Here is an excerpt of a letter sent to request more information from the City planner, Michelle Knieriem, December, 2016 by a resident of 720 Spadina Ave, a building to the north of the proposed site. This letter discusses some deeper concerns of shadow and wind impacts on the surrounding area from the proposed construction of such a massive, high structure.
Dear Michelle Knieriem: December 11, 2016
Hi, my name is Sandra W and I am a long time resident of 720 Spadina Avenue, the building just north of the U of T proposal for the corner of Spadina and Sussex. I am requiring assistance in that I cannot find any information or links to Shadow Studies or Wind Impact Studies as to how this new building might affect 720 Spadina Avenue.
My preliminary rough calculations using online calculators indicate that much of my building will be plunged into shadow for most of the winter if this 23 story building goes up at the proposed site.
Our hydro bill has already recently jumped drastically for 720 Spadina Ave, and I am greatly concerned about the effects of dark shadow in the winter.
Plus the wind force has become exceptionally strong since the Mosaic high-rise at 736 Spadina has been erected just north of our building. Residents have reported garbage flying onto their balconies due to the wind, and it's hard just to walk north along Spadina to Bloor St.
So far community meetings have just referred to the effects of shadow and wind on Robert St and the field, and make no reference to 720 Spadina Ave. Shadows fall NORTH of new buildings for the most part, and we are to the north.
Could you please help us out and send me links or attachments for shadow and wind studies? (send in any form you choose.)
I am starting a new website to present information and collect residents views at :
http://sussexspadina.wixsite.com/sussexspadina
For the most part, we understand that a new construction will be erected, but we feel 23 stories is too high, and a low-rise within bylaw limits of 12 meters (4 stories) would be much more appropriate for the neighbourhood.
....
The new website for the Sussex-Spadina Neighbourhood Group is still under construction but I wish to be as factual as possible in order that interested residents have all of the correct information. Shadow and wind impact studies would be most helpful, as well as verification of existing city zoning bylaws for maximum height.
Thank you,
Sandra W
Michelle Knieriem's response may be found here.