(Report dated May 25, 1998, addressed toToronto Community Council, from theCommissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.)

Subject:Residential Demolition Application - 133 Roxborough Drive (Midtown)

Purpose:

In accordance with former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 146, Article II, Demolition Control, I refer the demolition application for 133 Roxborough Drive to you to recommend to City Council whether to grant or refuse the application, including conditions, if any, to be attached to the permit.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That City Council authorize me to issue the residential demolition permit for 133 Roxborough Drive, and that the permit bear the condition that the lot be re-graded and landscaped, substantially in accordance with the May 15, 1998 landscaping plan, no later than one year after demolition of the existing building has begun.

Comments:

On May 15, 1998 John Emery applied, on behalf of the owner-in-trust, Ira Pickell, for permission to demolish the vacant, two-storey detached house at 133 Roxborough Drive.

The owner-in-trust also owns the adjacent property at 131 Roxborough Drive. He does not intend to redevelop the site, but to remove the building, re-grade and landscape the site to match the remainder of his property.

The Official Plan of the former City of Toronto encourages the physical maintenance and, where appropriate, upgrading of the existing housing stock in the City. However, at its meeting of December 18, 1995 the Council of the former City of Toronto adopted the following policy where a replacement building is not proposed or anticipated at the time of application:

Where there is no intention to rebuild, or circumstances warrant, Council may apply alternate conditions such as allowing the payment of a penalty and requiring the footprint of the demolished building be landscaped to match the remainder of the lot, or other conditions as Council may deem appropriate.

Conclusion:

 I recommend that City Council authorize me to issue the residential demolition permit for 133 Roxborough Drive, on the condition that the lot be re-graded and landscaped in accordance with the landscaping plan on file with me.

Contact Name:David Brezer, P.Eng

Telephone:(416) 392-0097

Fax:(416) 392-0721

E-mail:dbrezer@city.toronto.on.ca

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