New or renew in older areas

[bornagainbiking]

I see there are some rules about parking spaces per unit. If we are seeking LRT and downtown density with walkability, than why. If a condo/home is for sale the buyer weighs out his or her options and if the purchase is the best fit.
Are we so strict when people decide on the suburban dream with an oversized house in a new area that doesn't have proper sidewalks, schools yet or parks. How long did the Valley park area go before it finally got what it needed up there. In 94 all we had was cornerstores and Avondale.
If they build an apt at Aberdeen and Dundurn sobeit. You can WALK to downtown in under 30 mins or the St Joes Hospital in 20 or Mac in 30.
If this city wanted downtown density it would push or entice a grocery store in the core.
Lighten up on some of the rules and just push safety or the building codes themselves.
If the people come and there is a buck to be made someone will supply parking. Like around Ivor Wynne
Let people look after themselves with their personal issues and the city leaders thinks about the city properly.
Can you imagine Cannon street with some of those huge houses gutted and redone. Solid brick buildings.
That Taj Mahal with all the trimmings is rather self indulgent and let them eat cake. City Hall vs City Mall ????????????

[bigguy1231]

We already have downtown density.

The reason they require parking for new developements is so the city doesn't have to provide it. You are dreaming if you think people are going to give up their cars for the privilage of living downtown. That market is minimal at best. If their was a market for places without parking the developers would have latched on to it years ago. It would be much cheaper and much more profitable to build without providing parking, the problem is it won't sell and they know it.

[bornagainbiking]

We may have density partially due to the Go Station. Yet look at Europe they don't have the option of moving to the suburbs as life revolves around the town. They rebuild within existing structures or pass the home down generations.
There are many opportunities for a early morning Bakery.
Cars are still popular and always will be. A vehicle can cost plenty with car payment, insurance, fuel and maintenance. In some cases just to sit in your (DRIVEWAY). In the right circumstance you can rent something when you need one. This is quite popular in large urban areas like New York or Toronto when rent or condo fees are substantial but work close at hand. Can't see it here as it is a long walk from Rymal road to say the HGH or St Joes or Dofasco.
We have it all here, how much does a person pay for an apt overlooking Central park or Queens Quay while we have Gage park in the lower city.
Don't think there is no market as there is that new Condo near the Henderson that overlooks the brow and goes up to $1 million. A short walk to Concession.
Our waterfront needs more people as it works for Burlington.
The city does not need to provide parking we pay for roads and if it is illegal there is the dreaded parking or by-law enforcement. It is their job and after that you can approach the city for permit parking another revenue.
Downtown Toronto is building plenty of large structures for people to live due to grid lock and for us public transit is slow but coming. Just check out Aldershot and our downtown. Even the addition of Stoney Creek and Niagara destinations.
The city needs to draw more business and people downtown.
maybe as the city leaves City Mall the Board of Education and McMaster health will investigate the offices vacated.
There are so many solid structured homes between the escarpment and Main. Stinson School, the Wellington, Rosedale condo at the Centre mall and several other projects are on the leading edge.
Funny as I travel thru the lower city I see new homes being built on older lots after the original structure is torn down. Check out the northend and in behind the legion.

[flar]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

You are dreaming if you think people are going to give up their cars for the privilage of living downtown. That market is minimal at best. If their was a market for places without parking the developers would have latched on to it years ago. It would be much cheaper and much more profitable to build without providing parking, the problem is it won't sell and they know it.

First, markets don't just exist, they're created. The economy couldn't expand if businesses were stuck with already existing markets. Smart business creates demand.

Second, this is a situation where demand is created. One way to do this is with better public transportation options. Ottawa made this choice, they invested in a useful public tranportation system. People use it too*. Along with the investment in public transportation, Ottawa has a great network of bike paths. They also do not sacrifice their prime neighbourhoods for parking and through traffic. It's really tough to find a parking spot in many parts of Ottawa. It's also very difficult to drive from point A to point B in many parts of Ottawa (no turns, forced turns, speed bumps, strategic one ways, and other traffic engineering). When you do this, it makes sense to use public transportation.


*on my team at work, only 1 out of 8 people drive to work. 4 of the 8 have made the choice not to own a car at all. All of us have at least a Master's degree and make plenty of money to buy a nice car. This is typical in Ottawa because transportation options exist. Back to the point, 4 of 8 people, all making good money, don't need a parking space.