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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-09 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 9, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councillor P. Singh, Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, Y. Fernandes, B. Ioannidis, S. Marsh and D. Schnider. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Tyagi, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning J. Rehill, Fire Chief L. Tansley, Assistant City Solicitor B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range & Policy Planning A. Pinnell, Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator CSD-15-016 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC14/04/L/AP 1. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N.E. CORNER), WRDSB Councillor P. Singh advised that any recommendation from this meeting would be considered for ratification at a Special Council meeting immediately following the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-016, dated February 26, 2015 recommending approval of Zone Change Application ZC14/04/L/AP and the improved amendment of the Grand River South community plan to facilitate the development of Chicopee Hills Public School and mixed use zoning. Mr. B. Sloan presented the Report. Ms. Kristen Barisdale, GSP Group, gave a presentation outlining the proposed zone change and Community Plan Amendment. She advised that the proposed zone change to Mixed Use would allow the construction of a mixed-use development including commercial, residential and institutional uses. She presented three development concepts illustrating varied intensification options for the site and indicated that the Urban Design Study provides a conceptual master plan with general direction on how the site will develop overtime. Ms. Barisdale reviewed the technical considerations as part of Site Plan Approval and noted that each block or phase of the development would require detailed site design. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired if the projected opening date of September 2016 for the school would be met given the environmental and technical studies that are required. Ms. Barisdale indicated that significant work had been completed to date, such as the Environmental Impact Study which included a tree management plan and vegetation overview, which will be updated in concurrence with site plan approval. She added that she is confident the required studies can be completed in order to meet the proposed school opening date of September 2016. Mr. Dennis Cuomo, Manager of Planning, Waterloo District School Board (WDSB), addressed the Committee in support of the Zone Change Application and acknowledged the efforts of staff in working with the Board and consultants. He indicated that the approval of the Zone Change Application will permit the WDSB to proceed with the construction of the Chicopee Hills Public School and will be brought forward for the consideration of the WDSB Trustees on March 23, 2015. He stated that the consultants’ report to the Trustees would include a proposed construction schedule and the opening date of the school would be finalized as part of their consideration. He reiterated the importance of having the matter considered by Council this date in order that the Trustees have the final approval as part of the consultants’ report on March 23, 2015. Councillor B. Ioannidis expressed concern with potential parking constraints on the proposed school site and requested assurance that the student drop-off area would remain open in perpetuity. Mr. Cuomo acknowledged that it is unfortunate that school drop-offs are closed at times due to unsafe parent/vehicular behaviour. He advised that the ultimate decisions to close PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 9, 2015 -3- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-15-016 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC14/04/L/AP 1. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N.E. CORNER), WRDSB (CONT’D) drop-offs reside with the principals of the schools; however, the WDSB can work proactively with principals to make sure they make use of the facilities that have been constructed. He explained that the principals have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their students and indicated that the proposal includes separate parking and drop-off sites. He stated that the proposal represents an ideal option given the challenges of the site. Councillor D. Schnider expressed concern regarding pedestrian safety and inquired if the parents could be educated about the proper use of the drop-off facilities. Mr. Cuomo stated that the WDSB will try to educate and provide parents with resources through Active and Safe Routes to School to ensure more students walk to school and to ensure the drop-off facility is used appropriately. Councillor Schnider suggested that at the beginning of the school year staff could be at the drop-off facility directing parents how to properly use the area to reduce the likelihood of the facility being closed by the principal. Mr. Cuomo indicated that the Board would work proactively to give strategies to keep traffic and pedestrians moving in a safe manner. In response to questions regarding the Community Use of Schools program, Mr. Cuomo advised that Chicopee Public School would participate in the program and that any facilities not identified as being in use by the school are available for rent. With regard to timing of the approvals and the impact of a potential deferral of this item to the March 23, 2015 Council meeting, Mr. Cuomo advised that it is important to have final approval included in the Consultant’s report to the Trustees on March 23, 2015 with a proposed construction schedule. He further advised that some of the studies require seasonal monitoring and that as spring approaches every day is important. Mr. Chad Melitzer, Resident, addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposed location of Chicopee Hills Public School. He expressed concern with traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly during the peak hours of before and after school. He stated that the WDSB is aware of the traffic concerns and yet there has been no alternative location proposed for the public school. He indicated that through the planning process, the traffic concerns have been shifted to the City and the Region of Waterloo. He requested that the issues related to traffic and pedestrian movement be dealt with prior to development approvals and encouraged all groups to work together to ensure safety of the students. Mr. Sloan responded to questions from the Committee advising that input from the public has been incorporated into the zone change and related Urban Design Study. He explained that the comments of the public have been recognized through the removal of the gas station and carwash as permitted uses; building heights and limits; the internal roadway; the drop-off site and pedestrian circulation, as well as a number of other elements incorporated into the proposal. He noted that the natural environment is being protected and is designated Natural Heritage Conservation ensuring it will not be developed. With regard to the Urban Design Study, Mr. Pinnel acknowledged that the concepts are guidelines for future development and stated that the established streetscape will create a walkable neighbourhood with a sense of place. In response to questions regarding the internal road, Chief J. Rehill advised that the fire and emergency vehicle concerns will be addressed during site plan approval. Mr. M. May responded to further questions advising that there is an enforcement mechanism through the City that allows private citizens to issue tickets on private roads which can be explored relative to this development. On motion by Councillor D. Schnider, the recommendation within Report CSD-15-016 was brought forward for consideration. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 9, 2015 -4- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-15-016 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC14/04/L/AP - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N.E. CORNER), WRDSB (CONT’D) Councillor Y. Fernandes indicated that she would like to amend Clause ‘E’ of the recommendation to include signage with amber flashers for motorists to be prepared to stop on the approach to the intersection at Fairway Road and Lackner Boulevard. Councillor Schnider agreed to modify his motion to include the amendment to Clause ‘E’. Carried Unanimously The following motion was then voted on and was on a recorded vote by all members present. On motion by Councillor D. Schnider - it was resolved: “A. That Zone Change Application ZC14/04/L/AP (Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd; Waterloo Region District School Board) for the purpose of changing the zoning from Neighbourhood Shopping Centre (C-2) and Residential Nine (R-9) with special provisions 1R, 176R and 10HSR to Mixed Use (MU-2) with special provisions 1R, 443U, 662R, 74H and revised 10HSR, Open Space (P-2) and Hazard Land (P-3) on the lands specified on the attached Map Nos. 1 and 2, in the form shown in the th “Proposed By-law” dated March 9, 2015 attached to Community Services Department report CSD-15-016 as Appendix ‘B’, be approved; and, B. That the Grand River South Community Plan be amended as follows: i) Delete Policies 5.6 and 6.1 and renumber the remaining policies accordingly; ii) Remove the word ‘Service’ from Policy 6.2; iii) Add new Section 15.0 Mixed Use with the following new Policy: 15.1 That a Mixed Use site be located at the northeast corner of Fairway Road and Lackner Boulevard. This site is within a Node and is expected to function as a community-scale focal point. In that regard, a mixture of transit- supportive uses is intended and shall be designed to be transit-and pedestrian-oriented. The emphasis is on creating a walkable, neighbourhood unit internal to the site, but with enhanced connections for all modes of travel to the surrounding area. Retail and other neighbourhood-scale, pedestrian- oriented commercial uses are important for the planned function of the site, especially a mid-size food store or components thereof. Primarily auto- oriented uses may not be appropriate for this site. Multiple dwellings are the only type of residential use permitted and mixed use buildings are strongly encouraged. The minimum density to be achieved using a ‘phased approach’ over the long-term is 150 residents and jobs per hectare with a Floor Space Ratio of 1.0. Full build-out of the site may require confirmation of adequate sanitary sewer infrastructure. The built form may be organized on the site in accordance with an approved Urban Design Study. Building heights may be influenced by airport regulations, shadow studies and angular plane analysis. Buildings may be required to have pedestrian-scale podiums, building stepbacks, façade height regulations or other regulations to ensure a pedestrian-oriented design internal to the site. In this instance, an elementary school located internal to the site may be permitted. iv) That Land Use Plan Schedule 1 be amended, as shown on Schedule ‘A’ attached to Report CSD-15-016 as Appendix ‘C’, to: a. Redesignate the lands at the northeast corner of Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd from Neighbourhood Commercial and High Rise Multiple Residential to Mixed Use and Open Space; PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 9, 2015 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-15-016 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC14/04/L/AP 1. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N.E. CORNER), WRDSB (CONT’D) b. Relocate the “E” Elementary School Site symbol from the institutional lands near the Grand River to the lands at the northeast corner of Fairway Rd./Lackner Blvd; c. Redesignate the Neighbourhood Institutional site that is closest to the Grand River as Low Density Residential; and, C. That staff initiate a review to comprehensively revise or repeal the Grand River South Community Plan since the Grand River South Community is planned and substantially developed and a new Official Plan has been adopted; and, D. That the Urban Design Study for the northeast corner of Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd, dated January 2015, attached to Report CSD-15-016 as Appendix ‘D’, be approved and provide the basis for future site plan design. Minor changes to the Urban Design Study (i.e. internal site walkway or parking design, minor shifting of buildings, entrance/gateway design, clarification of design principles/guidelines, etc) will be to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and major changes (i.e. significant changes to building form especially along the internal road, changes to the school drop-off areas, major changes in building height, etc) will be to the satisfaction of Council; and, E. That in support of our collective Pedestrian Charters, Active Transportation Plans, and Safe and Active Routes to School program, Regional Council and staff be requested to work with the City of Kitchener and Waterloo Region District School Board to: i) install an Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS), a pedestrian refuge island and provide a minimum 15 metre separation between the traffic signal and the vehicle stop bar from the intersection of Lackner Blvd. and Corfield Rd. to coincide with the opening date of any school at Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd; ii) consider a pedestrian activated signal or other suitable or comparable traffic control device at the intersection of Fairway Rd and Pebblecreek Dr/Upper Mercer St; iii) consider, in any future intersection design and work at Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd, treatments that give some priority to pedestrians including alternate crosswalk locations, and/or enhanced pedestrian signage, pedestrian activated signals, prepare to stop at traffic signals ahead sign (with amber flashers), and/or vehicle stop-bar/yield markings that are a minimum of 5-15 metres from a crosswalk; and, F. That a Community Trail/Primary Walk Link from Country Clair Street to the site at the northeast corner of the Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd (which would also connect to the future Idlewood Cr trail) be added to the City’s Capital Budget Forecast (utilizing Development Charges funding) for design options and related study in 2016 and construction and any mitigation to coincide with the opening date of any school at Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd; and, G. That the landowner of the northeast corner of Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd complete all recommendations from the technical studies submitted and amended as part of application ZC14/04/L/AP including finalizing water management requirements Preliminary Servicing and Stormwater Management Report, Stantec related to the Consulting Ltd Fairway Road/Lackner Boulevard Environmental Impact and the Study, Stantec Consulting Ltd. which contains recommendations from the Region’s Ecological & Environmental Advisory Committee and requires an updated environmental inventory prior site plan approval; and further, PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 9, 2015 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-15-016 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC14/04/L/AP 1. - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT - FAIRWAY ROAD NORTH AT LACKNER BOULEVARD (N.E. CORNER), WRDSB (CONT’D) H. That the City of Kitchener and Waterloo Region District School Board formally pursue shared facility discussions for the community to utilize space within and/or on any school site at the northeast corner of Fairway Rd/Lackner Blvd for programming and events.” ADJOURNMENT 2. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator