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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-08 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 6:30 p.m. Present: Councillor P. Singh, Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh and D. Schnider. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Tygani, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning D. Ross, Manager, Development Review B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range & Policy Planning D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator FCS-14-196 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 1. - AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER 2010 AND ANNUAL FIVE BEST BETS PROGRAM The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-14-196, dated November 21, 2014 recommending a modified approach to the Work Plan for the Air Quality in Kitchener report and the selection of Best Bets in 2015, to be prepared for the new 2015-16 term of the Environmental Committee. Mr. B. Sloan presented the Report. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That in lieu of updating the Air Quality in Kitchener report and selecting Best Bets in 2015 the following actions be taken: the remaining Recommended Actions as outlined in Table 2 of Community Services Department Report CSD-14-114, be referred to Environmental Committee sub-committees and staff for investigation into their feasibility and usefulness in promoting air quality improvements with a status report to be provided at the May 2015 Environmental Committee meeting; future progress on the theme of Air Quality be referred to the annual report card for the Strategic Plan for the Environment as the appropriate mechanism to monitor, celebrate and communicate Kitchener’s progress in air quality improvement; and, this modified approach be reflected in the Work Plan to be prepared for the new 2015-16 term of the Environmental Committee.” The Committee recessed and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. with all members present except Councillor F. Etherington who was absent this date. Councillor P. Singh read aloud the following statement: “This is a formal public meeting to consider applications under the Planning Act. If a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City of Kitchener before the proposed applications are considered, the person or public body may not be entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and may not be added as a party to a hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board.” CSD-14-115 - DRAFT PLAN OF COMMON ELEMENT CONDOMINIUM – 30CDM-14203 2. 1 ADAM STREET - LOSANI HOMES - The Committee considered Community Service Department report CSD-14-115, dated November 18, 2014 recommending the City of Kitchener grant draft approval to Common Elements Condominium Application 30CDM-14203 for 1 Adam Street (Victoria Common) Block PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2014 -54- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-115 - DRAFT PLAN OF COMMON ELEMENT CONDOMINIUM – 30CDM-14203 2. 1 ADAM STREET - LOSANI HOMES (CONT’D) - 2 in the City of Kitchener, subject to the conditions attached to the Report as Appendix ‘A’. Ms. D. Ross presented the Report. Mr. Kevin Muir, GSP Group, reviewed the site plan for Victoria Common advising that the approval of the application is to ensure maintenance and ownership of the common areas. He indicated that the common elements are comprised of private roads, landscaped areas and visitor parking spaces and are part of the overall comprehensive development of the site. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Muir advised that concerns from an area resident related to a buffer and fencing between his property and the development have been dealt with. Councillor Marsh confirmed that she has spoken with the individual concerned and they are satisfied with the fence and landscape plan detailed in the approved site plan. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh - it was resolved: “That pursuant to Section 51(31) of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990 c.P.13, as amended, and By-law 2002-64 as amended, draft approval be granted for Common Elements Condominium Application 30CDM-14203 for 1 Adam Street (Victoria Common) Block 2 in the City of Kitchener, subject to the conditions as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ of Community Services Department Report CSD-14-115.” CSD-14-113 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/04/L/AP 3. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N. E. CORNER) - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-113, dated November 14, 2014 regarding the Statutory Public Meeting for Zone Change Application ZC14/04/L/AP and Community Plan Amendment for the lands located at the northeast corner of Fairway Road North and Lackner Boulevard. Mr. B. Sloan presented the Report advising that a final report and recommendation will be brought forward for Council consideration following the review of final technical and supporting information. Mr. Dennis Cuomo, Planner, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), attended in support of the Zone Change application to allow for development of a public school at the northeast corner of Fairway road North and Lackner Boulevard. He highlighted the planning process and student accommodation review stating that student safety is of paramount concern when determining a location for a school. He stated that a formal student Accommodation Review Process was undertaken in 2010 which engaged an Accommodation Review Committee to determine the location of a public school in Grand River South. He indicated that the Review Committee developed and considered five different scenarios and held four public meetings which ultimately determined the recommendation to the Waterloo Region District School Board Trustees for the construction of a new elementary school at Lackner Boulevard and Fairway Road. He reviewed the challenges of the site noting that City staff has been involved in the Accommodation Review Process and a participating member on the Committee. He indicated that the application has been submitted and meets the conditions required by City staff determined during the process. He stated that funding has been received from the Ministry of Education and approval of the boundary for the new school has been attained from the Trustees. He further advised that should the Zone Change application and Community Plan Amendment be refused, the school will not be constructed and the Grand River South Community will remain underserviced pending the consideration and approval of an alternate solution. Mr. Ted Martin, Trustee and Past Chair, WRDSB, attended in support of the proposed zone change to permit construction of Chicopee Hills Public School at Fairway Road and Lackner Boulevard. He urged the Committee to approve the application stating that the government PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2014 -55- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-113 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/04/L/AP 3. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N. E. CORNER) - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (CONT’D) mandated Accommodation Review Process supports the location as the most suitable available site for the school, which would become a focal point of the neighbourhood. He emphasised that the school would be an educational hub, providing play space and recreational facilities while protecting environmentally sensitive land. He stated that many other WRDSB schools are located on arterial roads and that safety issues can be addressed, particularly with the planned location to be set back on an interior road. He requested consideration of a final recommendation as soon as possible in 2015 in order that the proposed school can be open for the 2016 school year. Ms. Kristen Barisdale, GSP Group, gave a presentation in support of the proposed Zone Change Application and Grand River South Community Plan Amendment detailing the technical planning matters related to the proposal. She outlined the purpose of the application, the site context and background, the Official Plan designation, the applications and supporting studies, the key changes since the original submission, as well as the next steps moving forward. She presented two concepts for consideration of the Committee depicting the ultimate development of the site. She indicated that there are two parking lots proposed to address student drop off at the proposed school location. Mr. B. Sloan presented a 3D rendering of the site and described a cross section of the street offering a number of possibilities for pedestrian well-being. He responded to questions from the Committee advising the subject location is a challenging location for a school; however, he indicated it is likely the challenges can be managed by offering signalized crossing and crossing guards. He further indicated that through the zone change, Council could approve design guidelines that would provide for site plan matters such as drop off locations. Members emphasized the need for safety for students when crossing the major arterial roads of Fairway Road and Lackner Boulevard. Further concerns were expressed that the additional costs incurred by the City for crossing guards at new signalized crossings would have budgetary impacts even though they are located on Regional Roads. Staff agreed to investigate mechanisms for sharing the costs associated with crossing guards at the new signalized crossings with the Region of Waterloo and WRDSB. Mr. Dave Linnerth, Resident, attended in support of the Zone Change Application. He stated that the zone change would be an improvement, as it protects the natural environment and lowers the population density from the original 350 to 150 persons/jobs per hectare. He acknowledged concern for students having to cross a major road and pointed out that there is an existing catholic elementary school located on the same side of Fairway Road. He stated that the issue of a roundabout at the intersection should be examined to make sure that safety concerns are addressed in future; however, he stated that potential problems should not be a reason to prevent the construction of the school. He indicated that it is the responsibility of parents, Region of Waterloo, and WRDSB to work together to ensure student safety, and that it does not need to be part of the zoning application process. In addition, he noted that there are no other viable choices brought forward by the WRDSB for a location of the school and stated the City should have made it clear to the school board prior to purchasing the land that construction of a school may be not be permitted. Mr. Sean Henderson gave a presentation in opposition to the proposed Zone Change Application. Mr. Henderson expressed a number of concerns with the location of Fairway Road and Lackner Boulevard for a public school. He indicated traffic speed and the installation of a roundabout would pose threats to student safety while crossing. He suggested the completion of an assessment to determine the safest option for children and acknowledged that there are not enough schools in the area. He suggested that the WRDSB complete assessments to identify and deal with health, safety, and student accommodation concerns prior to approving any new plans for development. Dr. Jennifer Schnarr, Resident, addressed the Committee in support of the Application stating that currently neighbourhood children are bussed to 10 different schools. She indicated that the PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2014 -56- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-113 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/04/L/AP 3. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N. E. CORNER) - WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (CONT’D) school board has been promising residents a school in the neighbourhood since 2008 and expressed concern that it is unlikely that the public school will be open in 2016. She urged the Committee to invest in the future of the community which is currently underserviced and yet proposes higher density as development progresses. Ms. Margaret Johnson, Resident, addressed the Committee in support of the Zone Change Application to permit construction of Chicopee Hills Public School. She encouraged the Committee to approve the application and expressed concern that the area will remain underserviced if the review process has to restart. She urged the Committee and school board to work together to meet the needs of the community. Ms. Shannon Schust, Resident, addressed the Committee in support of the Zone Change Application stating that a school is the epicentre of the community. She encouraged the Committee to approve the application and to allow the construction of the school, acknowledging that there are challenges with the site which are not insurmountable and can be mitigated to the benefit of the community. Mr. Al Allendorf, Senior Planner, Lotco Development, addressed the Committee advising that Lotco has an interest in the subject land and has entered into an agreement with the WRDSB to develop the commercial portion of the 18 acres. He elaborated that Lotco is aware of the concepts for development of the site and indicated that the school site has increased from the size established in the agreement with the school board. He stated that Lotco has a concern that as the portion of land for the school increases the area available for commercial use decreases thereby limiting development potential. He requested that Lotco be circulated on information regarding the development application. On motion by Mayor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That the oral and written submissions received before and at the Statutory Public Meeting regarding the proposed Zone Change ZC14/04/L/AP and related Grand River South Community Plan Amendment, for lands at the northeast corner of Fairway Road North at Lackner Boulevard, be considered in the preparation of the final report and recommendation on the applications; and further, That following the December 8, 2014 Statutory Public Meeting on the proposed Zone Change ZC14/04/L/AP and related Community Plan Amendment, and following the review of final technical and supporting information, staff bring forward a final report and recommendation for consideration by Committee and Council.” ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator