Railing Against Streetcar
The One's sources inform us that an (unspecified and mysterious) " number of residents are concerned" about (20 unspecified and mysterious) "infractions" in local Streetcar Developments projects that apparently represent a threat to our heritage friendly streetscape.
We're curious which heritage-related aspects of the area under development are at risk. Perhaps the sinuous gothic curves of the Heart & Lung building? The romanesque arches of the Sony Service Centre? Or perhaps the crenellated parapets of Print One or the massive buttresses of the Big & Tall Shop? The rustic ramparts of Dixon Hall?
Maybe we're missing something, but from where we sit, we don't see anything particularly historically memorable about the area, so we're unclear what heritage-friendly would look like in that context.
So tell us, you mysterious, unspecified folks, where you sit, by adding your comments below!
Printer-friendly version
PDF versiontags
Navigation
Search
RSS Feed
Comments
#1 B.Eadie : have the courage to put your name to your comment
I'd have more respect for this blog if all persons were forced to provide their real name when posting their comments. For example, the spineless individual who thinks that a dicussion of appropriate size and architectural style / appearance of proposed new developements, is "frivolous".
#2 admin : We're with you on the one at
We're with you on the one at River and Shuter which actually looks better than the originally-posted illustration at the site - though we do have to laugh at the "gated" concept.
We think the one at St. Paul, though, looks more like a Disney interpretation.
All the best, The One Who Sits
#3 I. AM : I find it hard to believe
I find it hard to believe that this is an acutal issue in our neighbourhood. With all of the issues that need attention around here it is amazing that folks feel the need to make sure that this positive direction is tainted with these frivolous concerns.
#4 B. Eadie : compare to other new developments
There are new townhouses at Shuter+River, and another development at Queen+St. Paul's. Both are still under construction, and have been designed in a traditional style similar to the old Victorian houses which are prevalent throughout the surrounding streets. Take a look at these photos:
http://www.trefann.org/2007/11/25/developments-nov-2007/
Other local developers have proved they can make a reasonable profit, by building attractive, infill townhouse developments in our neighbourhood. I think that persons who are objecting to the massiveness of the proposed Streetcar Development condos have a valid concern.
#5 Long-time Corktowner : Hey there, FWIS! Three
Hey there, FWIS! Three cheers for your astute observations and comments. I agree 100%.
This weary-of-the-constant-bitching Corktowner can't help wondering where all the "keep our historic frontages HISTORIC" dingbats were when the old garage and windshield replacement outlets stood at the corner of King and Sumach, with its old tires and crappy cars filling the lot. Silent as the grave, they were.
When are they going to raise their voices against that pulsatingly pink pockmark on King that houses Thru-Way Muffler -- and the graffiti-laden cement block building that looks like an abattoir, just east of BGM? Both wonderful examples of historic frontages, eh? I won't hold my breath waiting to hear from them. Because, bottom line is, people who are objecting to Streetcar's design aren't people who actually DO stuff around here, they're people who are only capable of REACTING to people who actually do the grunt work. Small people looking for a big stage.
Is it too late in the season to say "Bah, humbug" or "a pox on all their houses"?