March 23, 1998

To: Corporate Services Committee

From: Commissioner of Corporate Services

Subject: Proposed sale of a section of surplus lane, located west of Grey Road, lying between Woburn Avenue and Bedford Park Avenue, see location maps Appendix "A" and "B" North York Centre South - Ward 9)

Purpose:

To dispose of the section of surplus lane designated as parts 1 to 16 inclusive, on the survey plan attached as Appendix AC@ being approximately 416 square metres of vacant residential land.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) The City accept the offer to purchase made by the abutting property owner at 541 Woburn Avenue for their allotted portion of the subject lane. The general terms, $1.00 per square foot of land plus all costs associated with the transaction and subject to utility easements;

(2) The City accept the offers to purchase made by the other abutting property owners for their allotted portions of the subject lane. The general terms, $2.00 per square foot of land plus all costs associated with the transactions and subject to utility easements;

(3) The appropriate City officials be authorized to execute the offers to purchase in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor;

(4) The proceeds from the sales be credited to Account No. 007-430-000-8340; and

(5) The appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions to finalize this matter.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The former City of North York over the years has attempted to close and dispose of the many unimproved lanes within the subject neighbourhood.

These lanes were created on plans of sub-division in around 1900 to provide rear yard access. To date, only a small number of abutting owners utilize the lanes for that purpose. In most instances they have become a maintenance problem for the City and a security concern for abutting home owners.

In order to realize the disposition of significant sections of lane, the former City of North York has sold them to abutting property owners for nominal sums.

On July 9, 1997 North York Council, in considering the report, AClosure of a portion of rear lane between Bedford Park Avenue and Woburn Avenue, recommended closure and sale of the subject section of lane and directed staff to negotiate settlements with the abutting property owners and report the outcome to the development and economic growth committee.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Settlements have been now reached with all 16 abutting property owners for the closure and sale of the subject section of lane. The general terms of settlement are $2.00 per square foot of land (value in contribution to the abutting property), plus all costs associated with the transactions and subject to utility easements. The only exception to the price per square foot sum is for the owner of 541 Woburn Avenue as the land they are acquiring is encumbered with a large concrete culvert. They have agreed to pay $1.00 per square foot of land.

Conclusions:

The subject section of lane be disposed of in accordance with the terms and conditions as specified in this report.

Contact Name:

Wayne O'Brien, (416) 395-6847, Fax (416) 395-6703 (cs98021)

Commissioner of Corporate Services