Quote:
Originally Posted by Muta
That's what I think, too. Kensington is a great place to go, but it could be so much more. There really is a severe lack of good restaurants and a defining cultural institution in there - an new, intimate performance hall (seating for 500 or so) for local bands and other acts would be amazing in that area. Same with a jazz bar.
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Don't hold your breath guys. I was talking to a local business owner that leases in the block between Osteria and Carpenters Hall about the rumoured development. They said "rent is already as high as we can afford" and if it redevelops their only chance of staying is "negotiating lower than market rent because of the value of the business to the community".
Gentrification all at once isn't always a good thing. Trendy districts thrive from low rent in run down buildings allowing small business owners an affordable place to open shop. There is nothing wrong with smart redevelopment but be careful what you wish for.
It'll be a sad day when Lido, Osteria, Carpenters, Tandori and anything else in the queue are all brand new mixed used buildings and The Roasterie becomes a Starbucks, Ridley's becomes a Sport Chek, Vero becomes a Moxies and the candy store becomes a 7-11.