My thoughts on the SkyDev proposal are as follows:
First and foremost, I feel the site has been laid out wrong. The use of the waterfront area is not allowing very many homes/condos to enjoy those views. I would rather a stepped back approach to the towns in vertical rows coming off the water so that many more home owners would see water and the boardwalk.
I may not be able to explain what I mean perfectly here, but the thought is to stagger the homes in rows that allow the ones nearest to Fuller Street to have almost the same view as the first ones closest to the water. Those will be considerably more valuable and remain so long term…with back yards that look onto each other, and not the looming apartment buildings. Who would honestly like to look at that as they sit outside on their decks? And all should have fees of some sort so that outside maintenance and a cohesive look is maintained. Freehold doesn’t always stand the test of time, unfortunately.
The apartment building should be off to the end of Fuller and have 1, 2 and 3 bed units so families could actually live there. Not in the middle of the complex. Also have bike lockers and on site amenities and roof top usage…that’s where the views are!
The hotel can be where it was placed…and hopefully include some amenities that the public can pay to use as well…but for heaven’s sake can we get rid of the sea of red brick?? The nod to the old Knight building is nice, but could be done with a plaque/memorial on site and then the materials used on ALL the buildings could be more in keeping with a coastal/waterfront vibe. One has only to research some other waterfront developments and see what I mean. Grimsby, for example…even Florida. Not kitschy…but classic,timeless and creating visual interest because of its location. WATERFRONT!
I realize that intensification is the name of the game in any new development but it needs to be done so that re-sale of all those units just gets better. It should be a development that is desirable and a blueprint for how waterfront gets turned into great housing for a large number of people. Green space is a must and should be confirmed as actually happening, not just a conceptional drawing.
So I hope SkyDev will go back to the drawing board and see if they can come up with something more suited to the special site that it is. I don’t want to see the municipality accept the first kick at the can from them just to satisfy the need for “any” development. It’s coming, let’s control what we can.
In my opinion,
Peri Taylor, Meaford
Editor’s Note: Just a quick note to remind everyone that this particular proposed development has not yet even come before Council. If the proposed development is to move forward there will be opportunities for public input.
