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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1992-06-15PED\1992-06-15 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 15, 1992 The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:24 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Ziegler with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Aldermen B. Stortz, M. Yantzi, G. Leadston, C. Zehr, T. Galloway, G. Lorentz and C. Weylie. Alderman M. Wagner entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. McCabe, Mr. B. Liddle, Mr. D. Snow, Mr. K. Mayer, Ms. V. Gibaut, Ms. B. Newell, Mr. J. Wallace, Mr. P. Weatherup, Mr. L. Parkhouse, Mr. L. Masseo and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1.MINUTES Moved by Alderman G.L. Leadston Seconded by Alderman G. Lorentz That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee held May 25, 1992, and the Special Meeting held June 1, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted. Carried 2. CORRESPONDENCE Nil. 3. WATERLOO REGION AFFILIATE OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Mr. S. Klapman advised that Mssrs. J. Sweeney and P. Dietrich attended the meeting to provide details about the Habitat for Humanity organization and what it plans to do in Kitchener and that they intended to show a video that explains the organization's involvement in United States and Mexico. Mr. J. Sweeney advised that his purpose was to ask the City of Kitchener become a partner with Habitat for Humanity. He noted that different organizations partner with Habitat for Humanity in different ways and provide what assistance they are able to. Mr. Sweeney pointed out that Habitat has completed four homes in Kitchener, one of which was new and the remainder were renovations. He indicated that Habitat had begun in Georgia sixteen years ago and now had ten affiliates in Canada and that it operated on a simple principle that is to partner with a Iow income family which was unable to get into the housing market. Once the partnership was in place Habitat would work with that family and substitute sweat equity in place of the usual down payment for a home. In achieving this Habitat uses voluntary labour or labour at cost and searches out the lowest priced land available. In addition, no interest is charged on the mortgage which is made available through Habitat with the total result being that the Iow income family is faced with only Iow monthly payments. Mr. Sweeney advised that a strip of land has been made available to Habitat for Humanity that would allow for the construction of thirteen single family homes in Kitchener. In summary, Mr. Sweeney stated that the key of the exercise was to keep the final cost of homes as Iow as possible and noted that the organization actually does more than just build houses, in that they provide Iow income persons with the dignity of owning their own home with the objective of assisting families to break the cycle of poverty. Mr. Sweeney advised that he was asking for a partnership with the City and for the City to do what is necessary to keep the cost price of these homes as Iow as possible. Alderman M. Wagner entered the meeting at this point. Mr. T. McKay requested that an information letter that the City had received be distributed to the Committee. He noted that the letter outlines suggested ways in which the City could assist Habitat in this undertaking. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 203 - JUNE 15, 1992 3. WATERLOO REGION AFFILIATE OF HABITAT FOR HUMMANITY (CONT'D) A video was then shown to the Committee which explained the philosophy and methods of operation of Habitat for Humanity. Alderman C. Zehr stated that he was supportive of the City seeking ways to partner with Habitat for Humanity and challenged every member of Council to assist with the home that is to be constructed in July 1992. Mr. T. McKay advised that Management Committee had reviewed the five issues listed in the May 25, 1992 letter from Mr. Paul Dietrich and advised that staff could support items 2, 3 and 4 but suggested that items 1 and 5 be addressed at the political level. He noted that Habitat has applied for a Jimmy Carter workshop in 1993 and pointed out that this project would carry a positive exposure for the City of Kitchener as a result of its involvement. Further discussion took place and it was noted that Habitat plans to build its first house on its Daniel Avenue site in July, the second house during Oktoberfest and in July 1993 to hold a Jimmy Carter work camp to construct the remaining eleven houses. It was also pointed out that some 500 volunteers would be expected to participate in the project with approximately half of them being from the local community. Moved by Alderman C. Zehr Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That the City of Kitchener agrees in principal to partner with the Waterloo Region affiliate of Habitat for Humanity to seek ways to assist the organization to achieve its goal to build adequate housing for the needy at the lowest possible cost. And further, that staff of the Department of Planning and Development prepare a report in response to the 5 issues outlined in Mr. P. Dietrich's letter dated May 25, 1992 for submission to the meeting of either the Planning & Economic Development Committee on July 6, 1992 or City Council on July 13, 1992. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, June 22, 1992. 4. PD 56/92 - SPORTSWORLD DRIVE/HIGHWAY NO. 8 INTERCHANGE - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF GRAVEL EXTRACTION AND - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION RE PROCESSING - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION 92/9 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 921231SILM - MINISTRY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES/MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Staff Report PD 56/92 dated June 3, 1992 which requests endorsement of Gravel Extraction and also requests processing direction in respect to applications for official plan amendment and zone change on lands at the future interchange of Sportsworld Drive and Highway #8. It was noted in the report that the subject lands comprise an area of approximately fifty two hectares (128.5 acres) and are generally bounded by the Kitchener-Cambridge boundary to the east, the Grand River railway to the north, and the Highway #8 by-pass to the south and west. The history of earlier designation was explained in the report and it was suggested that at this point an official plan amendment would be a procedurally "clean" way of resolving an earlier objection and deferral to the official plan designation. Also noted in the report was the presence of the Freeport Esker which runs parallel to the Highway #8 by-pass and that this was an excellent source of sand and gravel for the construction of the Sportsworld Drive interchange. Mr. B. Stanley briefly explained the requests in the report and pointed out that staff had nothing further to add to the recommendation. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 204 - JUNE 15, 1992 4. PD 56/92 - SPORTSWORLD DRIVE/HIGHWAY NO. 8 INTERCHANGE - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF GRAVEL EXTRACTION AND - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION RE PROCESSING - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION 92/9 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 921231SILM - MINISTRY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES/MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION - SOUTH WARD (CONT'D) Mr. Brian Bateman, Planning Initiatives Ltd., appeared as a delegation and advised that his firm had been retained by the Ministries of Government Services and Transportation to resolve land uses respecting this property. He noted that it was proposed to commence construction in August 1992 that as part of the project a portion of an esker would be removed in the location planned for the Regional Water Tower installation. Mr. T. McKay advised the Committee that the City has been pushing for this Sportsworld Drive interchange access for a number of years. Alderman T. Galloway expressed concern at the urgency of having to make a decision on this request for endorsement of the removal of a portion of the esker ridge notwithstanding the fact that the Ministry could proceed with the extraction without the City's approval. In response to Alderman C. Zehr the Committee was advised that it was the neighbours from the Grand Hill Village area who raised objections with respect to the construction of the new Highway #8. Mr. L. Masseo advised that in future the abutting uses to the subject lands would likely be business park uses and that the Region was currently negotiating to purchase the lands for its water tower site. Alderman B. Stortz questioned why the City's endorsement was critical and Mr. B. Stanley advised that normally when applications were made for a wayside pit the City would be circulated for its comments. However, in this case, which involves just shifting aggregate the City was being asked for its endorsement. Alderman T. Galloway questioned who would benefit in this matter and it was pointed out that both Kitchener and Waterloo would benefit with respect to water service as the new water tower would provide the means for a two-way water flow between the municipalities. Alderman T. Galloway commented that if the esker was removed to utilize its aggregate the City would be losing an entrance feature and suggested that the short- term savings by not having to haul aggregate longer distances in order to construct the interchange were short-sighted. Alderman J. Ziegler agreed that the esker was an entrance feature that contained a significant stand of trees and that the matter should be investigated more thoroughly before any endorsement was given. No other delegations were registered with respect to this matter. Moved by Alderman C. Zehr Seconded by Mayor D.V. Cardillo That Official Plan Amendment Application 92~9 and Zone Change Application 92/23/S/LM (Ministry of Government Services/Ministry of Transportation - Part of Lots 8, 9, 13, 22 and 23, Beasley's Broken Front Concession) be accepted for processing with the clear understanding that processing in no way implies acceptance or rejection of these applications. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, June 22, 1992. Moved by Alderman C. Zehr Seconded by Mayor D.V. Cardillo That, Planning and Economic Development Committee endorse removal of a portion of the esker ridge in the immediate vicinity of Sportsworld Drive by the Ministry of Transportation for aggregate and earth borrow material to be used in construction of the Sportsworld Drive interchange. MOTION LOST ON TIE VOTE. Alderman J. Ziegler requested that his opposition to the motion be recorded. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 205 - JUNE 15, 1992 5.PD 50/92 - 3247 KING STREET EAST - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 91/28/K/JW (NASRALLA AND IBRAHIM) - CHICOPEE WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of a zone change application from Nasralla and Ibrahim with regard to lands known municipally as 3247 King Street East. The proposed zoning change is from Agricultural (A) to Semi-Restricted Residential (R2) with special regulations according to By-Law 48-30. In this regard the Committee considered staff report PD 50/92 dated May 25, 1992 and the proposed by- law dated May 25, 1992 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the subject lands are approximately 7610 square meters (81,916 square feet) in lot area and have a lot frontage of 40.08 meters (131.5 feet) along King Street East and that the applicant intends to rezone the subject lands to permit the development of a seven storey, seventy seven unit apartment building. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. For the record, Alderman J. Ziegler advised that he did not have a conflict of interest in respect to this property nor was he circulated under the application procedure. It was noted in the report that the proposed development of the subject lands requires site plan approval for which an application has not yet been submitted. However, a preliminary site plan was circulated with the department's preliminary circulation of the zone change and the purpose of this plan was to illustrate the approximate extent of the development. The preliminary plan has no status at this time. Measures were taken to respond to the comments of neighbours and these were discussed in the staff report particularly in respect to side yards. Mr. T. McCabe advised that staff had nothing further to add to the recommendation under consideration. He advised that this zone change was the seventh in a series of zone change applications considered along this section of King Street East. Mr. McCabe commented on the action with respect to site plan concerns of neighbouring property owners and how these had been addressed. Mr. R. Hardy appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant and illustrated concerns of the neighbouring property owners that resulted in the building being shifted in order to address those concerns. The Committee acknowledged the concerns expressed in a letter dated June 8, 1992 from Leslie Wheeler, 108 Cameo Drive. Mr. and Mrs. A. Gatterbauer, 3241 King Street East, appeared as a delegation in opposition to the zone change. It was stated that they could not have exits from adjoining multiple developments located so close to the exit from their property. They stated that their property drainage would be very negatively affected when the proposed building was built as there was a natural spring on their property and that their property would be lower and become a swamp. Mr. McCabe previously explained that the building had been located as far from the Gatterbauer property as possible subject to maintaining circulation around the building which was requested by the Fire Department. Mr. R. Hardy commented on the concerns raised in the letter from the Gatterbauers and pointed out that the secondary plan recognizes high density in this area and that the proposed development had attempted to accomodate tree preservation on the property as much as possible through siting of the building and driveways. He noted that it was the Fire Department that had requested a vehicular access loop around the building and that the applicant did recognize concerns in respect to water drainage from the Gatterbauer property. He stated that there were no immediate plans to proceed with building the structure. Further discussion took place in respect to shifting of the building and Mr. T. McCabe suggested that the Committee direct the department to consider shifting the entrance point. He did point out that the alterations in the preliminary plan that were made to date, were made to accomodate previously expressed concerns of the Gatterbauers. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 206 - JUNE 15, 1992 5.PD 50~92 - 3247 KING STREET EAST - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 91/28/K/JW (NASRALLA AND IBRAHIM) - CHICOPEE WARD (CONT'D) No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. The recommendations in the staff report were then considered and it was agreed to also consider the access/egress issue and the matter of drainage. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman M. Yantzi That Zone Change Application 91/28/K/JW (Nasralla and Ibrahim) requesting a change in zoning from Agricultural (A) to Semi-Restricted Residential (R2) with special regulations on Lot 16, Registered Plan 986, be approved, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law attached dated May 25, 1992, subject to the following conditions being satisfied prior to any readings of the amending zoning by- law by Council. 1.To arrange for notification by letter from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the City's Clerk, that all Regional requirements have been satisfied with respect to the proposed zone change. 2.The Owner acknowledges that Condition 1 hereof are required to be satisfied no later than seven (7) months from the day of Council having approved by resolution, the amending zoning by-law relative to Zone Change Application 91/28/K/JW. In the event these requirements are not fulfilled within the seven month period, Council shall consider rescinding their zone change approval. Further, that City planning staff be directed to explore locating the property's access/egress to King Street on the easterly side of the property at the Site Plan Stage. And further, that the matter of drainage onto neighbouring properties also be fully explored at the Site Plan Stage. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Approved Official Plan. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, June 22, 1992. 6. PD 61/92 - PRELIMINARY PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMMENTS ON TOWARDS 2021: SHAPING OUR REGIONAL VISION TOGETHER - A DISCUSSION PAPER - REGIONAL OFFICIAL POLICIES PLAN REVIEW The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 61/92 dated June 12, 1992 which outlines preliminary comments of Kitchener staff on the Regional Report "Towards 2021: Shaping our Regional Vision Together - A Discussion Paper". Members of the Committee previously received a copy of the Regional Report. Mr. Carleton Stewart, Manager of Development Planning, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, appeared as a delegation to present and comment on the Regional Municipality's Official Policy Plan Review Discussion Paper "Towards 2021: Shaping our Regional Vision Together". He pointed out that this was the first step of the review of the Regional Official Policies Plan by the Region. Mr. Stewart stated that his purpose was to explain the basis of the review which provided for: a comprehensive review, a conceptual approach and public involvement. With reference to the conceptual approach, he stated that this would include: a Regional vision to 2021, development strategies and draft policies. Mr. Stewart noted that the Regional Vision to 2021 was community based, its format was reader-friendly and provided for easy response to the document which has a tear-out section. He then proceeded to comment on aspects of each of the following three visions: PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 207 - JUNE 15, 1992 6. PD 61/92 - PRELIMINARY PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMMENTS ON TOWARDS 2021: SHAPING OUR REGIONAL VISION TOGETHER - A DISCUSSION PAPER - REGIONAL OFFICIAL POLICIES PLAN REVIEW (CONT'D) - Vision A: more community autonomy - Vision B: focus on urban lifestyle - Vision C: public and private ownership He pointed out that each of these visions should be evaluated against a common set of principles which have been grouped into the following four themes: A) work towards sustainable development B) improve quality of life C) better plan, manage and co-ordinate growth D) promote partnerships and citizen participation Mr. Stewart then itemized methods of public involvement which includes: public displays within the Region, cable television, group meetings, discussion with local and regional staff, public open houses and written responses. The Committee briefly discussed the report and Mr. T. McKay noted that the initial staff response from Kitchener was in the staff report. Mr. B. Stanley suggested that the Committee hold a meeting in mid-July to discuss this matter and possibly a further meeting in September and then formally respond to the Region. Mr. T. McKay referred to Visions A and B and pointed out that City Staff have calculated that growth to 2021 would be well within Kitchener's existing urban boundary. Moved by Alderman G. Lorentz Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That Kitchener Planning staff comments and conclusions on the discussion paper Towards 2021: Shaping Our Regional Vision Together be received for information. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held Monday, June 22, 1992. 7. PD 54/92 - 390 PROSPECT AVENUE - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 92/5/RM (BLAZE DEVELOPMENT) - CHICOPEE WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 54/92 dated May 27, 1992 pertaining to a demolition control application submitted by Blaze Development relative to the property known municipally as 390 Prospect Avenue. It was pointed out in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish a one-storey single family detached dwelling and framed shed in order to construct a semi-detached dwelling which is a permitted use within the R2B zoning. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. Moved by Mayor D.V. Cardillo Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That Demolition Control Application DC 92/5/RM (Blaze Development) requesting approval for the demolition of a 1 storey single detached dwelling and framed shed located at 390 Prospect Avenue, legally described as Part of Lot 1, Registered Plan 267 be approved subject to the following being included on the demolition permit: PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 208 - JUNE 15, 1992 7. PD 54/92 - 390 PROSPECT AVENUE - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 92/5/RM (BLAZE DEVELOPMENT) - CHICOPEE WARD (CONT'D) The Owner agrees to construct and substantially complete the site development not later than two years from the day on which the demolition of the existing single detached dwelling has begun. Upon failure to complete the approved site development within two years, the Clerk of the Municipality shall be entitled to enter on the Collector's Roll to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, the sum of $20,000 for each dwelling unit for which demolition permits have been issued and such sum shall, until payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, June 22, 1992. 8.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk