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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1998-12-07PED\1998-12-07 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:57 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Haalboom, T. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, Jake Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Taylor-Harrison, J. Ziegler and M. Yantzi. Officials present: Ms. C. Ladd, S. Frenette and Messrs. J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, J. Witmer, R. Mattice, D. Mansell, D. Currie and L. W. Neil. 1. BPS 98/147 - 14 & 18 ST. GEORGE STREET DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 98/12/S/RM BENTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH - ROCKWAY-VICTORIA WARD The Committee was in receipt of staff report BPS 98/147 dated December 1, 1998 dealing with a demolition control application submitted by Benton Street Baptist Church with respect to the properties known municipally as 14 & 18 St. George Street. It was noted in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish 2 single detached dwellings which will allow for the future construction of a proposed senior's apartment containing 58 units within the block bounded by St. George, Church, Queen and Benton Streets. It was stated in the report that both properties are located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan and are as a result, designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Heritage Kitchener (LACAC) considered the demolition request at its November 13th meeting and recommended that the properties be recorded to a standard acceptable to the City's Heritage Planner while approving the demolition request, with such approval being ratified by Council on November 30th. Ms. C. Ladd advised that she had nothing further to add to the report under consideration. However, she did note that a concurrent site plan application has been submitted for the first phase of the project and was under consideration. Messrs. Glen Woolner, Tim Schaner and Don Gosen were in attendance only to answer any questions of the Committee respecting this matter and indicated that they did not wish to make a presentation. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi- It was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 98/12/S/RM (Benton Street Baptist Church) requesting approval for the demolition of two single detached dwellings located at 14 & 18 St. George Streets, legally described as Part of Lot 36, Registered Plan 393, be approved." Councillor M. Yantzi indicated that there was a necessity for the demolitions to proceed as quickly as possible and requested that the Committee resolution be referred to the Special Council meeting to be held following this meeting in order that the resolution be ratified by City Council. It was noted that a motion would have to be introduced at the Special Council meeting that would seek authorization to add the matter to the Special Council agenda based on an urgent need as defined in Chapter 25 - Council Procedure of the Municipal Code. BPS 98/144 - TERMS OF REFERENCE - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of staff report BPS 98/144 dated December 3, 1998. The report deals with Terms of Reference for a new Economic Development Advisory Committee that would replace the Business and Industry Advisory Committee and the Adaptive Reuse Committee. Mr. T. McCabe provided background regarding the existing committees and the recommendation that the new committee replace both BIAC and ARC. He noted that the Committee mandate would be to provide advice to City Council and on the City's Economic BPS 98/144 - TERMS OF REFERENCE - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONT'D) PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 195 - CITY OF KITCHENER Development functions. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. T. McCabe indicated that the nominating committee approach would be utilized only in the initial appointment process of the new committee. It was also understood that City Council would be made aware of all applications received by staff for appointment to the new committee. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the membership composition of the committee and questioned how the Adaptive Reuse undertakings would be represented within the committee and how responsibility for the function would be addressed. Mr. T. McCabe advised that it was hoped that a representative of the consulting industry would have the desired Adaptive Reuse experience. Further, he pointed out that the Committee responsibility would include full responsibility for bringing forward new sites to City Council for its consideration. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler- It was resolved: That Policy Nos. 1-59 and 1-67 from City Council's Policy Manual be rescinded and be replaced by the Terms of Reference for the new Economic Development Advisory Committee attached as Appendix 'A' to Staff Report BPS 98-144 and outlined below: APPENDIX 'A' ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.0 Purpose and Scope The primary purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to guide and advise Council and the Economic Development function of the City of Kitchener in the development and on-going implementation of economic development, strategic planning. This Committee may report directly to Council or to the Planning and Economic Development Committee. 2.0Membership & Or.qanization a) Owner Mayor Ex Officio Two (2) Members of City Council One (1) Representative from each of the following Business Sectors: High Tech Manufacturing Marketing Financial (Banking) Downtown Retail Business Downtown Office Consultant Industry Convention/Tourism Industry Major Retail (Outside of Downtown) Housing Development (single-family & multiple housing projects) Two (2) Representatives from ICI Realtors b) Members will serve for an initial term of two (2) years with Committee membership being extended to a term of three (3) years starting in 2001, following the inauguration of each new Council. c) The Committee shall, from amongst its members, annually choose a Committee Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson, of which neither can be a member of Council. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 2. BPS 98/144 - 196 - CITY OF KITCHENER - TERMS OF REFERENCE - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONT'D) d) Minutes will be kept of each meeting with secretarial services provided by the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of Business and Planning Services. Minutes will be regularly distributed to all of Council and Management Committee members. e) Meetings will be held monthly, as required, and with any special additional meetings called by the Committee Chair. f) Quorum shall consist of seven (7) committee members. g) Members of the committee shall be required to attend a minimum of 9 meetings per year or 75% of yearly meetings. If a member does not meet this requirement, the committee has the right to abdicate the member's right to sit on this committee. The Committee representatives may choose to form a sub-committee to act as a resource to the Committee to address specific issues. This sub-committee shall be approved by the Committee prior to its formation. 3.0 Responsibilities a) To guide and advise Council and staff in the development and implementation of an economic development strategic plan, including both long-term and short-term objectives. To identify emerging economic conditions/new trends/niche markets that will assist in shaping the strategic plan for both the Economic Development Division and the Department of Business and Planning Services. To act as a sounding board in analyzing pros and cons of proposed City actions on both new policy matters and specific applications, assisting in issue resolution and advocate for innovation and change in the way we conduct our business and relate to the business community. To recommend changes to the City's policies and procedures in order to continue to improve the economic development climate. To act as a resource, available to assist City staff in hosting incoming missions/dignitaries as well as provide a positive emissary/ambassador role in the business community, local and outside the City. To advise on the effectiveness of business facilitation program. To monitor and maintain the effectiveness of the City's Adaptive Reuse Program and recommend to Council new initiatives/policies for adaptive reuse in consideration of existing infrastructure and existing inventory of buildings and how new trends will impact on these. To review and comment on the City's Capital and Operating Budgets, during the Budget review process, including that of the Economic Development function. To guide and advise the Economic Development Division in its annual work program; allocation of resources and prioritisation of initiatives. To advise and guide the Economic Development Division in its marketing plan and initiatives (i.e. trade shows, web page, newsletters, events, market research information, publications, best practices from across North America, etc.). PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 197 - CITY OF KITCHENER BPS 98/144 TERMS OF REFERENCE - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONT'D) To assist and advise Council and the Economic Development Division with economic partnerships such as: Cebu, CTT Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Business Enterprise Centre, other municipalities, and the Province. To propose programs for the enhancement of the image of the community and the development of other amenities and services related to economic development. That the City Clerk be instructed to advertise for applicants for this new Committee, with an application deadline of January 8, 1999. That all applications in response to this ad, together with applications previously made in November, 1998, for the previous BIAC and ARC Committees, be forwarded to a Nominating Committee composed of Councillors C. Weylie and M.Yantzi, Tim McCabe, Sybil Frenette and Jane Jantzi, for consideration and a report on recommended nominations to Council Caucus for its January 25, 1999 meeting." BPS 98/146 INNER CITY HOUSING MARKET STUDY - PRESENTATION BY PROFESSORS PIERRE PHILION AND TRUDI BUNTING, AND CITY STAFF The Committee was in receipt of Staff Report BPS 98/146 dated December 2, 1998 dealing with the Inner City Housing Market Study Final Report which was attached and comprises two volumes the first of which contains recommendations and the second containing background data. It was noted in BPS 98/146 that the Inner City Housing Market Study examines the market for the development, conversion and renovation of housing in Kitchener's inner city area and investigates the factors that impede the construction of new housing in the core and surrounding neighbourhoods. The origins of the study stem from initiatives recommended in the Mayor's Task Force on Downtown Revitalization which identified the need to understand the market for inner city housing in order to attract residential investment. Ms. S. Frenette introduced the issue noting the origins of the report and commenting on the partnership entered into with the University of Waterloo to carry out the necessary research and develop the report. She commented on the method of how the study was undertaken which included literature review, telephone survey, focus groups, interviews with developers and analysis of census data. Ms. Frenette noted that the presentation this date would be broken into sections and at this point introduced members of the study team being: herself, Mr. Randy Mattice, Mr. Dan Currie, Research Co-ordinator, Professor Pierre Philion, School of Urban and Regional Planning of the University of Waterloo and Professor Trudi Bunting, School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Waterloo. Professor Trudi Bunting made a presentation dealing with research findings and an overview of issues in this regard. She noted that inner city neighbourhoods were stable demographically and acknowledged that while there were problems involving retail decline and abandoned industrial buildings, neither were unique to the City of Kitchener. She recommended that the City's approach be to build on the strengths of neighbourhoods by for example encouraging the provision of more housing in the core area. She made reference to the telephone survey noting that half the responses were sought from inner city areas while the remaining half were sought from outside of the inner city core. Statistical data was gathered on many items including the desirability of living in the inner city and preferences as to housing choice by age group. It was her view that overall the market for inner city housing was relatively soft for different reasons and she described the attraction of various age groups to defined segments of the housing market. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 198 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. BPS 98/146 (CONT'D) INNER CITY HOUSING MARKET STUDY - PRESENTATION BY PROFESSORS PIERRE PHILION AND TRUDI BUNTING, AND CITY STAFF At this point, Ms. S. Frenette took the Committee through the summary of recommendations listed on pages 4, 5 and 6 of the Final Report and provided remarks highlighting significance of a number of the recommendations. In summary, she strongly recommended building upon the advantages of the Iocational aspect of inner city living and recommended improvements be undertaken to support the residential environment within the inner city. Councillor J. Haalboom asked for clarification of reference made about the security of housing forms within the inner city and Ms. Frenette advised that the security was vested in the provisions of the secondary plan which promote stability of neighbourhoods. Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison commented that the City needs to do a better job marketing the advantages of the downtown area. Councillor B. Vrbanovic made remarks as to an initiative to work with land owners who might have potential housing for students and actively encourage owners of such properties to register their rental property with the Universities. Councillor B. Vrbanovic mentioned the Ambassadors program and commented that more than volunteers were needed. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned what analysis if any was done to appreciate the actual costs of downtown housing developments in comparison to the actual cost of developing housing in green field situations. Professor Philion commented that the issue Councillor Yantzi referred to was not clear cut and that each potential site has special features that relate to ultimate cost. He did point out that the issue related to one of familiarity and comfort level in that developers traditionally have been more comfortable developing green field sites than pursuing developments in the downtown which require a different approach to achieve development. Mayor C. Zehr commented on the framework to achieve economic development in the downtown noting that retail and service businesses would follow additional residential development. Councillor J. Haalboom referred to the issue of developers choosing green field over inner city sites and recommended that an effort be made to target smaller builders to take on inner city housing projects given the tendency of larger builder / developers to ignore such opportunity in the core. She asked that staff make a special effort in this regard. Further, she questioned if there was any way for the City to be more pro-active with enforcement of Property Standards regulations and Ms. S. Frenette concurred that enforcement of Property Standards By-law was critical to change attitudes about housing and living in the core. Councillor M. Yantzi commented that Council and staff should reflect on policies respecting transition zones as well as question the real necessity to undertake road widenings since setback requirements then come into play which alter the character of neighbourhoods by changing the streetscapes. Further, he suggested that a more critical look be taken at the issue of highrise zoning. Ms. S. Frenette concurred that there was a need to re-visit the thinking relating to transition zones. Councillor K-Taylor-Harrison also pointed out that the inner city was often faced with infrastructure problems and as an example referred to deteriorated conditions of sidewalks and roadways. On motion by Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison - It was resolved: " That Council accept the recommendations contained in the Inner City Housing Market Study Final Report, dated July 1998, which are outlined hereunder: Understanding the Market for Inner City Housing Make the findings of the Inner City Housing Market Study available to the members of the housing and real estate industries to provide them with information about market demand for inner city housing and the niche markets within the marketplace, namely the identified housing markets of seniors moving down to apartments, the 45-64 year age cohort moving to condominiums, students, young PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 199 - CITY OF KITCHENER professionals, the renovation market, and the historic home market. BPS 98/146 INNER CITY HOUSING MARKET STUDY - PRESENTATION BY PROFESSORS PIERRE PHILION AND TRUDI BUNTING, AND CITY STAFF (CONT'D) Continue to deliver land use policy and regulations which create a variety of housing types and housing prices in the central city area. Develop a relationship with the student housing offices at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University so that graduate and married students may be directed to housing opportunities in central Kitchener. Monitor the availability of affordable rental housing, waiting lists, and supply programs to determine if there are housing shortages and gaps between need and demand. Bring any housing affordability issues to the attention of the level of government responsible for housing assistance. Target specific under-utilized warehouse, industrial, and commercial buildings for conversion to residential use and promote their reuse as residential properties through information, education and marketing materials. Continue to promote heritage protection through awards programs, the establishment of heritage districts, and the advertisement of the benefits of heritage designation. Work with community groups, churches, and non-profit organizations to develop a strategy to provide affordable housing. Providing Housing Information Work with the Real Estate Board, its members and make opportunities to inform the public of the benefits of Secondary Plans in stabilizing neighbourhoods, making redevelopment predictable and conserving the existing housing stock. Distribute the Developer's package to developers, planning consultants, and realtors so that they are aware of the land that is available for housing development and the trends and practices of the City which encourage the development of these sites. Develop a multi media CD-ROM presentation of targeted housing sites similar to that prepared for the City's Adaptive Reuse properties. Information will identify the properties and owners and illustrate the type of development the City would encourage based upon the site, its context in the neighbourhood and market trends. Establish the Downtown Development and Market Research section of the Economic Development Division of the Department of Business and Planning Services as the resource centre for all housing information. Use the City's Web page on the Internet as a source of housing information. Making Downtown Development Attractive Investigate the creation of a Community Economic Development Corporation which would acquire problem, derelict properties and sell or lease the properties using a call for proposals technique to attract housing development consistent with municipal objectives. To give an edge to inner city housing development, the City should investigate establishing incentives, including free building permits, tax rebates, and feasibility studies, to encourage housing development in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the Downtown through the amendment or creation of Community Improvement Plans. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 200 - CITY OF KITCHENER BPS 98/146 INNER CITY HOUSING MARKET STUDY - PRESENTATION BY PROFESSORS PIERRE PHILION AND TRUDI BUNTING, AND CITY STAFF (CONT'D) Marketing the Inner City Immediately develop and implement a Downtown housing marketing strategy which targets the identified niche markets and provides information about the incentives to build in the inner city. In conjunction with the Kitchener-Waterloo Renovators Association, the K-W Homebuilders Association, the K-W Real Estate Board, and Heritage Kitchener, develop an annual "tour of homes" to publicise the beauty and uniqueness of the fine older homes in the central city. Develop marketing materials that present the unique downtown neighbourhoods, their qualities and amenities, festivals, events, associations, and attractiveness as a place to live. Make these materials available to realtors and companies relocating their employees to Kitchener. Market housing development through the Economic Development Division. Building upon the Advantages of Inner City Living Work with developers, architects, and consultants to ensure new developments, renovations, and conversions conform to the urban design guidelines so as to blend in and complement the rich qualities of existing residential neighbourhoods. Build upon the acknowledged aesthetic appeal of inner city boulevard planting and front yard trees by promoting tree replacement, planting and preservation through the City's tree planting program. Improvements to Support the Residential Environment Expand the availability of food products in the Downtown by recruiting a neighbourhood scale grocery store, promoting the East Market District as a location for European style shopping (with speciality cheese, meat, bakery and fish stores, ethnic food groceries and cafes), and encouraging business associated with the Farmer's Market to set up permanent facilities in storefronts near the Market. Work with the Safe City Committee, Downtown merchants, the KDBA and the Police to develop a program of downtown ambassadors to provide a safe, clean, and customer friendly atmosphere in the retail strip on King Street. Continue to attract white collar office employees through aggressive business recruitment practices using downtown incentives and working with the commercial realtors to fill existing office space and convert under-utilised commercial space to office use. And further, that Council receive for information the background report, Inner City Housing Market Study (brown cover), dated July 1998." BPS 98/148 - DISCUSSION ON EMERGENCY ACCESS POLICY/STANDARDS The Committee was in receipt of Staff Report BPS 98/148 dated December 3, 1998 dealing with Emergency Access Policy and Standards. It was noted in the report that at the November 30th Council meeting, Councillor C. Weylie had requested information that would allow for discussion of these matters at the meeting this date. In this regard copies of Council Policy I - 652 'Emergency Access and Multiple Unit Identification' and copies of Drawings 'M66 - Public Walkway Details' and 'M71 - Emergency Access Road Detail' as contained in the City of Kitchener Subdivision PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 1998 - 201 - CITY OF KITCHENER Manual were provided, 4. BPS 98/148 - DISCUSSION ON EMERGENCY ACCESS POLICY / STANDARDS (CONT'D) Mr. D. Mansell pointed out that the present policy was being enforced in green pasture areas. He acknowledged that there have been requests to change certain standards and accordingly a small working group has been set up to analyse standards and make a recommendation to the committee as to any changes in that regard. Councillor C. Weylie specifically referred to the issue of Emergency Access routes that were now 4 metres wide and Mr. D. Mansell advised that the Fire Department has purchased vehicles with a wider wheel base and thus emergency access routes have been widened from 3 meters to 4 meters. Councillor Weylie commented that in view of this aspect perhaps thought should be given to discouraging development of cul-de-sacs altogether so as to avoid the necessity to develop such emergency access. She also asked that if staff review this issue, they also address the matter of the excessive height that was now being permitted for fences. In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. D. Mansell referred to older areas that had been first to develop emergency accesses in Forest Heights and the problems in that regard and suggested that staff could look at these older situations. Councillor Lorentz commented that there was a liability issue attached to the problem which Mr. Mansell noted was actually a minimum number of such situations in Forest Heights. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that Council stay firm on the maximum 300 metre length permitted for cul-de-sacs and also asked that the issue of alternative surface treatments for such access be addressed by staff as they review the access issue. AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RE: GLASOW MEWS Councillor C. Weylie advised that she was in receipt of correspondence from Wright Dietrich dealing with the Glasgow Mews project which had received an Award of Excellence under the 1998 Urban Design Awards Program at the November 30th Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk