02-21-2019, 05:37 PM
IMO, pushback I would have would be because —despite them being the cores— these are the only areas where there is any semblance of a "classic" street wall. My ideal street density is that of Queen St W, in Toronto, where there's still a lot of culture and small businesses can thrive without having to give in to an onslaught of condos. Even if theyre not historic, the buildings are still compact, still have original hardwood floors, etc.
Because these are the only areas that have anything similar, replacing them all of with condos removes KWs ability to foster that sort of small business, originality culture. To me and I think a lot of people who push back (the artists, the people trying to make a name for themselves, the people trying to fight against gentrification), areas like this are synonymous with artistry and independence and originality:
whereas condos (though necessary for the city to grow), are synonymous with the elite, the conventional, the corporate, and landlords and erasure of culture. We dont have many of this type of place in the city, and seeing what we do have get wiped out just means we're slowly approaching and normalizing the latter.
I realize that this is currently an empty post office, yes. I'm not necessarily opposed to the development, but that doesn't mean it doesn't sadden me at the same time.
Because these are the only areas that have anything similar, replacing them all of with condos removes KWs ability to foster that sort of small business, originality culture. To me and I think a lot of people who push back (the artists, the people trying to make a name for themselves, the people trying to fight against gentrification), areas like this are synonymous with artistry and independence and originality:
whereas condos (though necessary for the city to grow), are synonymous with the elite, the conventional, the corporate, and landlords and erasure of culture. We dont have many of this type of place in the city, and seeing what we do have get wiped out just means we're slowly approaching and normalizing the latter.
I realize that this is currently an empty post office, yes. I'm not necessarily opposed to the development, but that doesn't mean it doesn't sadden me at the same time.