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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1996-04-11DAC\1996-04-11 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 11, 1996 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Mayor Richard D. Christy, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Karen Redman, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Deborah Budd, Denise Strong, Karen Simoneau, Peggy Walshe, Karen Taylor-Harrison, David Gowland, Lillian Kehl, Martin de Groot, Marianne Wasilka and Sgt. Rita Westbrook. Others Present: T. Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Catherine Heal and Murray Diegel, President of the KW Real Estate Board 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - April 11, 1996 The agenda for April 11, 1996 was approved. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 7, 1996 David Gowland pointed out a typing error on the last line in the first paragraph in item 5 on page 40. The word "message" was mistyped as "massage". Moved by David Gowland. Seconded by Karen Taylor-Harrison. That the minutes for March 7, 1996 be approved with the above correction. Carried. 3. UPDATE FROM THE DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM - Sybil Frenette Sybil Frenette focused her update on one issue~InterVin, a wine-tasting event scheduled for City Hall April 26 - 29th. At the time of the meeting, the event was cancelled and the cancellation would result in a significant loss in opportunity. The original private organizer was not involved any more. This was a good example of the kind of events that the Mayor's Task Force suggested that the Event Co-ordinator be responsible for organizing. The will and the amenities exist, the City just needs a person to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Without such person, it will be difficult to seize these types of opportunities. -64- In order to salvage the event, the City and the community together would have to assist by providing approximately $10,000 worth of goods and services in kind and in organizing the event. Mayor Christy clarified that it would be the responsibility of the Event Co-ordinator to organize this type of events; however, she was not involved in this particular event because she was still in the research stage of her contract. Denise Strong from the Walper Hotel responded that the Walper Hotel would be willing to assist as much as possible. Councillor Mark Yantzi suggested to defer the discussion on the InterVin and that those who were interested could meet after the meeting. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested the media be asked to assist in advertising. 4. UPDATE ON THE REALTY PROJECT - David Gowland and Murray Diegel David Gowland introduced Murray Diegel, President of the K-W Real Estate Board, to the Committee. David Gowland reported on the progress of the Kitchener Downtown Open House Weekend. The event supports the Mayor's Task Force recommendation to bring people downtown. It is a spin-off idea of the Kitchener downtown property brochure. The purposes of the Open House Weekend are to attract potential buyers to consider living in Kitchener downtown neighbourhoods and to strengthen support from the realtors for Kitchener downtown. David Gowland and Murray Diegel have met with local neighbourhood associations to discuss the organization of the event. Murray further explained that realtors have a negative perception of Kitchener downtown and more information about the downtown should be provided to them. The organizing committee now has 17 members, three of whom are from downtown associations. A meeting was held on April 2 to discuss long-term and short-term strategies for the issue. Ail surrounding neighbourhood associations were invited. The Open House Weekend is scheduled to take place on May 4, 1996. Currently, there are 80 - 85 houses in Kitchener downtown that are listed in the MLS. All the realtors of these houses will be invited to participate. The organizing committee might participate in the Neighbourhood Festival in July as well, but the immediate focus is the Open House Weekend. -65- Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested the retailers be encouraged to provide vouchers for people who come to see the open houses. It was also suggested that testimonies about the advantages of downtown living be given by local residents. Details will be finalized at their next meeting. Marianne Wasilka asked if the neighbourhoods were categorized and how realtors determine the quality of a neighbourhood when they advise their clients. Murray Diegel replied that the neighbourhoods are only divided geographically, but not according to the characteristics of the neighbourhoods. In response to Wasilka's other question, Murray felt that a realtor's opinions of a neighbourhood's quality was subjective, he also could not speak on behalf of other realtors about their practice. Nancy Brawley added that a welcoming package was being produced and she hoped that it would be available by May 4, 1996. Denise Strong suggested that downtown businesses be informed and asked to be co-operative by ensuring that the downtown is clean and decorated on that day. Mayor Christy commented that the realty project is an educational process for home buyers as well as realtors, and that the issue is one of perception. As part of the realtor project, David Gowland drafted a letter for L. Gravill, the Chief of the Waterloo Regional Police, asking for the police force's testimony on two questions: "Given the boundaries on the attached neighbourhood map (excluding the downtown core), are there specific areas of unusually high risk to persons or property?" and "Is there evidence to refute or support the perception that living within the general area of the map (excluding the downtown core), is a higher risk for persons and property than living outside these boundaries?" Moved by David Gowland. That the letter drafted by David Gowland to L. Gravill, Chief of Waterloo Regional Police, be sent on City letterhead by the Chairman ofDAC--Mark Yantzi. David Gowland spoke to his motion. He felt that beside the real estate industry it was also important to get the police's support for downtown living. He hoped that the police, as an objective source, -66- could verify that the downtown is as safe as other neighbourhoods. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic and Rita Westbrook asked for clarification on whether the intent of the letter was to get figures or perceived opinions. David Gowland answered that at this point, he did not intend to get into specific data. He was expecting the police to base the answer on their experience and knowledge. Councillor Mark Yantzi remarked that the population density, among other things, should be taken into consideration when speaking of the crime rate. Denise Strong echoed Councillor Yantzi's remark and added that the downtown is easily identified and is considered a separate area from all the other suburban areas. Marianne Wasilka stated that she has been tracking the safety grid in Kitchener This Week and has noticed more car thefts in some downtown streets. She asked what the Committee would do if the response from the police turns out to be negative. Councillor Karen Redman suggested the community be prepared to deal with the answer, before, not after, the question is asked. David Gowland replied that there was no plan at this point with regard to how to respond to the answer. The response would depend on the answer. He believed that a positive response would be given. T. Brock Stanley suggested that the Safe City Committee be consulted. Robert Braun suggested that the police be asked to take into account the specifications, such as population density in their response and the response be given in writing. Karen Taylor-Harrison proposed that the Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council and one of its subcommittees--Geographic Specific Action Team and Safe City Committee be consulted. She agreed that the result should be handled carefully because information can be misinterpreted easily. Mayor Christy suggested to defer the initiative. He felt that statistics could be very misleading. Statistics should be considered logically in order to get a sense of reality. For example, it is logical to expect more car thefts where cars are parked in late hours in obscure locations. He felt that other committees could deal with the issue without running the risk of getting easily misinterpreted statistics. Denise Strong believed that the downtown core should not be excluded in the exercise. Nancy Brawley agreed that the initiative should be deferred. The intention is to get some positive statements from an outside objective source. Those statements could be provided by home buyers and downtown businesses. It is not necessary to rely on statistics and the police to provide positive -67- statements. Besides, there is no guarantee that the police are more objective than the public. It was agreed that the letter drafted by David Gowland not be sent at this point and the three safety committees be consulted. Karen Taylor-Harrison will bring the issue to the safety committees and report the result to this committee at the next meeting. 5. OVERVIEW ON HOUSING ISSUES IN THE DOWNTOWN - Sybil Frenette Sybil Frenette gave a brief overview of the housing development history in the downtown. The downtown is composed of two areas--the core and the surrounding residential neighbourhoods. The core has very few private residential developments despite of the fact that the zoning allows residential use in the core. The only new private development in the core is the condominium on Joseph Street across from Victoria School. The Convert-To-Rent Program was successful when it existed. There is one housing conversion on Duke Street, one on Benton Street at Charles and some units above the stores that were converted to residences with the assistance of the program. The program ended 5 years ago. Those developments were privately initiated and were not non-profit developments. There is also a building at the end of Queen St. N. which is a luxurious condominium. Kitchener Housing Inc. (KHI) has developed approximately 300 non-profit housing units in the downtown neighbourhoods ringing the core. There are also some co-operative housing developments, such as Bread & Roses Co-op. There might be a perception that there is an increasing number of low-income housing in the downtown. Nevertheless, before KHI started to develop housing, an inventory of affordable rental housing was taken for the whole city. The result showed that in Kitchener, rental and subsidized housing was mostly on the edges of the city, beyond the Conestoga Parkway, not in the downtown. This phenomenon was atypical. The developments undertaken by KHI balanced the situation and created a healthier distribution of affordable rental housing. Other than the above mentioned, there has been very little private rental housing development any where in the city, although there are some condominium developments in the suburban areas. The reason for the lack of rental housing development is that there is a profit disincentive. The market rent (the rent that property owners are able to charge under the current market situation) is lower than the economic rent (the rent that property owners need to charge if the full costs are to be covered by revenue). Until the mid-80's, the federal government as well as the provincial government both offered incentive programs for the private sector to build affordable housing. After that time, the governments decided -68- to let the non-profit sector take on that responsibility. The City of Kitchener, in an attempt to attract more private housing developments, has waived development fees and lowered parking standards recently. It has promoted a rehabilitation program to encourage the renovation of old homes. Recently, the City funded the printing of the brochure regarding downtown living. There has not been much interest by the private sector to take the risk of investing in downtown residential development. The next step is to provide a proof of a market for downtown housing. There have been a few housing developments in Waterloo. Those developers will be approached to explore the possibility of attracting them to develop in Kitchener downtown. KHI is examining the feasibility of converting the Forsyth Building into a live/work space. KHI plans to learn more about the needs and preferences of the target groups through a series of focus group meetings. Two of the focus group meetings have been held. It would appear that the people who like downtown living also would like to see special character in the apartment buildings, such as high ceilings, lofts, open concepts, brick walls and big windows. The Victoria School development provides those characters, but because it is a non-profit development, it is not a good proof of the financial viability. Marianne Wasilka asked if the Convert-To-Rent program was successful. Sybil responded that it was extremely successful. The incentive was a combination of loan and grant. The program does not exist any more. Sybil will be preparing a report to see if the City would consider sponsoring a new municipal Convert- To-Rent-Program 6. KDBA REPORT - Nancy Brawley Hollywood Diner, Sammy's Garage, La Costa and Chez Jacqueline have been opened very recently. Hollywood Diner is willing to open long hours to explore the market. Chez Jacqueline is run by a young entrepreneur and is located on Eby Street. Sammy's Garage is a unique night club and is open Wednesday to Saturday evenings. The Transportation Study has been submitted to Council. Nancy thanked all members of Council who voted in favour of it and others all attended the meeting and supported the study. Downtown businesses were concerned about potential problems that the Community Day of Action on April 19, 1996. The City and the organizers of the protest are endeavouring to minimize potential problems. A few members present suggested downtown businesses take advantage of the presence of a large number of people on the day of protest. They expressed it would also leave a lifeless impression if most stores were closed that day. Nancy explained that some businesses believe that the -69- protesters will focus entirely on the protest on that day and are not likely to pay attention to the stores. Nancy agreed to refocus the businesses' energy on trying to take advantage of the day. Carolyn Parks has been hired by the KDBA. Carolyn has a Master Degree in Business Administration with a focus on marketing. She is focusing on orientation and might be introduced to the Committee at the next meeting. David Gowland asked if there was any progress regarding the Goudies property. Sybil Frenette replied that the property will be for sale in October. The proposed mews abuts the Goudies building to the west. The new owner should be a partner of the mews development and would benefit from it. The property next to Mr. Submarine has been purchased by the City. The owner of Mr. Submarine will be meeting with the City to work out a solution for the vacant site. One of the temporary solutions would be to lay sod on the site during the summer. As a temporary solution, however, it will cost $40,000. It is hoped that the construction of the mews would be completed within two years. There is no progress with regard to the Sauder's site. David Gowland described the Devonian Gardens in Calgary as a place that resembles a large indoor park with a caf6 and tropical plants in it. He will bring its brochure to the next meeting. DeNse Strong suggested to allow vendors in the mews which might help to incubate small business in the downtown. It was then suggested that because many people have creative ideas, it would be worthwhile to establish a "think tank team". This group will meet for the first time prior to the next DAC meeting and report the result of the meeting. Karen Taylor-Harrison sought clarification about the following meetings on the Transportation Study, specifically what the community should do to help. Mayor Christy encouraged community members to attend the meetings with supportive arguments. 7. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN CONTEST - Pe~ Walshe Peggy Walshe reported that Kitchener This Week has agreed to advertise for the contest. Peggy will be able to provide all the information at the next DAC meeting. 8. UPDATE ON OUTDOOR PATIOS ON THE SIDEWALKS - Brock Stanley Brock Stanley reported that the four recommendations made by DAC have been adopted by the Finance Committee and Council. The process now allows the City to evaluate the aesthetics of the patios. Chain-link fence is definitely prohibited. The recommendations have had immediately positive impacts on the appearance of patios this year. Applicants now have to submit a detailed drawing of the proposed patios. The starting date when restaurants are allowed to operate outdoor patios will be May 24th, 1996. It is up to the restaurant owners to submit the application to the Legal Department. Mayor Christy questioned if the starting date could be earlier because the weather in May can be warm enough for outdoor patios. Brock Stanley responded that applications seem to be few so far. 9. RENOVATED DOWNTOWN HOME - Lillian Kehl Lillian proposed to find an organization to sponsor the project as the first step. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested to approach the Rotary Club. Murray Diegel agreed to bring the idea to the Public Relations Committee of K-W Real Estate Association. Martin de Groot proposed to start a committee to work on the proposal. 10. OTHER BUSINESS With regard to the Open House Weekend, Marianne Wasilka asked if private home owners were invited to participate by opening their homes to potential buyers for viewing in conjunction with other open houses that are for sale. Fergus had a large scale fundraising event in which home owners allowed the public to view their homes. Marianne suggested a similar event in Kitchener downtown. Murray Diegel clarified that he understood the Open House Weekend to be an event that will focus on houses listed on the MLS. Councillor Mark Yantzi suggested to further discuss at the next meeting Marianne's idea of running an open house weekend for houses that are not for sale. Deborah Budd reported that the Friends of St. Jerome's had their first public meeting regarding the construction of a theatre in the St. Jerome's building on April 10, 1996. There seem to be plenty of opportunities and potential. The report will be submitted to Council on April 29, 1996 and Deborah will ensure that this Committee receives the report when it is available. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested that this Committee demonstrate to Council its support for preserving the St. Jerome's building. Moved by Martin de Groot. Seconded by Deborah Budd. That the Downtown Advisory Committee are in support of Council's refusal of the Demolition Application for St. Jerome's. Carried. 11. -71- ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m. Submitted by Catherine Heal Acting Committee Secretary April 23, 1996 741-2310 Members of the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee will be held on THIJRSDAY~ May 9~ 1996 in the Conestoga Room on the 1st floor, City Hall, 200 King Street West commencing at 8:30 a.m. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Approval of Agenda - May 9, 1996 Approval of Minutes - April 11, 1996 Renovated Downtown Home - Paul Britton and John Schnarr Update Downtown Action Team - Sybil Frenette Update on Downtown Contest - Peggy Walshe Report on the Downtown Open House Weekend - David Gowland St. Jerome's Feasibility Study - Don Bourgeois, Chairman of Friends of St. Jerome's Update on Outdoor Patios on the Sidewalks - Brock Stanley KDBA Report - Nancy Brawley Report from the Three Local Safety Committees Regarding the Safety Level in the Downtown - Karen Taylor-Harrison Discussion on an Open House Event for Houses Not For Sale Update on the "Think Tank Team" - Martin de Groot and David Gowland New Business Respectfully submitted, Catherine Heal, Acting Committee Secretary Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee C~ Members of Council S. Frenette Mayor's Office (1) J. Witmer Members of Management Comm. T.B. Stanley B. Arnot G. Nixon D. Corks T. McCabe T. Boutilier L. MacDonald Press (2)2