Monster home built north of Toronto infuriating neighbours
It stands high in the sky, towering over its closest neighbours.
A home under construction in Richmond Hill, Ont. -- which is nearly twice as tall as the others on the street -- has heightened concerns among residents.
"It's a monstrosity and an eyesore," Ward 5 Councillor Karen Cilevitz told CTV News Toronto. "It's like somebody put a lighthouse in the backyard of all of these residents."
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The number of residents complaining about the project is significant, according to Cilevitz, who said she's received complaints from as many as 20 residents in the area.
The question among residents is unanimous: How was a home this size ever approved by the city?
Despite how much the house stands out, Cilevitz said the property was built to all zoning specifications -- if only by a hair.
The height of the house, according to the plan, is 10.97 metres. The maximum allowable height for the area is 11 metres.
Michael Lanni's massive Richmond Hill home has left some of his neighbours on edge. (CTV News Toronto/Sean Leathong)
The house will cover 39.7 per cent of the lot. The maximum allowable is 40 per cent.
As a result, the owner of the home, Michael Lanni, did not have to get special approval for the project and he did not have to notify neighbours.
"I'm just trying to build a house for my family. We love the area," he told CTV News Toronto.
The father of two has owned the property for nine years. He grew up in the area and attended a nearby school.
Lanni said he only wanted to follow the rules -- but is now facing some backlash and the house has already fallen victim to vandalism.
"Unfortunately, people are not happy, there's a crack in my window already. Someone threw a stone or a pebble," he said.
But not everyone in the neighbourhood is put off by the high-reaching house.
Govanna Martacci, for instance, has lived across the street for 37 years and she said it's not a problem.
"Maybe if I were next door, maybe it would bother me, but I'm across the road," she said.
There are other new builds on the same street or in the area appearing next to some smaller homes -- but some neighbours says it's the particular location of this project that’s a cause for concern.
Cathy Menzies lives down the road and described the house as a "monster."
"For those small homes, a home like that should never have been built there," she said.
Lanni said he believes more rebuilds like his will come in the future, while councillor Cilevitz says the city is reviewing its zoning laws.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.