No-Frills site plan
If you haven’t heard already, there is a No-Frills grocery store going at the southwest corner of Scott & Derry. I have been involved in the site design process to make sure that it fits in with the character of the neighbourhood (no industrial building with a large yellow sign). It’s actually decently designed, with stucco, bricks and architectural stones. It won’t be your typical no-frills. There is also a drive-through bank. You can see the site plan here. I am trying to get information on the traffic impact study, I have concerns about even more traffic...
Read MoreDerry Scott Variance Update
This is a follow-up to Permanent Link to Derry Scott Asking for Variances. I spent some time going over the proposed site plan. I also spoke with the developer and the consultant, and went to see the site. Finally, I drove back n’ forth on Derry and Scott to try to envision the plaza all built. At this point I am satisfied provided that the developer adds some additional landscaping (especially trees). I will work with the site approver to push for that. Breakdown: It’ll still have enough parking spots. Though the setback is reduced, it has pond at the...
Read MoreDerry Scott Asking for Variances
One of the items in tomorrow’s Committee of Adjustment meeting is an application from Derry Scott development (northwest plaza) to:Put 14 fewer parking spots than required Reduce the rear yard setback by 50% (building will be closer to homes) Bring parking area closer to buildings Put loading bay door facing the street without having to screen it (right now loading docks are not allowed to face the street, unless they are screened) No designated loading area for one of the buildings Increase allowed square footageBasically they want to have more square footage with reduced parking and...
Read MoreChristopher Hume Sings Praises of the Town hall
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/785470–town-hall-revamp-reinvents-past-for-milton-s-future He ends by saying (emphasis mine): “The town hall is an important reminder that the future of Ontario’s small towns does not require the destruction of the past. Indeed, history gives so many of these communities their appeal as well as their identity. When everything looks and feels the same, it makes no difference where you are. But as Milton reminds us, not all towns are born equal. And not all die equal”. And that is the reason why I’ve been a broken record on the need of...
Read MoreiPhone Was No Fluke
Imagine if Apple just let smart and capable developers write different parts of iPhone independently. It’d have a horrible collection of well designed software applications. iPhone is popular because it’s good. It’s good because Apple controlled the experience (and still does). Old Quebec is one of my favourite places to visit in Canada. It’s nearly perfect. It was also no fluke. At the end of the 19th century people wanted to demolish the fortifications. Governor Dufferin, showing foresight, successfully managed to preserve the character of the walled...
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