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Bronte Village Mall plan sparks height and traffic concerns By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 7 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, November 12, 2009 · www.oakvillebeaver.com Plans for the revitalization of the Bronte Village Mall could use some tweaking. This was the opinion expressed by several speakers during Monday's Planning and Development Council Meeting, which saw many concerns expressed about the mall's proposed 21storey signature building and the increased traffic the revitalization might bring to the area. The Bronte Village Mall is asking council to alter the zoning of the area bounded by Lakeshore Road West, Bronte Road, Jones Street and Sovereign Street to permit the lands to be developed as a mixed use retail, office and residential development. The residential portion of the development would house 451 dwelling units while the commercial component would cover a floor area of 14,314 square metres. The development would feature two,three and four-storey buildings, including a grocery store, fronting onto Lakeshore Road West, a 21-storey signature building fronting onto Bronte Road and two 10-storey buildings and two eight-storey buildings fronting onto Sovereign Street. This proposal did not sit well with area resident J.R. Etherington who referred to the proposed eight and 10-storey building heights along Sovereign Street as something that would change the Bronte Village Mall into the Bronte Village Wall. "The massing in my view is unacceptable and I'm glad I don't live on the north side of Sovereign because I wouldn't have to worry about the sun waking me up too early in the morning," said Etherington. "To the west next to Bronte Road there is a phallic-like 21-storey tower planned. It stands alone and is not joined to any other building by gradual steps. This tower is only one storey shorter than Ennisclare and by the way it's three times the height of the (existing) apartment building on Bronte Road." Etherington voiced concerns about nearby migratory birds noting the building of such a tall development could harm their flight patterns. Susan Watt, representing about 30 residents of a Sovereign Street condominium, noted her group is worried about the traffic impact the proposed development will have on Sovereign and Jones streets. "With an already congested intersection at Bronte and Lakeshore during peak times, we feel the infrastructure does not currently exist to support an additional 400-plus residents," said Watt. "Extended commuting times, accessibility to our homes, not to mention air pollution are all equal concerns regarding this topic." Watt's group has suggested that if the development goes ahead there should be no access to the Bronte Village Mall from Sovereign Street, truck traffic on Sovereign Street should be prohibited, speed bumps should be introduced and road widening should be prevented to reduce traffic in the area. Concerns were also expressed that the Bronte Village Mall's proposed 1,080 underground parking spaces and 68 surface parking spaces would not be enough to keep people from parking on the surrounding streets. Watt and her group also suggested the mall include such things as a community theatre, an outdoor arena, a community centre or a central community area somewhere inside the mall similar to one found at the Hopedale Mall. "Right now this area does have an adults-only feel. If we want Bronte to actually be a community, we know that we have to take other things into consideration and draw other people to our community," said Watt. Similar sentiments, that development is welcome, but it has to be the right kind of development, were also made by Bronte Village Residents' Association (BVRA) representative John McMullen. McMullen said a survey of the association's members revealed a slim majority came out in favour of the overall concept of the proposed redevelopment, however, 75 per cent of members surveyed also expressed disagreement with the 21-storey signature tower. A similar percentage is also worried about projected traffic. Michael Spaziani, representing the owners of the Bronte Village Mall, defended the project. He said precautions have been taken in the design of the buildings fronting onto Sovereign Street, so that sunlight would be able to get through and the shadow impact would be limited. Spaziani said the public's desire for community space will be satisfied by a large market square, which will front onto Lakeshore Road West. A second public space is planned for the portion of the site located near the Bronte Road/Lakeshore Road West intersection. This will feature water themes and winter skating, he said. With all comments heard, council will make a decision on this issue on a date yet to be determined. ing pen us o visit 0 50ee! INing spr Wopp sh $ ter to & en d ken wee grand opening saturday nov 14th 10am-6pm & sunday nov 15th 11am-5pm fun, colorful activewear with total flip style · hip streetwear · bags for hauling all your school and sports stuff divine casual jewelry · wicked water bottles · funky footwear · custom teamwear · great gifts and so much more! 299 Lakeshore Road E Oakville 905.845.6887 www.tripleflip.ca Weekend Time is running out to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC). AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 North Service Rd. · 905.847.1522 · www.AyAkitchens.com