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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 2011-05-12DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Ma 12 2011 Ci of Kitchener . The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Mark Gamer with the following members in attendance: Councillor Frank- Etherington, Alan Doherty, Glenn Scheels, Councillor Dan Glen-Graham, Tania, Cory Grossman, Amina Giliani, Michael Falcone, Aaron MacFarlane, Cameron Deerlove The following members were absent: Lisa Polonoski Staff in attendance: Siobhan Delaney, Cory Bluhm, Sandy Curzon, Kim Feere, Sheryl Rice, Tracey DeVille, 1. Minutes & Committee Updates Economic Develo ment Adviso Committee Since the past Economic Development Committee meeting was a joint meeting with the Downtown Advisory Committee, there is no update. Safe & Healthy AdvisoN Committee Mark advised that at the last meeting they were setting the work plan for the year and has since been approved at council. Buckets included community involvement in environmental design, feet on the street, downtown perception issues and being a place to live. Arts & Culture Adviso Committee Aaron advised that the meeting was dedicated to the discussion on arts and culture information being centralized into one location. They also split into sub- committees to discuss arts and culture initiatives for Kitchener. 2. New Business 2.1 sign By-Law Presentation Sheryl Rice, Development Technician, provided a presentation on the upcoming changes to the sign by-law. The committee was advised there are three main changes that are being proposed. Namely: • Discontinue approval for backlit signage -one exception would be individual lettering being backlit Glazing of windows would change from 50% to 25% - as long as there is a logo on it Allow for video projection signage subject to certain conditions The Committee asked a series of questions surrounding the changes, which were answered accordingly. Questions were raised regarding what limits there are for the content of the video projection signage, specifically what can be projected on the video. Could someone install a structure on top of buildings for projection -- since there is no minimum height or regulations? Projection advertising ono#her form of billboard, people do not want to come downtown to see advertising - is there a by-law for the percentage of space you can use on the building 30% of the facade of the building - how da you define residential? Property has to be zoned residential - most of downtown is zoned downtown commercial. - the projection ad is clean and it is not there during the day - the projection helps to provide light - great for events not so sure for content and advertising because there is no control on content you could damage the-brand - like the idea, not the location, has seen this on the sidewalks and prefers that could a company put up tvs and call them signs? This would be a 'changing copy' and is subject to different rules. The Committee also provided the following comments 1 questions: Concerns regarding glazing entire windows without logos -could be a security issue for same businesses Backlit signage -- questions surrounding what would be allowed in the facade improvements -considering that the cost to have same of the older signs are very expensive to remove. Concerns about new businesses that are just starting out and the ability to afford. What about buildings that have these signs that span across two store fronts and one is being grandfathered in? What about covering the cost of the -box removal entirely then having them install a new sign? Staff will clarify details surrounding grandfathering. Shouldn't the existing businesses be forced to change over their signs too -- perhaps incentives and timelines? Is there a sign inventory do we have an idea of costs to remove and replace signs. - staff to check Staff to follow up on forcing sign removal and how much money would it cost to help with the incentives Mark will talk to businesses to get their feedback on how they would feel about this. Cory also advised that he is going to the BIA board with this as well. Glenn brought forward a motion that: This committee opposes the use of projection signs for advertising in the downtown with the exception of usage for events. 6 in favor 3 opposed Backlit signs that the grandfathering of backlit signs be limited to the current business only and any new businesses be required to follow the new sign by-law General support for removal of backlit signs, staff to investigate the feasibility of supporting the removal of current signs 2.2 Economic Development Symposium Draft strategy has been released, middle theme all related to the downtown Symposium invites have been sent. 2.3 Sub-committee working groups Cory advised what the groups do and when it will start -one -working with Siobhan for the downtown walking tours, two is small business support in the downtown and the last one is official plan. 2.4 Rapid transit discussion Mark advised that the purpose of the presentation was to identify issues or concerns that should be made known he advised that this is a regional decision not a municipal decision and we can inform our council of the issues and the representative from our council would bring forward to regional council. Some considerations that DAC has - concessions for expansion in the future -try to see if we can Took to the ' surrounding neighbourhoods for connections - - stations along the route could drive up property value - how do you get people from the suburbs to the system - what about increased crime at the stations - communications on the route need to be done - from a downtown perspective it doesn't matter what the system is there will be the same capacity numbers. - intensification and attractiveness for living in the downtown people prefer trains over buses because they appear more classy and buses are less appealing - overhanging wires are not attractive, the train is much more appealing - what about the integrated bus pass system - is it in place -one pass - the construction of the system needs to be developed along with the businesses that will be affected - has the construction timing of other developments and events been considered- eg. Blues festivals, Development of condos, in#rastructure replacement timing in conjunction with the rapid transit system - how will -the ~.RT limit traffic flow and turning movements to get to businesses along the route - meets the demand - attraction for the high tech industry - environmental benefit On motion the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.