More development is coming our way. This is why BPRO was so concerned with 250 Lawrence, because we knew it would set a precedent for development on the corner.
First Capital Realty now owns all the land bordered by white in the map of Lawrence and Avenue Road and, for comparative purposes, 250 Lawrence is indicated by the red star. They are planning a mixed use development of retail, residential and park use. We believe Pusateri’s has retained a 99-year-lease on their store. Beyond this we don’t know yet what else this development will entail.
If Graywood’s development of the modest single property medical building at 250 Lawrence has created neighbourhood concerns regarding height and density, sewer capacity, traffic congestion, parking pressures, pedestrian safety, park and ravine issues, then what might we face from First Capital Realty’s development of this entire corner?!
This isn’t NIMBY. This is about BPRO being involved from the very start to ensure a development is built that addresses the concerns of our community.
But there is good news! BPRO has been invited to participate in the early stages of planning and design. Let’s face it, development is inevitable, and we know we can’t stop it. We simply want our community voice to be heard and respected; to be involved in the planning to ensure the needs of our neighbourhood are taken into consideration; to be certain that the impact to traffic and pedestrian safety will be of utmost importance in every stage of the planning and design. Fortunately, it appears First Capital Realty is open to this. As we learn more, we will share it here.