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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-02-05H E RI TAG E\1999 -02 -05 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. T. Seedhouse, Ms. P. Wagner, Messrs. M. Badran, P. Bufe, E. Lucy and B. Scott. Mr. A. Majauskas entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Regrets: Ms. S. Campbell, Ms. G. Engel and Ms. C. Martindale. Others present: Ms. P. Bacon, Mr. K. Mayer, Mr. L. Bensason, and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. 161 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (V.P.A.H.C.D.) - DEMOLITION APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the Designated Heritage Property Alteration/Demolition Application for 161 Queen Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. The Committee had also been provided with a copy of a letter from Ms. Bacon, Planner, Department of Business and Planning Services to Ms. D. Biuk, Green Schiels, Pidgeon, dated December 17, 1998, giving a history of the processing of the site plan application 98/33/S/PB, for the development known as the Sandhills Christian Community. In attendance were Mr. G. Woolner and Mr. T. Schaner, Architect, to represent the owner's request for the demolition permit. Ms. P. Bacon, Planner, and Mr. K. Mayer, Traffic Analyst, were in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. L. Bensason displayed digital photographs of the area. He reminded the Committee that they previously recommended to Council the demolition of 14 & 18 St. George Street. Now, in order to deal with the issues of access to this site, 161 Queen Street South will have to be demolished. He noted that, originally, the access was to be in a different location. Ms. P. Bacon advised that staff have been meeting with the applicants for two years. Staff have been looking at the three phases of this project together. She noted that 161 Queen Street South will ultimately have to come down. The applicants want to implement the project in three difference stages and had hoped to keep the Queen Street properties until Phase II. Traffic had concerns about the original proposed access. This is a fairly busy area and it is important for the functioning of the access that this property be demolished now. Ms. Bacon then explained the two access: one from Queen Street and one from St. George Street. Mr. G. Woolner showed elevation drawings of the project and explained the two levels of parking and two accesses. He explained that the two levels of parking will not be joined within the building. A discussion then took place regarding the Queen Street access and its alignment with Joseph Street and the traffic lights at that intersection. Mr. Woolner raised the concern that, at some point, prior to occupancy, they will need to meet the traffic requirements. It would also be beneficial to have a wider access for construction vehicles. Ms. P. Bacon displayed an aerial photograph of the Queen Street/Joseph Street intersection and the house which needs to be demolished. Mr. Woolner advised that two years ago he came before this Committee and discussed which houses would be retained and which would be demolished. The only thing that has changed is when the house will come down. A discussion took place with respect to signaling at the Queen/Joseph intersection; the amount of traffic and a proper alignment of the access with the Queen/Joseph intersection. Mr. B. Scott questioned the difference in timing between when the house was originally intended to be demolished and their current request. Mr. Schaner advised that the second phase is proposed to be constructed in two years, so the difference in time is one year. Mr. Schaner advised that they thought the proposed access would work as a temporary access until Phase II. Mr. P. Bufe questioned whether the applicant could give any guarantee that phase II will be built. A discussion took place concerning altering the driveway to accommodate the needs of the intersection. Mr. Woolner advised that this house has structural problems, foundation cracks, water leaks, etc. Mr. Bufe stated that this is a key building and if phase II does not go ahead, it will leave a big hole in the streetscape. Mr. Woolner stated that it will look part of the design, 161 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (V.P.A.H.C.D.) - DEMOLITION APPLICATION - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER even if phase II does not go ahead. A discussion took place concerning a white house, being part of the property to be developed and whether it could be demolished instead. Mr. K. Mayer explained that this is going to serve as the only driveway from Queen Street to the apartment building. It will not really be temporary. The white house would not be a good location to have traffic turning into and out of the property at peak times. It would cause safety problems, and would hold up traffic on Queen Street. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the two levels of parking, the outside parking and the average number of trips per day which would be generated by the apartment building. Mr. B. Scott spoke of the Queen Street corridor, and higher traffic counts. He noted that it was part of the Heritage Conservation District plan to have a varying streetscape on Queen Street. He has stated that he was concerned about excess traffic on a corridor that was not designed for it. He advised that he would have rather seen this amount of use spread out. This site is not going to have the atmosphere intended in the plan and he advised that he would like to see access from another street. Mr. L. Bensason stated that it was thought, at the end of last year, that phase I was going to proceed without any demolition on Queen Street; as access was to be located between two building. It has only been through investigation by staff that this has come about. He questioned whether the building has to come down right away and whether staff have exhausted all other possibilities. Mr. K. Mayer responded that staff had looked at other options, such as ramping in the garage, so that all access is from St. George Street. Other options have also been considered. Mr. Bensason suggested taking another month to consider and review other options. Mr. Mayer advised that, with the current design, this is the safest, optimum option for traffic. This is the best location for traffic. There may be internal design options that the applicant can consider. A discussion then took place concerning the possibility of directing traffic in and out of the project if the driveway was located between the houses instead of demolishing the house. Mr. Woolner stated that this project is in the heart and core of Kitchener. The owners want to carry forward the historic theme and period architecture of the area. They have talked about this project for two years. He asked the Committee to think about the ultimate goal for the core. Mr. Bensason questioned whether Mr. Woolner was receptive to having the demolition permit held until the building permit is issued for phase I and a condition that the building be recorded prior to demolition, which Mr. Woolner agreed to. Mr. P. Bufe put forward a motion to refuse the demolition permit. He felt it was premature and there was no assurance that the project would go forward. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether a condition could be imposed that a demolition permit not be issued until phase I is ready for occupancy. Ms. Bacon responded that the condition could be prior to issuance of a building permit or prior to occupancy. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the Committee whether this was an acceptable compromise. He noted that the Committee agreed to this, in principle, last year and it is just a matter of timing. He advised that he could not support Mr. Bufe's motion but could approve the demolition with conditions. Mr. Bufe's motion to recommend refusal of the demolition permit was voted on and lost. 1. 161 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (V.P.A.H.C.D.) - DEMOLITION APPLICATION - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor T. Galloway, it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, we approve the request of the owner to demolish the designated property municipally known as 161 Queen Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, subject to the following conditions; (a) That the demolition permit shall not be issued until just prior to the proposed 58 unit apartment building being ready for occupancy, and, (b) That, prior to the demolition of 161 Queen Street South, the property shall be recorded to a standard acceptable to the City's Heritage planner." 2. DELEGATION - 108 QUEEN STREET NORTH (SONNECK HOUSE) Ms. S. Kellendonk, new owner of 108 Queen Street North (Sonneck House) was in attendance to thank the Committee for fighting to save the house. She advised that she wanted to know what the designation covers. Ms. Kellendonk advised that she intends to follow the Heritage designation; however, they are not going to restore the inside. They have business plans which require some changes to the inside. She invited the Committee to do a site inspection of the property, noting that there would be an open house of the property the next day, and admission would be a contribution to the Foodbank. Ms. Kellendonk noted that they have been working on the doctor's office and when it is completed they will move over to the Sonneck House. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that a sub-committee composed of Ms. T. Seedhouse, Ms. S. Barber and Mr. P. Bufe would work with her on this project and she should contact Mr. L. Bensason who will arrange to get the group together. 3. DOWNTOWN TEAM Mr. D. Corks was in attendance to give the Committee a review of the work being done by the City's Downtown Team. Councillor J. Haalboom noted that there were 58 initiatives in the team's strategic work plan. She stated that she wanted Heritage Kitchener and the Downtown Team to start working together. Mr. Corks advised that the purpose of the team is to support business and bring people downtown. They are aiming to attract residential use and businesses to come Downtown. He advised that the team has assisted the Parks and Recreation Department with the Arts and Culture Brochure, to attract people to come Downtown. He noted that the team had begun by encouraging restoration. He noted that staff from the Downtown Team will be going to the CHO Conference to talk about examples, in Kitchener, where we have encouraged adaptive re-use. Mr. Corks then spoke of the types of things being done by the team. Councillor Haalboom questioned what the team sees as its role with heritage and Mr. Corks responded that their role is to get buildings re-used. Their role is also to highlight what we have in the Downtown and what makes it difference from other downtowns. A discussion then took place concerning why people don't come Downtown. Councillor Haalboom raised a concern about facades and signs and questioned the team's thrust. Mr. Corks responded that their thrust is to work with the Facade Improvement Program and Property Standards. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. 4. MINUTES On motion by Mr. B. Scott, HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener, of January 8, 1999, as mailed to the members, be amended, on Page 1 to show that Mr. B. Scott was in attendance." On motion by Ms. P. Wagner, it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener, of January 8, 1999, as mailed to the members and amended this dated, be accepted." With respect to the Committee's 1999 work schedule, Mr. A. Majauskas volunteered to work on the district signage and the brochure. RESIGNATION The Committee was advised that Mr. A. Gorman had to resign from the Committee for personal reasons. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That we accept, with regret, the resignation of Mr. Anthony Gorman from Heritage Kitchener." Ms. M. E. Coleman was in attendance advising of her background and that she has returned to Kitchener and has purchased a property on Ellen Street. On motion by Mr. E. Lucy, it was resolved: "That Ms. M. E. Coleman be appointed to Heritage Kitchener for a term to expire November 30, 1999." HERITAGE DAY EVENTS The Committee was reminded that the Heritage Showcase would be held on Saturday, February 13, 1999 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fairview Mall. Messrs. M. Badran and R. Coo will set up the display and a sign-up sheet was circulated at the meeting so that members of the Committee could sign up for various periods throughout the day to look after the display. It was noted that the same display will be located in the Rotunda on Heritage Day and a scanner will be located in the Rotunda to scan documents and photographs brought in by the public. It was also noted that the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards will be given out at the Council meeting on Monday, February 15, 1999. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that a bus tour of churches has been arranged for Saturday, February 27, 1999, at 9:15 a.m. with lunch included, at the Walper Hotel. The cost is $15.00. 748 ZELLER DRIVE - REQUEST FOR HERITAGE EASEMENT Mr. L. Bensason advised that he is still in discussion with the Legal Department over the request of the owners for a Heritage Easement on the property known municipally at 748 Zeller Drive. He advised that some staff feel it is premature because a decision must still be made on the alignment on the Fairway Road extension. When the Region is ready to construct the Fairway Road extension, it will be expropriating land from the Woolner property. Staff are trying to determine the relationship between a Heritage Easement and the Expropriations Act. 748 ZELLER DRIVE - REQUEST FOR HERITAGE EASEMENT - CONT'D Mr. Bensason advised that once he gets an answer from the Legal Department, he will prepare a HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER report and distribute it to the Woolners, their consultant and this Committee. 8. 70 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - SITE PLAN APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of an elevation drawing of the proposed plaza to be constructed at 70 Victoria Street North. At the meeting the Committee was provided with site statistics and historic drawings of the existing building on the site "The Berlin Buttonworks Limited". Mr. L. Bensason advised that this was the last operating, functional button factory in Kitchener. He advised that he has not seen a demolition permit for this property; only a site plan application and Committee of Adjustment application that assumes the demolition. Mr. Bensason noted that only the shell of the structure is left. He suggested that the Committee could consider asking them to preserve the portico. Mr. Bensason also advised that Ms. B. Newell of the Department of Business and Planning Services is starting a community plan along the railway corridor and 70 Victoria Street North is one of the adaptive re-use sites. He advised that this Committee can comment on the site plan application and suggest components to be used in the new development. Mr. Bensason displayed a copy of the site plan showing the building at the back of the site and the parking in front. He questioned the Committee whether there were things on the existing building which should be re- used in the new development. He also asked whether the Committee wanted the building recorded. Ms. P. Wagner advised that she needed to walk around the site before she could comment. Ms. T. Seedhouse suggested putting the parking behind and the building at the front. Ms. Coleman suggested encouraging the developer to save the portico or other sections at the front of the building. She noted that there a number of factory style buildings in the immediate area. The streetscape at that intersection has buildings at all four corners right up to the street line. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that the owner be asked to keep the main part of the building, and remove the rear addition to accommodate parking. Mr. A. Majauskas stated that we should not cater to suburban tastes in the core area. This site needs a tall building in the front with parking in the rear. Mr. Scott suggested that this development could play a significant role in the area. It is a high exposure property. Mr. P. Bufe stated that, from a Heritage point of view, the best thing to do is to have the building preserved. Perhaps the addition could be demolished to make room for parking. The Committee generally agreed that the siting of the building is very important; also preservation of the building envelope. 9. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE The Committee again reviewed the Heritage Conservation District Signage. They generally agree to a white background, green, bold print and a distinct logo for each district. Mr. Bensason noted that Iogos would have to be agreed upon. He could then get a sample of one sign for each district. He asked that the sub-committee meet and decide on the Iogos. 10 CLASS EA PROCESS FOR BLOCK LINE ROAD EXTENSION 10 The Committee was in receipt of a copy of Mr. Bensason's memorandum to Mr. D. Mansell, CLASS EA PROCESS FOR BLOCK LINE ROAD EXTENSION - CONT'D dated January 20, 1999, concerning an old farmhouse located at 151 Balzer Road. Staff will HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. consider this farmhouse in the Class EA process. FREEPORT BRIDGE Mr. Bensason advised the Committee that he will be meeting with Regional staff on February 19, 1999 concerning the designation of the Freeport Bridge. He advised that he would report to the Committee at a future date. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. Bensason advised that the Steering Committee had its first meeting, which was very successful. He advised that the Terms of Reference were slightly revised. Expressions of Interest are being advertised and the first newsletter is going out to the district. He advised that everything is on track. STECKLE HERITAGE HOMESTEAD Mr. Bensason distributed copies of a letter received from Dr. Jean Steckle concerning alterations and renovations to the Steckle Heritage Homestead, 811 Bleam Road. He advised that he would contact her and asked that a sub-committee be established to work on the Homestead renovations. Ms. T. Seedhouse and Ms. M. E. Coleman volunteered for this sub-committee. Mr. Bensason noted that Dr. Steckle needs to make an alteration application with as much detail as possible. 379 GLASGOW STREET The Committee was provided with copies of a letter from the owners of 379 Glasgow Street, in which they advised that they are interested in a Heritage designation for their property. Mr. Bensason displayed digital photographs of the subject property. He advised that the property is at the corner of Westmount and Glasgow and that there is a project team looking at necessary roadworks and widening at that intersection. He advised the Committee that they must decide whether this property is worthy of designation. On motion by Ms. T. Seedhouse, it was resolved: "That 379 Glasgow Street be added to the Heritage Inventory." Mr. P. Bufe agreed to investigate the property for designation and report to the Committee at its next meeting. 3040 OLD MILL ROAD The Committee was in receipt of a copy of the fax from Mr. M. Code along with a map of the area of 3040 Old Mill Road, which were distributed at the meeting. Councillor J. Haalboom explained where the property is and what is proposed for the area. Mr. Bensason suggested viewing the property and determining whether it was worthy of designation. He suggested working on this quickly as the demolition permit will come very soon. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That 3040 Old Mill Road be added to the Heritage Inventory." The Committee indicated they would like to tour the property and Mr. Bensason advised that he would make arrangements. A sub-committee composed of Mr. B. Scott, Mr. E. Lucy, Ms. T. Seedhouse, Ms. M. E. Coleman and Ms. P. Wagner volunteered for this project. BRIDGE STREET TRANSPORTATION STUDY The Committee was provided with copies of a letter from the Region of Waterloo concerning the HERITAGE KITCHENER FEBRUARY 57 1999 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 17. 18. 19. 20. Bridgeport Transportation Study. Mr. Bensason advised that this was for information only and he will discuss this with Regional staff when they meet about the Freeport Bridge. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee reviewed the information items attached to the agenda and briefly discussed them. REGIONAL BUDGET Mr. B. Scott referred to the $3M surplus in the Regional budget and noted they have identified a number of add-backs. He noted that Heritage is not included. He suggested that the Governor's House and Gaol would be an excellent addition to the budget, specifically maintenance and repair to make it structurally safe. He suggested asking our Council to take this request to the Region. On motion by Mr. B. Scott, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener requests that City Council ask Regional Council to include Heritage; specifically the maintenance and repair of the Governor's House and Gaol, to the list of items to be considered for their 1999 budget surplus." NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener is scheduled for Friday March 5, 1999, commencing at 11:45 a.m., in the Conestoga Room. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator