As a result of our activities last fall regarding the city's financial problems and our subsequent public forum held in October, world19 received media coverage in the Globe & Mail, on CIUT-FM, and on CBC Radio, among other outlets. More recently, In the January Bloor West Town Crier, columnist Greg Hamara wrote a column about us entitled "Web folk back in action here", dicussing our history and contributions to community affairs.
He began, "world19.com is back in orbit, and not a moment too soon for residents and neighbourhoods of west Toronto". He talked about our recent public forum, our other activities, our history, and our "pioneering" use of the Internet for communication.
"They are not a single-interest organization out to stop something -- unless by stopping, we mean public apathy about issues affecting our familiar neighbourhoods, as well as the sprawling urban mess stretching beyond".
He concluded by warning residents about putting much stock in political handouts and glossy newsletters from local politicians. "Don't be fooled by their spin. For a dose of reality, visit www.world19.com". (Emphasis ours... we like it as a slogan!
See http://world19.com/world19_towncrier.pdf for the full article (PDF file - about 500K - requires Adobe or Adobe reader software).
Over the last few months, area residents may have noticed some changes on Bloor immediately west of the old Odeon Humber. Blockbuster Video was replaced by a temporary sock outlet store (now about to close). Fabricland, in the basement of the same building (which was originally a Loblaws store) is closing.The convenience store at the west end recently sold.
Anything up? Indeed...
In the summer of 2003, world19 was the first to report (http://world19.com/world19News129.htm) the sale for development of the Odeon Humber, and soon after (http://world19.com/world19News130.htm), the identity of the buyer/developer -- the Wynn family, infamous for their long-time reputation as Toronto slumlords. (In 2004, they were runners-up for the un-coveted "Golden Cockroach Award" presented by the Parkdale Tenants Association for worst landlord of the year. http://goldencockroach.org/Wynn-cert.php)
Soon after their purchase of the movie theatre property, they tried buying more of the same block. As we understand it, that initiative died when the Smardenka family, owners for many decades of what is now Billy Bob's/The Fan declined to sell. The business was originally the Wedgewood Restaurant, and locally noted for acquiring the first liquor license in Bloor West Villlage.
Well, they've now sold. In fact, as we hear, tonight -- Super Bowl night -- is their last in business. And it appears that the entire block has now been sold to the Wynns. How will this change the Wynns' development plans? Stay tuned...Update (Feb. 5)
Billy Bob's (the main floor) has closed (a notice says "temporarily"), but The Fan (sports bar in the basement is open). We will update this information soon.
Many readers may not have seen this publication about Bloor West Village. We don't know if this was distributed with an issue of the Town Crier or not, as its distribution here is still spotty.