By Kelly Almond
A proposed 18-storey highrise on Preston Street is dividing the local community.
While business owners say the building will be great for the economy, residents are afraid the highrise will hinder their sense of community in the area.
“It’s going to detract from the character of Little Italy,” says Paul Bourassa, who lives two streets from the proposed highrise. “And I’m going to have to look at this monstrosity of a building out my front window, not to mention have it block my sunlight.”
Last December, the architectural firm behind the project, Brisbin Brook Benyon, applied for a zoning amendment to allow them to exceed the current limit of six storeys. While there will be some commercial businesses on the first three floors, the bulk of the 18-storey highrise would be comprised of residential units.
Many residents of Little Italy enjoy their close-knit community, as Bourassa describes the woman across the street bringing over baklava and her granddaughter who babysits his daughter. He says he is concerned the influx of residents into the highrise would increase a sense of anonymity in the area.
But Bourassa’s main complaint is similar to that of many other residents: the sheer height of the proposed highrise. With the next highest building being 10 storeys, he says, this building will stick out like a sore thumb.
His neighbour Rob Groulx is similarly concerned. “I’m not so thrilled about the 18 storeys,” he says. “It doesn’t go with what’s already here.”
The Dalhousie Community Association has also voiced this concern directly to the city. “They’re taking the position that the proposed development is not in uniformity with the … draft design guidelines for traditional main streets,” says John Smit, program manager for the city’s planning review department. These guidelines are what currently state only six storeys are allowed.
The business community, however, is widely in favour of the zoning amendment, as the proposed highrise will bring increased business to the area.
Joseph Peloso is the owner of Peloso Cleaners, located across the street from the proposed building. While he says the highrise might block some of his sun, he still thinks it’s a great opportunity. “If it’s going to bring business, it doesn’t matter to me,” he says.
Like many residents of the area, the Preston Street Business Improvement Area says it’s also concerned with maintaining the character of Little Italy, which is currently comprised mainly of one- and two-storey dwellings. But members say they are satisfied the architects have designed a building in keeping with the area.
“They’ve really tried to help accommodate the needs of our community,” says Lori Mellor, executive director of the business association. Citing the fact that the building will be set slightly back from the street, and it will taper towards the top, she says the designers have really tried to maintain a good view from the pedestrian level.
That hasn’t stopped some residents from voicing concern to the city. After the zoning application was received, residents in the area were notified and given roughly 30 days to provide comments.
Smit says there were six people who responded. Three voiced opposition, one support and two had concerns.
He says concern was expressed about three primary issues: height, traffic and parking, and environment. With respect to the height, the main concern was that it was out of character with the existing buildings along Preston Street, and that it would create an unwanted shadow.
Despite concerns, the planning and infrastructure department has completed its review of the situation and will be recommending approval of the zoning amendment to the city planning and environment committee.
The committee was scheduled to make their decision March 28 but due to deadline their decision could not be included in this article.