"Childish & Irresponsible" The Hallmark Of Silly Hall

OMB Folly 'ridiculous' street name, Miller told Angry Homebuyer wants new moniker
April 09, 2009 Paul Moloneycity hall bureau
Charlene Schafer says the real folly is to think she would want to live on a street named OMB Folly.
Shafer and her fiancé had decided to buy a townhouse in a North York development before local politicians named the new access road OMB Folly as a dig at the Ontario Municipal Board.
The new name, okayed last fall, had been suggested by Councillor John Filion (Ward 23, Willowdale), who was upset the OMB approved the development even though it contravened the city's Official Plan.
Schafer has written to Mayor David Miller and councillors urging them to go back to what was recommended originally by city staff: Connfield Lane, after early landowner John Conn.
Schafer called it childish and irresponsible to go with OMB Folly, a "ridiculous" name she says does nothing for the development, where townhouse units are priced at $690,000 to $920,000. Site preparation is to start in June.
"We just felt it was very inappropriate for elected officials to be toying around with people's investment and purchases in the city," she said in an interview. "And we felt it was very derogatory to the Ontario Municipal Board."
Mayor David Miller responded to Schafer's letter by saying he didn't support the chosen name, and suggested she speak with Filion.
The name-change bylaw is up for approval April 21 at North York community council, but Filion said he won't support a switch. He considers the matter closed after the community council voted 7-2 to recommend OMB Folly, and city council approved it, 14-13.
A representative for Hallstone Group, the developer, wanted Filion to meet with residents, but the councillor said he hasn't seen a lot of opposition to the name.
"The neighbours are all completely in favour of OMB Folly."
But North York Councillor Mike Feldman sides with purchasers.
"The whole idea is some councillors are mad at the OMB, so let's make it difficult for the developer. It's nonsense. I'm hoping that clearer heads will prevail at community council."