San Francisco By the Bay buyers: Do they know about the third tower?

Do the people who have been early buyers in so-called San Francisco by the Bay townhouses and two high-rise towers know there is a third giant tower coming to their development?

Have the people selling units for the SR&R/Chestnuthill Homes been telling the truth and the whole truth? There is no mention of a third giant tower at the San Francisco By the Bay site.

Our guess is that SR&R has not explained to the current residents that an additional, taller tower is going to be built. We suspect the first SR&R buyers are not really aware that they will be living in a valley between two approved towers and Bayshore Towers--let alone a third tower looming over their heads.

—Georgs K, chair, Bayshore Neighbours

Dickerson promotes San Francisco By the Bay. Why?

First Local on Rogers TV interviewed Bayshore Towers residents about their opposition to the so-called San Francisco By the Bay development and broadcast their views on Friday evening. Click here to view the newscast; it's the second item on the show. Be patient while the file downloads to your computer.

For good reason, South Pick residents are up in arms about the proposed third tower and the impact it will have on traffic, safety, the environment and quality of life in the area.

First Local also interviewed an outspoken supporter of the development, none other than Pickering City Councillor Doug Dickerson. Mr. Dickerson must think the people of Pickering are stupid as he attempted to justify the development by saying it would not impact traffic much.

Add another 237 residential units to the 497 units already approved in such a small area and you'll hardly notice the traffic. Really, Mr. Dickerson, do you take us for idiots?

In fact, Mr. Dickerson, as you have accepted political donations from developers, we believe you must recuse yourself from speaking and voting on the third tower when it comes before City Council, next at a hearing on March 9.

In fact, if anyone on City Council accepts money from developers, they should not be voting on applications from those same developers. To do otherwise smells.

—Georgs K, chair, Bayshore Neighbours

Pickering traffic jams will grow worse

When so-called San Francisco by the Bay in Pickering by Chestnuthill Homes is completed, traffic conditions will only deteriorate.

LISTEN UP ALL GO TRAIN COMMUTERS! PAY ATTENTION ALL THOSE STUCK IN TRAFFIC ALONG BAYLY NEAR LIVERPOOL ROAD...EITHER SLOGGING IT OUT GOING TO OR FROM WORK!

A 25-STOREY HIGHRISE IS LIKELY TO BE BUILT AT THE VERY CORNER OF THE ALREADY-CLOGGED BAYLY AND LIVERPOOL INTERSECTION. THAT IS IN ADDITION TO AN 18-STOREY HIGHRISE AND A 16-STOREY HIGHRISE, PLUS WHO KNOWS HOW MANY TOWNHOUSES...ALL ON THE SAME DENSE SITE.

THE NUMBERS ARE STAGGERING:

Townhouses - 120 Units
16 Storey Tower - 235 Units
18 Storey Tower - 142 Units
Previous Total - 497 Units

New 25 Storey Tower - 237 Units
New Total - 734 Units

IT WILL ADD NEW PEDESTRIAN AND CAR TRAFFIC IN THE THOUSANDS TO THIS CRUCIAL CORNER.
ALSO...THIS CORNER IS THE ONLY WAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE OF THE THOUSANDS IN THE EAST SHORE COMMUNITY IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR CALAMITY.

AND THIS CORNER IS THE 8TH MOST DANGEROUS INTERSECTION IN PICKERING...THAT'S WITHOUT ADDING ANY NEW TRAFFIC.

AND THERE WAS A RECENT MAJOR TRAIN WRECK THAT MISSED BEING A TOXIC EMERGENCY BY A HAIR...IT HAPPENED NEAR THIS INTERSECTION.

THE 25 STOREYS ARE LIKELY GOING TO HAPPEN WITHOUT WIDESPREAD PRIOR PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OR INPUT....UNLESS YOU READ THIS LETTER!

DO YOU WANT MORE TRAFFIC TROUBLES AT BAYLY AND LIVERPOOL?

IF NOT...THEN GET ON THE SPEAKERS LIST FOR THE MARCH 2, 2009 MEETING OF COUNCIL MEETING AS PLANNING COMMITTEE AT 7 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS. SEND AN E MAIL TO lroberts@cityofpickering.com SAYING YOU WANT YOUR SAY. OR MAKE A WRITTEN SUBMISSION TO: CITY OF PICKERING, ONE THE ESPLANADE, L1V 6K7. THE DEADLINE IS NO LATER THAN 4:30 P.M. MARCH 2, 2009.

LET'S CAUSE A TRAFFIC JAM AT CITY HALL COMPRISED OF CONCERNED COMMUTERS.

—Doris H-R of Bayshore Towers, a long-time resident of Bay Ridges

Potluck a tremendous success

Master of Ceremonies Don H could hardly believe his eyes when Jim D stood up to make a large toast to the 72 residents gathered for the third annual Bayshore Neighbours Winter Potluck.

Appetizers and a choice of great salads were first on the menu . . .

. . . followed by many main dishes such a hot samosas and delicious butter chicken . . .

. . . and still more main dishes, such as gourmet mac and cheese, and to-die-for scalloped potatoes.

There was no opportunity to picture the decadent dessert table as all the goodies disappeared quicker than photographer Dave M could focus.

With so much excellent food to be enjoyed, there was hardly time for conversation, but somehow we managed to eat and talk simultaneously.

Georgs K, chair of Bayshore Neighbours, proposed a motion that Denise, who runs the Bayshore Towers office, be recognized as Honorary Neighbour for all she does for everyone in the building. The motion was passed--unanimously.

A bevy of door prizes were kindly provided by Maryann B, Allison M, Gwenn, Jocelyne H, Helen W, Hazel D, Tiny and Marcie.

Ken D was among the winners of door prizes . . .

. . . and Paul . . .

. . . and Alexandra with son Alex . . .

. . . and Helen M, surrogate for Yvonne . . .








. . . Mary M, prize in one hand and oxygen in the other . . .









. . . and Natasha, visiting daughter of resident Stella.








Potluck guests would have continued their neighbourly fellowship much longer but for the clean-up crew swinging into action to return the Activity Room to pristine condition.

MC Don H introduces some of the many volunteers who worked so hard to make the Potluck a huge success: From the left, Gwenn, Tiny, Allison M , Don H, Helen M, Maryann B, Sue Q and Mary M. Not pictured are Jocelyne, Hazel D, Ian H, Ken D, Norlene C and Dave M.

The potluck was a tremendous success, no question about it. Here's how one resident described it:

Want to add my voice of thanks to those who worked so hard and did such a splendid job of creating a wonderful decor, beautiful gifts, atmosphere, and all the elements, not to mention marvelous food. So glad I planned my arrival home in time to attend. Wouldn't want to miss this great moment in our community's increasingly vibrant life. Cannot express how wonderful it felt to walk into a room of friendly faces, be made to feel welcome, greeted with warmth and fellowship...it is an invaluable aspect to making Bayshore home and I am so thankful to live in less isolation...much gratitude to all, Doris H.