Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSI Minutes - 2017-12-04 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 4:46 p.m. Present: Councillor P. Singh, Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh and D. Schnider. Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer L. MacDonald, Interim Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services & Director, Legal Services/City Solicitor M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services J. Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services C. Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range & Policy Planning K. Anderl, Senior Planner T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner D. Edwards, Senior Planner G. Stevenson, Planner A. Clark, Urban Design Specialist J. Rodrigues, Committee Administrator Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought forward by Councillor S. Marsh to discuss Item 1, which was voted on and Carried. 1.CSD-17-105 - PARTS - MIDTOWN PLAN - GLASGOW STREET/STRANGE STREET FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS - DEFERRED FROM THE OCTOBER 16, 2017 COUNCIL MEETING The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-105, dated November 20, 2017 recommending that any of the conceptual future street connections shown in the PARTS: Midtown Plan shall not hinder the ability of AirBoss (101 Glasgow Street) to continue to operate and expand, and that for the lands bound by Glasgow Street, Strange Street, the rail line and Iron Horse Trail, any future street connections, and any park space will be considered only at the time a property is redeveloped. Mr. Michael Brisson addressed the Committee with concerns regarding the Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) process, indicating he recognizes the Committee cannot disregard the major property owner interests in the process but requested the Committee focus more attention on feedback provided by the multiple small property owners. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: ”That notwithstanding the PARTS: Midtown Plan, any of the conceptual future street connections shown in the plan shall not hinder the ability of AirBoss (101 Glasgow Street) to continue to operate and expand their industrial facility at any time. Only at such time as 101 Glasgow Street is ever proposed to have a different use of the property, a potential private or public transportation connection to Elm Street be explored with the landowner at that time; and further, That for the lands bounded by Glasgow Street, Strange Street, the rail line and Iron Horse Trail, any future street connections – whether private road, private driveway or public road; and any park space – whether private or public; shown on the maps contained in the PARTS: Midtown Plan are conceptual, long-term possibilities that would only be considered at the time a property is redeveloped and a landowner at that time may provide justification of an alternate way to achieve these particular PARTS: Midtown Plan objectives, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD- 17-105.” PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 -36- CITY OF KITCHENER 2.CSD-17-097 - TALL BUILDING URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-097, dated November 10, 2017 recommending approval of the Tall Building Urban Design Guidelines, as attached to Report CSD-17-097 as Appendix A. Ms. D. Edwards and Mr. A. Clark presented the Report and responded to questions from the Committee. Ms. Michelle Tremblay-Cusson addressed the Committee on behalf of Kitchener residents in support of the Tall Build Urban Design Guidelines. She advised she was seeking to better understand who determines if a new development proposal conforms to the guidelines and what height the building should be to suit an existing neighbourhood. She stated the neighbourhood residential community has concerns with the proposed height of the building development at Courtland Avenue and Block Line Road. She further suggested the addition of an angular plane measurement in the guidelines, advising other municipalities’ guidelines make reference to a 45-degree angular plane as an appropriate measure to assist in providing a transition from tall buildings down to lower-scale areas, such as residential buildings. She advised sun, shadow and wind studies will also be an important consideration with new proposed developments, noting the Wilson Place Towers near Fairview Park Mall are an example of tall buildings that created a wind tunnel effect that is unsafe to residents. She indicated the potential impact on privacy and daylight on public lands and neighbouring properties is also a significant when reviewing new development proposals. She further expressed the importance of tall buildings suiting the existing planned context and that new development is thoughtfully integrated into the diversity and character of the surrounding community. Mr. Roger Suffling addressed the Committee on behalf of Grand River Environmental Network, Waterloo Region Nature, and FLAP Canada with regard to bird mortality due to bird-strike issues with tall buildings. He advised they are broadly in favour of the guidelines and the degree of public consultation. He indicated the two main reasons for bird mortality in urban areas in Canada, being day-time bird strikes from ground level to tree-top level as a result of transparent glass, and night-time bird strikes during migration season as a result of excessive lighting. He provided six remaining concerns with the guidelines, noting anything that can be integrated in the initial building design to avoid excessive lighting would be helpful to mitigating bird mortality. He offered to discuss with staff ways to help raise awareness around bird-strike issues among developers, building managers, and the general public that have an interest in, or reside in, tall buildings. The following motion was voted on and was Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis- it was resolved: “That the Tall Building Urban Design Guidelines, attached as Appendix A to Community Services Department report CSD-17-097, be approved; and further, That the Tall Building Design Guidelines be added into the City’s Urban Design Manual and Tall Building Statement of Expectations be removed from the City’s Urban Design Manual, upon approval.” 3.CSD-17-100 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) - ROCKWAY PLAN Councillor P. Singh declared a pecuniary interest as he and members of his family own property within the Rockway Station Area; accordingly, he did not participate in any discussion or voting, and excused himself from the chair. Councillor B. Ioannidis assumed the chair. The Committee was in receipt this date of a revised staff recommendation. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-100, dated November 15, 2017 recommending approval of the Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 -37- CITY OF KITCHENER 3.CSD-17-100 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) - ROCKWAY PLAN (CONT’D) (PARTS) Rockway Plan; that staff prepare the appropriate amendments and related urban design guidelines to implement the PARTS Rockway Plan; and, that the relevant technical and implementation recommendations identified in the PARTS Rockway Plan be prioritized as part of a future business plan. Ms. T. Malone-Wright was in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. Mr. Craig Lametti, Urban Strategics Inc., presented the Report. He noted the Report focuses on the Rockway Station Area Plan, which is part of the third phase of PARTS. He provided background on the Rockway Station Area, stating some defining characteristics include: it is the largest station area studied at 210 hectres; it encapsulates two stops, Borden Street and Mill Street; has a tremendous amount of living and working spaces; and, a low population density with this level of transit access. He provided an overview of the steps in the extensive public consultation and engagement process, which included: Public Information Centres to identify issues and opportunities within the station area and evaluate alternatives; workshops and an open house with key stakeholders for comments; and, a Public Information Centre to review the draft plan. He noted the vision for the Rockway Plan is centered on maintaining a balance between a work and live environment. He provided an overview of three key themes in the PARTS Rockway Plan, including: build form and land use; mobility; and, public realm. He stated build form and land use has the highest number of key directions, with areas of focus including: growth, change and intensification, and the conservation and protection of stable neighbourhoods. He advised ‘facilitating the reurbanization of the former Schneiders’ site is one of the major key directions in build form and land use. He noted the second focus area, mobility, involves introducing a fine-grained street and block network to break up large sites, extending the Iron Horse Trail network, transforming Kent Avenue into a complete street, and improving the pedestrian and cycling conditions. He further advised the final focus area is public realm, noting important key directions involve the ecological restoration of Schneider Creek and Shoemaker Creek, the new development of park and plaza spaces, opportunities for green infrastructure, and the introduction of streetscape improvements. Mr. Lametti advised the outcomes of the key directions and strategies are captured in a preferred land use plan that will be implemented over time with an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment. Ms. Malone-Wright reviewed the revised staff recommendation with Council and explained the rationale behind the changes. Mr. Glenn Scheels, GSP Planning Inc., addressed the Committee with regard to the parkland dedication fee outlined in the Plan. He advised this requirement will be a significant burden for new redevelopment projects given there are already high costs associated with the site demolition, clean-up and new infrastructure in an established neighbourhood. He suggested a comprehensive strategy needs to be established for this area that will not hinder development. Mr. Mike Puopolo, Polocorp Inc., addressed the Committee in support of the PARTS Rockway Plan, noting he is representing Polocorp Inc. interest as landowners who own approximately 2 acres of land close to the Mill ION stop. He advised he consulted with staff, who addressed his concerns with the Plan. Mr. Michael Brisson addressed the Committee expressing concerns with the PARTS process, noting he believes the feedback provided by residential homeowners could be taken into better consideration. In response to questions, Mr. Lametti advised transit investments can create a challenge in providing affordable housing and ensuring it remains affordable. He stated a provision in the Plan recommends a 20 percent affordable housing allocation with development that aims to maintain affordability within this station area. He indicated this allocation could be implemented through a number of mechanisms, which will be outlined in greater detail in the secondary plan. Ms. Malone-Wright further advised a policy recommendation is included in the Plan to incorporate policies to require a minimum amount of affordable housing near the Borden Street and Mill Street ION stops, noting a minor amount of intensification will be allowed in stable neighbourhoods. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 -38- CITY OF KITCHENER 3.CSD-17-100 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) - ROCKWAY PLAN (CONT’D) Mr. Lametti responded to questions from the Committee regarding addressing ways the Plan could rectify the lack of public open space in the Rockway station area. He advised this has been identified in the Plan as a challenge, noting a number of key directions are based around tools to rebalance the need to increase parkland and open space over time, with opportunities for new public spaces also being addressed. In response to questions, Ms. Malone-Wright advised the Plan is going to be implemented through a new secondary plan in the Official Plan, adding the secondary plans are reviewed every five years. The following motion was voted on and Carried on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors J. Gazzola, S. Marsh, D. Schneider, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway- Sealock, F. Etherington voting in favour; and S. Davey and B. Ioannidis voting in opposition. Councillor P. Singh did not participate in voting due to his declaration. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That the PARTS Rockway Plan, attached as Appendix A to Community Services Department report CSD-17-100, be approved, subject to the following revisions: That the Shared Parking (proposed) Icon shown on the Mobility Map on page 47 be removed and the Legend updated accordingly to remove reference to Shared Parking (proposed); and That the Preferred Land Use Plan on page 65 be amended to revise the proposed land use identification for the properties at 531, 541 and 543 Mill Street from Innovation Employment to Mixed-Use High Density. That staff prepare the appropriate Official Plan Amendment (i.e. incorporate an updated Secondary Plan), the corresponding Zoning By-law Amendment and related urban design guidelines, which will include additional public engagement and consultation, to implement the PARTS Rockway Plan; and further, That the mobility, public realm or any relevant technical and implementation recommendations identified in the PARTS Rockway Plan be prioritized as a part of future business plan, work plan and budget processes.” 4.CSD-17-102 - PERFORMANCE SECURITIES POLICY REVIEW The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-102, dated November 14, 2017 recommending approval of the revised Council Policy I-1080 – Performance Securities, as provided in Appendix A. It was noted that due to the time constraints any discussion regarding this item should be deferred to a future Committee meeting. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - it was resolved: “That the consideration of the following motion be deferred to the January 8, 2018 Planning and Strategic Initiatives meeting: “That the revised Council Policy I-1080 - Performance Securities, as provided in Appendix A of Community Services Department report CSD-17-102, be approved.” The Committee recessed at 7:14 p.m. and reconvened at 7:54 p.m., Chaired by Councillor P. Singh with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors Z. Janecki, and J. Gazzola absent. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 -39- CITY OF KITCHENER 5.CSD-17-093 - DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION - 30T-17201 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC17/004/H/GS - 731 HURON ROAD, HURON GARDENS INC. Councillor P. Singh advised 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. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-093, dated November 7, 2017 recommending approval of Draft Plan of Subdivision - 30T-17201 for Huron Gardens Inc., and approval of the proposed Zone Change Application ZC17/004/H/GS for 731 Huron Road for the purpose of changing the Zoning from Residential Three Zone (R-3) with Holding Provision 17HSR to Residential Six Zone (R-6), and Public Park Zone (P-1) with site specific special provisions. Mr. G. Stevenson presented the Report and responded to questions from the Committee. Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Z. Janecki, and J. Gazzola entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Brandon Flewwelling, GSP Group, addressed the Committee on behalf of the property owner Huron Gardens Inc. He provided the Committee with key features of the Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change Application, which includes 18 street fronting townhouses, a public park, and a multiple dwelling block with stacked townhouses. He advised grading on the multiple block along Huron Road is being proposed to allow for barrier-free, accessible units on the main floor, where the driveway and the front entrance are the same level. He further indicated they held a pre-consultation meeting with staff to begin the site plan control process, noting these lands have always been planned for development and this is the last area for development in the neighbourhood. In response to questions, Mr. Flewwelling advised the houses fronting on Maitland Street will be approximately half a meter taller than the existing homes in the subdivision once the grading operation has been completed. In response to questions, Mr. Stevenson indicated the proposed draft plan of subdivision includes a landscape wall along Huron Road, advising there will be pedestrian access only from Huron Road with and vehicle access from Rochefort Street. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock requested staff to consider a play structure on the public park block and the addition of a protective barrier on the parkland as a safeguard from the high- speed traffic on Huron Road. In response, Mr. Stevenson advised the builder is required to design, fund, and build the park which is subject to staff’s approval and agreed to share Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock’s comments with staff. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway-Seaklock - it was resolved: “That the City of Kitchener, pursuant to Section 51 (31) of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P 13 as amended, and delegation by-law 2002-64, grant draft approval to Plan of Subdivision Application 30T-17201 in the City of Kitchener, for Huron Gardens Inc., subject to the conditions attached to Community Services Department report CSD-17-093 as Appendix ‘A’; and further, That Zone Change Application ZC17/004/H/GS for Huron Gardens Inc. for the purpose of changing the zoning from Residential Three Zone (R-3) with Holding Provision 17HSR to Residential Six Zone (R-6), and Public Park Zone (P-1) with site specific special provisions be approved in the form shown in the “Proposed By-law” dated October 25, 2017 attached to Report CSD-17-093 as Appendix ‘B’.” PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2017 -40- CITY OF KITCHENER 6.CSD-17-096 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION – ZC17/007/Q/KA - 588& 600 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - DANBLO HOLDINGS INC. AND SYSTEM TUNE INC. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-17-096, dated November 1, 2017 recommending draft approval of the proposed Zone Change Application ZC17/007/Q/KA, requesting changing the zoning from Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-2) and Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-1) with Special Regulation, Special Use and Holding Provisions to Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-2) with revised Special Regulation Provision 450R, Holding Provision 53H, and Property Detail Schedule 42. Ms. K. Anderl presented the Report and responded to questions from the Committee. Mr. Greg Romanick, Stantec Consulting Ltd., addressed the Committee on behalf of the property owner of 588 & 600 Queen Street South in support of staff’s recommendation. He advised the zone change is appropriate for the subject property for a number of reasons, including: redevelopment opportunities to Mixed-Use with commercial and residential units, the proposed changes conform to and implement Provincial, Regional, and City policy and has been supported by technical studies that have been approved by the relevant agencies. He further stated the subject land is 800 meters walking distance to downtown Kitchener, the LRT line, and the Queen Street station and the Iron Horse Trail provides residents with cycling and walking opportunities. Mr. Josh Bedard, ABA Architects Inc., advised two commercial units will be located at the ground level of an 11-storey apartment tower. He indicated staggered windows have been incorporated into the apartment design to avoid a direct view into apartment units. He further stated dedicated parkland is located at the back of the subject property and noted parking access is only off of Queen Street. Mr. M. Jauni, owner of the business at 588 Queen Street, addressed the Committee in support of the recommendation as outlined in Report CSD-17-096, noting he believes a restaurant would be a good use for the proposed commercial space. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: “That Zoning By-law Amendment ZC17/017/Q/KA (Danblo Holdings Inc. and System Tune Inc.) for the purpose of changing the zoning from Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-2) and Low Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-1) with Special Regulation, Special Use and Holding Provisions to Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor Zone (MU-2) with revised Special Regulation Provision 450R, Holding Provision 53H, and Property Detail Schedule 42, be approved in the form shown in the “Proposed By- law” dated October 31, 2017, attached to Community Services Department report CSD- 17-096 as Appendix ‘A’.” 7.ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. J. Rodrigues Committee Administrator