03-07-2022, 11:19 PM
Darryl Firsten, President of IN8, offered to convert the Francis facing ground floor to commercial mixed-use (as opposed to fitness centre previously) in response to concerns over lack of commercial space / street engagement.
He also proposed to match donations dollar for dollar towards the already incorporated affordable housing development which they have partnered with, until they reach their fundraising objective.
States he wants to get shovels in the ground as soon as the ground thaws (even though they haven’t started sales yet?).
Firsten is pressing on having the project approved tonight, despite council/mayor indicating even if they voted on it that it would still require final approval on the 21st. (I’m not too well-versed in municipal proceedings)
It’s quite interesting seeing the older councillor object while the younger ones are trying to push this forward. Older councillor suggested deferral for a month, while one younger suggested final approval tonight and another suggested allowing another floor if they don’t give final approval tonight.
Councillors are also considering the need for balconies on the podium. In which IN8 said it would reduce the floor space too much, council suggested allowing balconies to protrude over the sidewalk/public space, which planning indicated they would support, given encroachment agreements were reached with the City (for Francis) and the Region (for Charles).
He also proposed to match donations dollar for dollar towards the already incorporated affordable housing development which they have partnered with, until they reach their fundraising objective.
States he wants to get shovels in the ground as soon as the ground thaws (even though they haven’t started sales yet?).
Firsten is pressing on having the project approved tonight, despite council/mayor indicating even if they voted on it that it would still require final approval on the 21st. (I’m not too well-versed in municipal proceedings)
It’s quite interesting seeing the older councillor object while the younger ones are trying to push this forward. Older councillor suggested deferral for a month, while one younger suggested final approval tonight and another suggested allowing another floor if they don’t give final approval tonight.
Councillors are also considering the need for balconies on the podium. In which IN8 said it would reduce the floor space too much, council suggested allowing balconies to protrude over the sidewalk/public space, which planning indicated they would support, given encroachment agreements were reached with the City (for Francis) and the Region (for Charles).