The lack of parking at Innstead Co-op’s proposed building is the main concern for residents near Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue.
Residents met at Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation to discuss the accessible six-storey, mixed-use building on Tuesday.
The meeting, originally set to take place in early December, was rescheduled because the property was not accessible.
Transportation planners surveyed existing members at Innstead Co-op and found that, based on vehicle ownership, residents are avid cyclists and walkers.
The building will have 33 residential units; a mix between 1-2 bedroom and studio apartments and six parking spaces reserved for residents of the building.
The proposed area at 355 to 363 Coxwell Ave. is home to a small plaza, and other various small business owners including two disruptive bars.
“I’ve seen the fall-out from the bars, people stumbling across the street,” said Laurel Murphy, a nearby resident.
Overall, Murphy thinks this new building will be beneficial for the development of the neighbourhood.
“There are still a few kinks that we need to work out,” Murphy said. “In particular, this parking issue that clearly the neighbourhood feels very strongly about.”
Her immediate concern is the difference between the number of residential units and the number that the bylaw requires, she said,
“They’ve done a study showing that the residents that they have moving in right away don’t own vehicles, but who knows as soon as that crowd turns over.”
Feedback under review
Paul Connelly, Innstead consultant, gathered the concerns of the residents, but says he can’t make any promises.
“We’re going to be discussing feedback and discussing what we can do. And now, we did that study as was mentioned, so we are fairly confident about the needs,” Connelly said,
“Clearly this is something we’re going to have ongoing discussion about at the board and also at the city. I would not say the issue is closed, for sure.”
The next step for Innstead will be to “find out what the staff report is and respond to it. and then have a discussion about what the actual wording of the zoning bylaw will be,” Connelly said. “And hopefully council will pass the bylaw and at that point we’ll get to work.”