On the positive side, this is a project that takes into account the cultural history of the Krug factory (Trinity Street). They have given serious consideration to how the project will conform to the architecture of Stratford. The developer intends to retrofit the factory into apartments, but keep the shell. Looks good on paper, anyway.
However, the project is too big for that neighbourhood, the traffic is going to be crazy, and we couldn’t find any mention of affordable housing.* To say nothing of the precedent-setting 10-storey tower. This project will make a dramatic change in Stratford, and it was only filed on April 16. Now we have a public meeting for May 27, the public’s last chance to comment. Why the rush?
We had a bit of a fuss getting the documents through the Engage Stratford website, so we tried to leave a copy here in case others want to have a quick look. Unfortunately, they are password protected, so we’ve put up a few representative screenshots.. If you need files for a presentation to the City, you’ll have to write Engage Stratford.
*Since this was written, BMI has put up more information on their website, including a mention of affordable housing. Remember, though, that a webpage isn’t a contract, or even a proposal.
Note that the illustrations below show a much smaller tower than is planned. The developer is now asking for a 10-storey tower.
Who is financing this development? What assurance is that the the development will be completed when we have no information on financing?
The background of the Krug project is difficult to sort out. The one thing we have learned is that the Veldman brothers are involved. Wish we knew more about this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5oZf4UO6f0
No Greenspace? They are providing places for cars to sit outside but not for over 300 residents? Where are those people going to get a breath of air, congregate, relax? This doesn’t look healthy – for them, or for current residents of the neighbourhood.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Hope you can come to the meeting on Thursday at 7. It will be historic for our city.
We’ve got to keep an open mind. There are some good things proposed, and now is the time to ask for concessions on the things we don’t like. After Council rezones that land, we’ll have nothing to say about it.