with the majority being one bedroom condos.

Bartula feels that will affect the makeup of the  Parkdale community.

"This condo development perhaps might increase units, but it decreases the potential for families to live here."

Ric Amis, secretary of the Parkdale Residents Association, worries the proposed redevelopment won't fit the neighbourhood.

"We know that development is coming to Parkdale and we can't stop it but we want to have some effect on it. We are concerned about affordable housing. Parkdale is losing affordable housing with gentrification and development. Are they considering that?"

Building 2 towers at same time would be 'scary' 

Amis says the project could pose logistical issues as well.

"Is the construction on the two properties going to happen at the same time? That would be scary. King Street is already dealing with the issue of traffic and transit."

The community meeting will be held at Holy Family Catholic School, which is at 141 Close Avenue, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

In a written statement, Liftetime Developments says it is working with local stakeholders and has revised its original proposal to reduce the height of the towers from 21 and 19 storeys to 17 and 14 storeys.  

Lifetime says it has also redesigned the façade to better blend with the existing neighbourhood and allowed for 308 square-metres in parkland on the south side to expand the existing adjacent neighbourhood park.