TomHofstätter.com

A recent attempt by a developer to build a non-conforming duplex in my neighbourhood has given me pause to think about what community really is.

The trend in older neighbourhoods like ours is to bulldoze, build substantial structures, and sell. Unfortunately, the huge cost involved in flipping a new construction motivates developers to maximize on the return as quickly as possible, without due regard for what they leave behind. We enjoy some very old, and very new homes, healthy lot sizes, and many large mature trees. I won’t pretend that I know how to design a home that is at once modern and integrates into an existing community, but I it seems obvious to me that it is common sense to try.

The objection from the residents was two fold:

1. The consensus from the neighbourhood at large (not just the adjacent properties) was that no consideration was made for the aesthetic impact of this particular design.
2. There was a clear violation of the zoning bylaws.

In this case, the request seems to have (so far) not met the requirements for ‘leave’ or buffer zone between the dwelling and the property line. Essentially the plans are too big for the property. The community rallied, and through an impressive co-coordinated effort has prevented the developer from gaining a variance to the current regulations.

Time will tell if the decision is final, but for now this part of the story is over. Well done. Congratulations.

What surprises me most about this whole experience is how much I care. It may seem an odd perspective, but not one that is entirely inexplicable.

You see, while I live the neighbourhood (and have for 37 years), I rent my home. Add to that my dwelling is a non-traditional duplex I’ve always felt like I did not have any ‘skin in the game’.
My wife’s family is for the most part rooted in Canada, back several generations.
My family emigrated from Europe 40 years ago and our history here is short. It’s not my parent’s house. I have no physical roots here. I have no mortgage.

I have however lived here my entire life. I was born, schooled, played, strayed, and married within a mile of where I sit now. I have lived elsewhere for brief periods, but I always come back. Interestingly, as we begin to investigate purchasing a home, our top priority is to remain within about six blocks of where we are. I always thought it was the physical attributes of this part of town that attracted me. I am beginning to realize that it is the people that makes this area appealing. Not in a misty good-neighbour way, but through compassion and hard work they shaped the community and make it shine.

So why write about it? It’s my small way of saying thanks.

I thought that community associations were busy work for bored meddlers. I have never felt civic minded or oppressed enough to rise to action. But lately the issues I dismissed are someone else’s concerns are showing up on my radar.

As it turns out, I do care where the 4-Way Stop is, when the snow is plowed, and whole bunch more. Perhaps it’s just because I’m getting older, perhaps it’s the instinct to guard my children shepherd them into becoming constructive people.

What has been top of mind to me this week is that we are (to strain the metaphor) the roots for our children. We could plant them anywhere. We are choosing to raise them here. I want to teach them that being part of the community matters. In my short time as a parent I have learned that the only lessons that stick are ones led by example and so if I want to teach them to cherish their surroundings I ought to do my part and contribute.

It’s the people of community helped make that clear to me, for that I am grateful, and hope to repay the favour.

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