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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSI Minutes - 2022-03-07Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee Minutes March 7, 2022, 6:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic Councillor S. Davey Councillor D. Schnider Councillor J. Gazzola Councillor C. Michaud Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock Councillor B. loannidis Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor S. Marsh Absent: Councillor P. Singh Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services L. MacDonald, City Solicitor B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing R. Bustamante, Director of Planning N. Lobley, Director of Parks and Cemeteries G. Stevenson, Manager of Development Review, Development Services A. McCrimmon-Jones, Manager of Planning, Transportation Services D. Becks, Manager of Downtown Development and Innovation B. Bateman, Senior Planner C. Dumart, Senior Planner 1 P. Grivicic, Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor and Council D. Saunderson, Manager of Council/Committee Services and Deputy Clerk D. Mange, Committee Administrator 1. Commencement The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee held an electronic meeting this date, commencing at 6:02 p.m. 2. Consent Items 2.1 None. 3. Discussion Items 3.1 None. 4. Public Hearing Matters under the Planning Act (6:00 p. m. advertised) 4.1 30 Francis Street South Official Plan Amendment OPA/21/001/R/DE and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/002/F/DE - DSD -2022-062 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD -2022- 062 dated January 31, 2022, recommending refusal of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA/21/001/R/DE; and, approval of Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/002/F/DE for the property municipally addressed as 30 Francis Street. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of written submissions from M. Gerrits and P. Eglin. C. Dumart was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions from the Committee. D. Firsten, N8 Developments, was in attendance and addressed the Committee in support of the staff recommendation indicating the proposed development will attract 800 new residents to the area which will contribute to support downtown businesses; increase the use of active transportation systems, compensate the shortage of housing in the city noting the project helps to support the Region's density targets. D. Firsten indicated several community engagement meetings were held with residents explaining the majority of the community concerns have been addressed including but not limited to a re -design of Francis Green park; supporting affordable housing within the City through a donation to Indwell E Community Homes for an affordable housing project on the site of St. Peter's Lutheran Church; as well as further improvements to constructing additional accessible and 3 -bedroom units within the development. Councillor J. Gazzola joined the meeting at 6:31 pm. C. Pidgeon, GSP, Edward Thomas and Marc Villemaire, SRM architects were in attendance in support of the subject application and responded to questions from the Committee. E. Thomas presented information regarding the project's design concept, rooftop amenity space, sustainability features, the proposed unit types as well as the improvements proposed for Francis Green Park. P. Nickels was in attendance, in opposition to the subject application, requesting greater consideration be given to require the application to provide 10 per cent of the proposed number of units be dedicated to affordable housing and to seek additional options to reduce their environmental impacts. P Nickels further noted the importance to include the community in the early stages of the development process and requested the City to purchase more land to secure green spaces in the downtown area. J. MacDonald was in attendance, in opposition to the application, and requested the Committee to consider deferring the matter to allow the applicant and the City to further review the proposal to seek additional improvements to the subject development. J. MacDonald explained the application shows inconsistencies with planning regulations and noted the difference between accessible and barrier free units. J. MacDonald further stated the development does not offer sustainability features other than the minimum required under current regulations, therefore no bonusing should be granted to increase the building height. S. Dietrich, St. Peter's Lutheran Church and M. Willcock, Indwell Community Homes, were in attendance and expressed their support to the staff's recommendation. S. Dietrich stated the developer through his proposal has offered to make a cash donation to the partnership between St. Peter's Church and Indwell in order to support their project to develop 42 assisted affordable housing units for the community. S. Burrows addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposed development and expressed concerns regarding the relationship between green space and developments in the City; the loss or limited access to outdoor or amenity space in new developments and the need to incorporate the most vulnerable populations in the planning process. M. Bowman was in attendance in support of the proposed development at 30 Francis Street as well as the development for the property municipally addressed 3 as 800-900 King Street West, also listed in the agenda this date. M. Bowman requested the City and the applicants further consider potential improvements including but not limited to: shared parking spaces; cycling and bike sharing programs; improved walkability, accessibility and pedestrian safety. F. Stuart addressed the Committee in opposition to the subject application noting concerns with adverse impacts on walkability and pedestrian safety; the building proximity to the sidewalk; increased shadows and wind; and the lack of green spaces in the downtown area. G. Pool was in attendance in opposition to the staff recommendation, noting the lack of affordability and the impact on the neighborhood's diversity. G. Pool further indicated development proposals should focus on creating livable communities where everybody is included. R. Maggar addressed the Committee in support of the proposed development indicating the need for additional housing in the area to facilitate access to downtown workplaces and amenities. The Committee recessed at 9:32 pm and reconvened at 9:38 pm, chaired by Councillor D. Chapman with all members present except for Councillor P. Singh. In response to questions from the Committee regarding the possibility to convert a den into an extra bedroom to make the units available for families; C. Dumart confirmed that the proposed recommendation would not prohibit the conversation of additional units, pending they are in compliance with the requirements of the Building Code. In response to further questions regarding the number of units that could be constructed without the proposed bonusing provisions, C. Dumart indicated that the City does not regulate the number of units and explained that the applicant is seeking to obtain an increase in floor space ratio in exchange for the provision of community benefits in accordance with the bonusing provisions of Section 17.E.17 of the City of Kitchener's Official Plan. C. Dumart further explained that the subject lands are within the Urban Growth Centre, designated 'Innovation District' in the City of Kitchener Official Plan, which permits residential uses. Questions were raised regarding regional density targets and whether there was a possibility of pausing the development, C. Dumart confirmed the City has not yet achieved the minimum density targets for the Region. J. Readman further explained that the timeline between Council's approval of development projects and the actual occupancy creates a delay in housing availability. M In response to further questions regarding the construction of balconies overlooking Francis Street or the Charles Street frontage, C. Dumart indicated staff would need to further review options for the construction of balconies on that street front, noting the possibility of an encroachment agreement with the City or the Region to achieve that request. C. Dumart indicated that planning staff would have no objections to making these modifications to the planning application. Questions were raised regarding Electric Vehicle (EV) - ready parking spots. C. Dumart confirmed that staff would be amenable to further review this matter and to follow up prior to the March 21, 2022, Council meeting. C. Dumart responded to questions regarding mixed-use developments noting these developments include both residential and commercial uses stating the current Zoning on the property is Warehouse District Zone (D-6). G. Stevenson stated the purpose of having a mixed-use building in the downtown area is to activate the streetscape and further noted that the Urban Growth center, in which the subject lands are located, is planned to provide the community with a variety of uses such as institutional, recreational, commercial and residential. D. Firsten stated he would be willing to review any amendments to the proposed design as requested by Council. D. Firsten further advised he would also be willing to increase his grant contribution to Indwell Community Homes to further support affordable housing within the City. D. Firsten stated it was his preference to begin construction on this project as soon as possible, pending receipt of an approval on the subject Zoning By-law amendment. At the request of the Committee, staff acknowledged and agreed to follow up on the listed matters including additional balconies overlooking the public right of way; further accessible and barrier free units; additional 3 -bedroom units; possible commercial units located in the podium level; playground and outdoor green spaces and additional EV -ready parking spaces prior to the March 21, 2022, Council meeting. Councillor S. Davey brought forward a motion to approve the recommendation as outlined in the staff report, noting staff's acknowledgment to respond to the follow- up questions prior to the March 21, 2022 Council meeting. Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward a motion to defer consideration of the recommendation outlined in Report DSD -2022-062 to April 4, 2022. Councillor S. Davey brought forward an amendment to Councillor Gazzola's motion to amend the date of the deferral to March 21, 2022. G� Councillor Davey's amendment was then voted on and was Carried, on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider, C, Michaud, B. loannidis and M. Johnston voting in favour; and, Councillors J. Gazzola, K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Marsh and Councillor D. Chapman voting in opposition. Councillor Gazzola's deferral motion as amended was then voted on and LOST, on a recorded vote with Councillors J. Gazzola and D. Chapman voting in favour; and, Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider, C. Michaud, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. loannidis, M. Johnston, S. Marsh voting in opposition. The following motion was then voted on and Carried on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor S. Davey It was resolved: "That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA/21/001/F/DE for 30 Francis Kitchener Incorporated requesting a Specific Policy Area be refused; and, That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/002/F/DE for 30 Francis Kitchener Incorporated for the property municipally addressed as 30 Francis Street, be approved in the form shown in the 'Proposed By-law', and 'Map No. 1', attached to Development Services Department report DSD -2022-062 as Appendix 'A'; and further, That in accordance with Planning Act Section 45 (1.3 & 1.4), applications for minor variances shall be permitted for lands subject to Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/002/F/DE." In Favour (8): Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor S. Davey, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock, Councillor B. loannidis, Councillor M. Johnston, and Councillor S. Marsh Contra (2): Councillor J. Gazzola, and Councillor D. Chapman Carried (8 to 2) On motion by Councillor S. Marsh It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 25.4.11 of Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code, the proceedings of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee this date shall be allowed to continue beyond 11:00 p.m. to conclude matters as listed on the agenda." Carried unanimously 4.2 890-900 King Street West Official Plan Amendment OPA21/005/K/BB and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/008/K/BB - DSD -2022-089 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD -2022- 089 dated February 2, 2022, recommending adoption of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA21/005/K/BB; approval of Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/008/K/BB; for the property municipally addressed as 890-900 King Street West. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of written submissions by A. Sinclair, M. Gerrits and R. Thomas. B. Bateman was in attendance to present the report and respond to questions from the Committee. J. Desbarats was in attendance in opposition to the proposed development amendment to increase the floor space ratio and to reduce the setback on Dodd's Lane noting concerns with the proposed building height, increased traffic and adverse impacts on the neighborhood. A. Raynard addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposed development and expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety on Dodd's Lane; lack of sufficient parking and increased traffic. E. Stevens attended in opposition to the proposed development at 890-900 King Street West, expressing concerns with the proposed building height; shadows; safety; and high-rise buildings' negative effects on resident's mental health due to isolation. E. Stevens stated in her opinion, high-rise buildings do not support connection within the community. H. Love was in attendance in opposition to the subject application. H. Love requested the Committee refuse the Zoning By -Law amendment expressing concerns with the lack of green space available to support a development of this nature. P. Maclntyre, Grand River Hospital Foundation, addressed the Committee in support of the subject application, noting the proposed development is intended to include a Compassionate Care Lodge that would provide housing for patients and their family members. 7 Due to time constraints, it was suggested and agreed that the application be recessed and reconvened at the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee scheduled for Wednesday March 9, 2022. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh It was resolved: "That 890-900 King Street Wet Official Plan Amendment OPA21/005/K/BB and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/008/K/BB regarding Development Services Department Report DSD -2022-089 be recessed and reconvened at a Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee Meeting on March 9, 2022." Carried 5. Information Items 5.1 Quarterly Development Applications Update 2022 Q1 - DSD -2022-096 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 11:46 p.m. Daniela Mange Committee Administrator n.