Residents relieved site of former McCormick home not planned for student housing

A seniors and medical office building planned for Old North London is backed by the areas councillor, despite the opposition of some neighbours.

Im satisfied . . . there is no issue for me, Coun. Nancy Branscombe said Wednesday. I know a lot of neighbours arent (satisfied) and some will never be.

She noted the original plan for the vacant hole where the McCormick Home once stood at Richmond and Victoria streets was for student housing.

The big concern all along has been about that becoming student housing, she said.

Some residents have told her if the seniors-medical centre is shot down, another plan based on students might return.

Branscombe conceded a lot of confusion has prompted some neighbours to sign a petition against it and place lawn signs reading Stop the Medical Mall.

Chief opponent Kelley McKeating said the four-storey facility, to include as many as 78 medical offices, is not in keeping with the residential area and would produce too much traffic.

I respect her opinion and the fact she doesnt care for this, Branscombe said. But the councillor noted about the only thing to stop the development at this stage would be a court challenge to prevent the city from issuing a building permit.

McKeatings lawyer, Barry Card, said hes been retained and has doubts about whether the project complies with the zoning for the site. But he has taken no action.

Branscombe said shes had e-mails from people saying lets get on with this, were tired of that hole. She said she sent an e-mail to about 600 North London residents several days ago, explaining the situation and her position.

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Residents relieved site of former McCormick home not planned for student housing