Mount Pleasant Coffee Shop: Project

Mount Pleasant Dept: We knew that being the biggest project in the neighbourhood would stir some controversy, says Mr. Lin, seated in a Mount Pleasant coffee shop, according to Globe and Mail. This project isn t going to solve the affordability problem, says Mr. Lin. Affordability is a big word. To you it s one thing, to that guy driving down the street it s another and more recently, Mr. Lin has turned his focus on the east side neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant, which, to the dismay of many long-standing residents, has seen the likes of Tim Horton s and Starbucks squeeze in among its hipster boutique shops in the last few years. Because of opposition, Mr. Lin has already reduced the original 26-storey plan to 19 stories, which, he says, is the lowest he can go and still make the project economically viable. The nearby Stella condo development is 13 storeys, so, if it gets the go-ahead, Mr. Lin s building will still be the tallest in the area. The rezoning plan for 241 residential units would include two floors of commercial space, and three low-rise structures that would form one complex. Included in the plan is a $6.25-million contribution by the builder for amenities and other city projects. Opponents say the project will boost housing prices in the area and contribute to lack of affordability. Other objections include that the tower will be out of keeping with the surrounding lower level buildings; that it will block views and sunlight; and that the extra cars brought by new residents will contribute to traffic congestion. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.