“To bet the farm on technology that redesigns our entire streets and relies on apps and sensors doesn’t really jive with how human beings actually use public spaces – and how they want to live in cities.”
I'd take issue with "betting the farm". Toronto proper is, per Wikipedia 243.32 sq mi, and the land in question totals 12 acres. Granted, Google may not have been the best partner but foregoing the opportunity to build a technology centered city seems like a lost chance to determine whether or not that particular form of architecture is viable - not only for Toronto for other cities as well. A fear of failure and a fear to experiment will end up limiting future horizons.
