Item - 2019.TE3.32

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the closure of the south sidewalk and a 2.8 metre wide portion of the eastbound curb lane on Bloor Street East, between a point 26 metres west of Sherbourne Street and a point 41 metres further west and provision of a temporary pedestrian walkway within the closed portion of the eastbound curb lane, from March 5, 2019 to March 5, 2020.

2.  City Council direct the applicant to post a 24-hour monitored construction hotline number on the hoarding board, which must be prominently placed and legible from 20 metres and on all elevations from the construction site.

3.  City Council direct the applicant to provide and install public art, including mural artwork, onto every elevation of the hoarding board with adequate spotlighting for night-time illumination, at their sole cost, to the satisfaction of the Ward Councillor.

4.  City Council direct the applicant to sweep the construction site daily and nightly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

5.  City Council direct the applicant to pressure wash the construction site and adjacent sidewalks and roadways weekly, or more frequently as needed to be cleared of any construction debris and made safe.

6.  City Council direct the applicant to ensure that the existing sidewalks or the proposed pedestrian walkway have proper lighting to ensure safety and visibility at all times of the day and night.

7.  City Council direct the applicant  to clearly consult and communicate all construction, parking and road occupancy impacts with local business improvement areas and resident associations in advance of any physical road modifications.

8.  City Council direct the applicant to install appropriate signage and converging mirrors to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safety is considered at all times.

9.  City Council direct that Bloor Street East be returned to its pre-construction traffic and parking regulations when the project is complete.

As the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a transit service on Bloor Street East, City Council approval of this report is required.

SkyGrid Construction Incorporated is constructing a 54-storey residential building and a 10-story hotel building at 387-403 Bloor Street East.  The development site will have frontage on both Bloor Street East and Selby Street, respectively. The development is currently in progress, operating under a monthly Street Occupation Permit.

Transportation Services is requesting approval to close the sidewalk and a portion of the eastbound lane on the south side of Bloor Street East for a period of 12 months to accommodate construction staging operations.  The developer originally requested a closure for 34 months but Transportation Services is seeking authority for 12 months at this time.  Staff will review the need to extend the duration of the construction staging area and seek authority from City Council if necessary.

Construction staging area for the development has also been proposed within the north sidewalk and boulevard on Selby Street.  Matters related to the construction staging area on Selby Street will be discussed in a future staff report nearer the time when the subject occupation is required.