“Absolutely inconsiderate,” said a resident after Matera allegedly carried out the demolition of properties at Lundy’s Lane, Bolton and Watson without protective fences
Newmarket resident Michelle McMahon lives next to the site of a controversial development.
Near the apartment complex at the corner of Watson Avenue, Bolton Avenue and Lundy’s Lane, McMahon watched the developer demolish the homes on the lot in early April.
While she has no problem with the project itself, she said there was a lack of fencing when it was demolished, and she questions the removal of some mature trees.
“It didn’t seem very prepared to be honest,” she said, adding that she was disappointed that old trees were also felled. “Hopefully, once they’re done, they’ll put up some new trees to make up for what they took away.”
Matera Developments plans to develop a four-storey apartment building on the property between the three streets. The developer has now cleared the property of buildings and trees in preparation for construction, but several local residents have expressed concerns about the removal of the trees and the lack of safety fencing around part of the demolition.
The City of Newmarket has confirmed that it is investigating the complaints.
“Staff are reviewing tree felling to ensure it was carried out in accordance with the tree report,” said Peter Noehammer, Commissioner for Development and Infrastructure Services. “While the demolition permits indicated that a tree guard fence should be installed before work began, it appears that the contractor did not install the tree guard fence as requested.”
The development was met with significant publicity backlog and outcry in 2021 as local residents were concerned about the scale of the development and the traffic it could bring to the area. But zoning for the project was eventually approved by settlement after the applicant appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal in 2022 and both parties are now working to finalize a site plan agreement.
The demolition in question took place in early April. Local residents reported that houses that had previously stood on the property were being demolished but without security fencing, causing debris to scatter onto surrounding streets.
“Absolutely inconsiderate. “This project has been a nightmare for the residents of this neighborhood since it started,” said a local resident. “No organization at all. They should be shut down until they can find out.”
NewmarketToday did not receive a response to an interview request from Matera Developments.
It’s not the first time the developer has faced questions about its demolition practices. Another rental housing project Matera is working on on Charles and Prospect streets caught the City Council’s attention after the developer removed trees without a permit after the application process began.
Another neighbor was upset that trees on the property were removed.
“I’m not opposed to the development, but it’s sad that old trees are falling in areas that will only be grass anyway,” the resident said on Facebook.
McMahon said the contractor installed a fence later that day and appropriately addressed the concerns after the city ordinance reached out to him.
The site has been inactive for some time, McMahon said. Despite the outcry, McMahon added that she is among the minority who believe in this development.
“We have to stop building these giant houses,” she said. “I don’t understand the fears people have about allowing things like this to happen… The population is growing, so what other choice is there anyway? It makes the most sense.”
As part of the project, the developer is proposing the creation of a parkland at 52 Prospect St. with a total parking area of 852 square meters.
The city’s comment did not address what penalties, if any, the developer faces for unprotected demolition.
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https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/newmarket-developer-criticized-for-unsafe-demoliton-tree-removal-7124177
