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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2004-08-17HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES AUGUST 17, 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:16 p.m. Present: Mr. Z. Janecki, Chair Ms. L. Harris Ms. D. Kuehl Ms. A. Moore Mr. J. Countryman Mr. E. Lucy Mr. K. Kirby Regrets: Mr. M. Stranz Mr. F. Bishop Staff: Mr. L. Bensason, Heritage Planner Ms. D. Gilchrist, Supervisor, Legislated Services Mr. C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. 14 MILL PARK DRIVE Mr. Bensason circulate this date background information regarding 14 Mill Park Drive, of which included: · e-mails · newspaper articles · correspondence with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) · minutes from the September 2, 2003 Heritage Kitchener meeting · atitle search · GRCA Deferred motion: House Demolition In attendance were Ms. P. Wagner and Ms. A. Jackson representing the group Friends of 14 Mill Park Drive. Ms. Jackson addressed the Committee and distributed copies of her presentation. Following her presentation on the historic significance of the property, Ms. Jackson advised that in June of this year, the Grand River Conservation Authority agreed to delay demolition of this property for three months, to allow the citizens' groups an opportunity to find a business or community group to rent the building and make the necessary repairs. Ms. Jackson requested Heritage Kitchener take another look at this building and assist in trying to find another way to use it. She advised she has been contacted by a couple of artisans who may be interested in using the building as a studio. Other potential uses are recreational, in connection with the trail, such as the rental and storage of bicycles or as an ice cream parlor. Ms. Jackson also advised that if the building must be demolished, the GRCA has agreed to retain the building footprints with markers. Upon questioning, Ms. Jackson advised that the cost to repair the building will depend on the use. At a minimum the cost will be $30,000 to $35,000 and if the building is used as a dwelling, the cost will increase. Mr. Bensason advised of correspondence received from Regional Councillor J. Haalboom as to use. He advised that an artist studio, or ice cream parlor are not permitted uses. However, a kiosk to rent bicycles may be permitted. When questioned about the potential for designation, Mr. Bensason advised the owner is opposed to the designation of his property under the Ontario Heritage Act, and City Council is reluctant to designate against the wishes of the owner. Ms P. Wagner addressed the Committee advising the purpose of the presentation today is to update the Committee, provide some of the historic background on the property, which the Committee previously requested, and request a member of the Committee volunteer to assist the citizens' group. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 17~ 2004 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 14 MILL PARK DRIVE (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. Z. Janecki - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener acknowledges the heritage significance of the property municipally known as 14 Mill Park Drive, as outlined in the report prepared by Allison Jackson, dated August 17, 2004; and further, That Heritage Kitchener supports the efforts being made by the citizens' groups and the Grand River Conservation Authority to keep this building." UPPER BLAIR FUNCTIONAL DRAINAGE STUDY - DOON SOUTH PHASE II COMMUNITY PLAN- TRANSPORTATION STUDY Mr. Bensason advised the Committee that the Transportation Study has yet to be completed, and this issue is to be deferred until the October 5, 2004 meeting. CIVIC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - TERMS OF REFERENCE Mr. Bensason provided an update to the Capital Forecast memo from May 19, 2004 regarding the status of monies allocated to designating the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District. He advised that monies for the new District are not being budgeted until 2007, as opposed to 2005 as originally anticipated. Mr. Bensason advised that he will be submitting to Council a justification report outling why the monies are needed in 2005. In conjunction with this, he submitted a map outlining a change to the boundaries of the proposed District. Mr. Bensason and members agreed that it would be to the City's benefit to designate a Heritage Conservation District in the Civic Centre Area in the near future as when the Official Plan review takes place, a heritage district provides guidelines on how to address zoning issues. Further, in reference to the Provincial Planning Reform Initiatives, a Heritage Conservation District provides a municipality with control over urban planning and design. Mr. Bensason advised he is tabling this issue now for information purposes, and at a later date will present a formal report. DESIGNATION HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM - REVIEW OF CONDITIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The Committee was circulated this date documentation from Mr. Bensason entitled "Designated Heritage Property Grant Program". He advised that he needs the Committee's guidance with regards to the application fee, the appropriate procedure for submission, and managing of applications. Mr. Bensason reviewed three options for the managing of applications and request that the Committee review the material, and accordingly, the item was deferred to the September 7, 2004 meeting. HERITAGE CONSERVATION EASEMENT AGREEMENTS - EVALUATION PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES Mr. Bensason distributed Evaluation Criteria used by the Town of Markham for entering into Heritage Easement Agreements. He advised that while the Municipal Plan makes provision for City Council to enter into Heritage Conservation Easement Agreements to further protect heritage property, similar criteria does not exist to provide a means for standarizing judgements to qualify a property for such protection. Mr. Bensason requested the Committee review the material, and provide him with guidance as to the criteria the City of Kitchener should apply when evaluating an application for an easement. Specifically he questioned as to whether a heritage designation was sufficient grounds for approval, or does a property also need to be: in a good state of repair, and/or retain its original architecture. Members were asked to contact Mr. Bensason with their recommendations. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 1754 OLD MILL ROAD Mr. Bensason distributed this date a preliminary Heritage Permit Application for 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House and Gallery), and a copy of the heritage easement agreement for the subject property. The two principle features of this application include a parking lot on the northwest side of the property, and an addition to the rear of the Coach House. Mr. Bensason HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 17, 2004 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 1754 OLD MILL ROAD (CONT'D) raised concerns over the location of the proposed parking lot, and its effect on the heritage landscape of the property. He proposed that an alternate location for a parking lot could be on Chalmers Street. Mr. Bensason advised that he will organize a site visit so Committee members can have a greater understanding of this application, and accordingly this matter was deferred until the September 7, 2004 meeting. 7. PLANNING REFORM INITIATIVE AND PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT REVIEW Mr. Bensason distributed Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-04-112 dated August 12, 2004, entitled Provincial Planning Reform - Kitchener Response. He advised that heritage issues were considered when staff were making their responses to the Provincial discussion papers on planning reform. He highlighted the Urban Design Controls, Provincial Policy Statement Reviews and Ontario Municipal Board Reforms sections of the report as key areas were heritage concerns were addressed. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator