07-05-2016, 11:02 AM
(07-05-2016, 09:26 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote:(07-05-2016, 08:00 AM)MidTowner Wrote: I count the garages at the back to be a big improvement.
I wish the midrise building could be brought closer to the street, but I understand why that's probably not practical with that lot. Nice that part of it is as close to the street as it is, really.
Is the parking at rear an improvement? If parking were at the front, some personal backyard space could be afforded to the units. The rear is now all asphalt, and the front, from what I see of similar units around, won't get much/any use. We're not talking northwest corner of Park and Allen, but I'd expect nearly as little use from those front yard areas, designed as they are for the existing neighbours' satisfaction rather than future users' potential enjoyment.
Well, everyone is always decrying parking between buildings at the street. Here the developer has proposed street-facing townhouses with terraces instead of parking, and green space on Queen instead of a parking lot. And now this is a problem?
I see the contained parking lot as a significant improvement for the streetscape. And shifting the townhouses 4-5m back (to allow for street-facing garages would only leave a minimal back yard anyway. Finally, no one will be forced to buy one of these units: it's just one more option for people. And for buyers who don't prioritize back yards -- and appreciate the lower cost of a townhouse rather than a single-family home -- this could be a good choice.