An application for a rooftop patio at a popular Parkdale establishment has been refused. At a Committee of Adjustment meeting on March 9, an application by Parts and Labour was refused after a short deliberation by committee members.
Richard Lambert and Jesse Girard, two of the owners of the restaurant and night hot spot, attended the hearing, but when the committee asked questions about hours of operation, Girard said they hadn't discussed the hours of operation. Also, when asked about the noise an outdoor patio may cause, Girard said a study had not been done."For an astute business man you should have better answers," said committee member Robert Brown.The members of the committee said they were not satisfied with the answers the owners gave to the questions they posed and denied the application for a variance to permit a rooftop patio.Parts and Labour at 1566 Queen St. W., took over a 5,000-square-foot failed hardware store and opened in the spring of 2010. The location is comprised of a main-floor restaurant and a basement space called The Shop, which hosts rock bands and art installations. There is a combined capacity of 417 people.But, the restaurant opening is not a positive addition to Parkdale according to some neighbours who were on hand to fight the application. There were 18 area residents who attended to voice their objection to the patio, three of whom were given the opportunity to make a statement. They also brought 68 letters opposing the development, saying it will only make a bad situation worse.Neighbours said they are concerned about noise, parking and safety issues that could arise with the addition of a rooftop patio.Josie Kruzick's daughter lives next door to Parts and Labour, and she said she has a financial and personal interest in the application because of the negative implications she said it could cause."Changing a municipal bylaw to allow for a roof top patio to be used as a restaurant or a bar is not a minor variance," Kruzick said. "The proposed plans don't conform nor protect the noise, safety and privacy concerns of the immediate neighbours. Once approved it would set a precedent for other neighbours and be very difficult to revoke."Following the meeting neighbours speculated the owners would now take their bid for a rooftop patio to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). They said they would continue to follow the proposed development in case they need to make a presentation at the OMB.But for the time being neighbours in attendance said they were happy with the decision by the Committee of Adjustment."I am very pleased because I am less than 300 feet from where that patio will be," said Sean Donovan, who lives on Fuller Avenue.