The tempest rages on over Toronto treehouse
Re One man’s $30K treehouse is a neighbour’s “Berlin Wall,” April 20 I am 93 years of age and I am so thankful that I am not old like the woman that I saw on the TV news tonight — the old woman who opened her back door and screamed at the cameraman that the treehouse in the next yard is an eyesore and is to come down.
How could anything so grand and built by a loving father for his children be an eyesore? A place for the kids to climb into and let their imaginations run wild.
If I lived next door, I would give them the cookies that I baked for them. Then, I would ask if I could climb up there, and once I looked around at the view I would sit and write a poem or two.
Sometimes it is sad to live in a big city, because I imagine in the country a treehouse would be allowed. It is also sad to think that an old woman has the right to demand the treehouse be demolished while the young boys have no rights at all.
Joy Taylor, Toronto
Those who have never endured the emotional strain of living next door to an inconsiderate neighbour will undoubtedly vote in favour of saving the treehouse monstrosity known as John Alpeza’s “boat.”
What’s truly shocking, however, is Mr. Alpeza’s lack of compassion for the fact that his tawdry, oversized barge prevents a 90year-old woman in her final years from having what Alpeza feels he is exclusively entitled to — the “simple,” “old-fashioned” enjoyment of home sweet home, which in her case is enough sun to revive her rose garden.
Mr. Tory’s soppy milquetoast suggestion that the city should avoid looking like “soreheads or party poopers” when reviewing the current violation of the zoning bylaws will undermine the efforts of bylaw officials and the OMB, who rightfully stopped a third storey from being added to Mr. Alpeza’s house and who have already issued a court-ordered removal of the treehouse.
If this boat is allowed to float, it will only encourage the selfish, uncaring behaviour of neighbours like Mr. Alpeza.
Susan Cusimano, Toronto