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Because History repeats itself...
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Redpath House : Letter to the editor published in The Gazette
Redpath site and common sense, letter to the editor published February 3, 2011 in The Gazette.
Heritage Montreal sees that common sense has prevailed in the recent decision of the City of Montreal to uphold zoning and reject a project for the Redpath House seeking derogations.
To justify his family’s plans to build on the site of the Redpath House to a height well in excess of that permitted by the by laws, Michael Sochaczevski cites the fact of taller buildings in the neighbourhood as support for their request for derogation to the current height limits. These statements are an unwitting reminder of the risks and damage caused by a policy of apparent laissez faire and spot zoning emitting exceptions to the rules with no other argument than the impatience of some politicians to see anything built.
Heritage Montreal has continuously advocated (sometimes successfully as with McGill College in the 1980s) for clear planning rules that ensure the quality urban development and fair play for property developers. Rules function best when consistently and fairly applied. Without that, we get the kind of random decision making that led to the destruction of large parts of the Square Mile and other neighbourhoods with the construction of apartment towers that the Sochaczevskis now invoke as an acceptable base line to justify their project.
At every stage in the sorry history of his 25 year ’stewardship ‘ of the Redpath House, and in each of the multiple exchanges he has had with us over the years, the owner has consistently asserted a special entitlement. Meanwhile he has done nothing to maintain, protect or stabilize the Redpath House.
Everyone else in the neighbourhood looks after their property and respects the zoning heights, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in its new building. This is why avenue du Musée has kept such a distinct scale and character. Why should we make an exception for private interests when a public body using charitable and public funds is held to such a rigorous standard? Why should the City seem poised to reward 25 years of neglect with a special and highly lucrative zoning derogation privilege? Why should living by the rules be controversial?
For its decision to uphold the rules, félicitations à la Ville de Montréal!
Robert Turgeon, Chairman of the Board. Heritage Montreal
Bruce McNiven, Secretary, Heritage Montreal
Dinu Bumbaru, Policy Director, Heritage Montreal
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