A couple of comments made in the Toronto Star article caught my eye:

Jody Polishchuk, owner of Meta Gallery, says he’s happy Ossington didn’t become a club district. “People were worried it was going to turn into a kind of Richmond Street,” he says. “It’s such a gem and it would be a shame for it to go that way.”

People forget that the Richmond club district did not just organically arise from any lack of regulation. It was intentionally put into place by Jack Layton, who was the city councilor for the area at the time, who actively encouraged clubs and bars in to an area that was filled with empty warehouses and sweatshop design/clothing houses. There was, and still is, no way that Ossington could have, or would have, become that way organically. There are too many current bar and restaurants restrictions already in place – outside of the ones put into place by Mr. Pantalone.

Another quote:

Two daytime restaurants and a bakery have closed since Pantalone’s moratorium was put in place – businesses that haven’t been replaced. The councillor says eateries and bars are welcome if they comply with the new rules; what’s wanted, is variety, not just a bar strip.

Mr Pantalone’s comments here demonstrate he obviously hasn’t lived in the neighbourhood or understand how business works. The rules he’s put in place, while somewhat restrictive, offer a chilling effect to restaurants. It’s not that he’s put in the rules, but the point, which Mr Pantalone misses, is that he did it without any warning or notice to the local businesses. And, if you’re a local entrepreneur thinking about starting a business, why go to a place where rules can be changed at a whim of a dim-witted councilor?  It’s reason enough to stay away.

We are, however, excited to have the new art galleries in the neighbourhood! I’m looking forward to the new Rolly’s spot, and having those late-night markets going again. Hopefully this summer!

Below are a few photos of the recent devestation:

Empty Storefront on Ossington

The Long Awaited Saint closes - is Joe Pantalone to blame?

Get Real awoke to the new Ossington Reality.

Does Ossington need another mechanic now that Rolly's will be closing?

A Fantastic Potential Restaurant Location - but no more

(will I have to change this blog to be the DundasVillage blog? – or is that the next local target)

Xtra also covered the story here.

And Blog TO is headlining this morning with an article about Rolly’s Garage. Don’t forget to vote and help them get support from Aviva Community Fund!

UPDATE: Chris, a reader, has also pointed out a MartiniBoys article about the meeting also here.

Rolly’s was an old garage – with mechanics and all, and some time ago Robin Orbeta-Lacambra took it over from her father and made it into the open art space it is today.

In a rare showing of actually trying to enforce the law, rather than impose new ones, they have been told that they need a whole lot of upgrades to make the place viable for business. And, Now Magazine is reporting that that the insurance company Aviva is looking for community building ideas, and Rolly’s garage is on the list of potential locations to get support.

So go hit up the Aviva Community site and vote for Rollys.

Also stop by the fundraiser this weekend! Let’s give them the support they need!

BlogTO wrote up on the night markets happening at Rolly’s Garage, an fascinating space just north of Argyle St. We actually stopped by and checked out the market over the weekend and they had a great selection of interesting products from local artists. And the cupcakes looked good!