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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1996-02-09LACAC\1996-02-09 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, commencing at 12:05 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor Jake Smola, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. P. Costigan, Ms. S. Campbell, Ms. E. Essenberg, Ms. D. Westman, Ms. B. Buchanan, Mr. M. Badran, Mr. R. Coo and Mr. M. de Groot. Councillor T. Galloway was in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Mr. E. Bow. Others Present: Mr. T. Boutilier, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. MINUTES Mr. L. Bensason clarified a statement recorded in the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee dated January 17, 1996, sixth paragraph. He explained that when no permit is required, it is more difficult to require documentation. On motion by Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of January 12, 1996, as mailed to the members, be approved." On motion by Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That the minutes of the special meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of January 17, 1996, as mailed to the members, be approved." 2. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor M. Wagner advised that it is the intention of the owner to demolish the former St. Jerome's High School. The owners have agreed to delay their request for a demolition permit for one month. The Friends of St. Jerome's are interested in refurbishing the theatre and the building in which it is situated and they have hired a consultant to prepare a report in this regard. Councillor M. Wagner offered thanks to Messrs. Bow and Badran for their work done, behind the scenes, so that the next batch of building evaluations can go forward to the Evaluation Sub- committee. Councillor M. Wagner provided copies of the list of members of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. Councillor T. Galloway advised that the foundation has been carrying forward a significant balance from year to year and recently there has been a surge of applications which could swallow up all the surplus. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he has received an application for the Awards of Excellence, which is due by the 15th. He asked for a volunteer to take a look into this. Councillor M. Wagner advised that Mayor R. Christy and Ms. S. Frenette will be meeting with a possible user for Sonneck Haus and it looks as though something will be done with the property. Councillor M. Wagner advised that Council approved the L.A.C.A.C. budget as was provided to the Committee at the January meeting. 3. PIONEER TOWER WEST - HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. L. Bensason, Heritage Planner, dated January 31, 1996, advising that staff are continuing to work with the applicant and their heritage consultant regarding the development of a design concept which would respect the development rights and interest of the property owner and address efforts to conserve the PIONEER TOWER WEST - HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT - cont'd LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1996 -9- CITY OF KITCHENER = significant heritage resources on this site. Included in Mr. Bensason's report was a draft negotiated concepts plan. The plan shows seven new residential lots on the south side of Street "A" along with two lots for park purposes, one containing the large barn and a separate, private lot containing the existing house and the drive shed. The private lot containing the existing house and drive shed would contain approximately 1.03 hectares and include land back to the regulatory floodline and include land behind the seven new residential lots and the parkland containing the barn. Mr. Bensason advised that this is an ongoing issue and it is important to recognize the goal of meeting the heritage preservation objectives and still be able to defend the subdivision plan before the Ontario Municipal Board. Mr. Bensason then explained his written report and the accompanying plan. He advised that the land around the barn would be part of the parkland dedicated to the City of Kitchener. The Department of Parks & Recreation would want the superstructure of the barn to be removed for liability reasons. They would keep the foundation which is original. Further, the Municipal Plan objective is to buffer the Pioneer Tower and the City would require parkland to be dedicated to buffer the proposed development from the Pioneer Tower and to preserve the view. Councillor T. Galloway questioned how significant the drive shed is. Mr. Bensason responded that the drive shed dates back to about the 1830's as does the house and it is still structurally sound. Upon questioning, Mr. Bensason advised that height restrictions and the placement of buildings on the lots can be achieved through the zoning by-law. Further, the owners have agreed to a heritage conservation district which can guide aesthetics. Discussion took place over public access, viewscapes, the barn and its use as an orientation centre for the heritage conservation district, a shifting of Street "A" so as not to go through the barn. There was also discussion over the residential lot shown on the southside of the street "A" on the plan and concern was expressed over the two lots to be located between the lot with the house and the drive shed and the Pincot house, which is not part of this plan. Councillor T. Galloway advised that staff are still negotiating with the owner and he questioned what L.A.C.A.C.'s priorities are. Ms. S. Burke stated that there would not be a heritage conservation district without public access to the ridge and viewscapes. She also stated that this area is historically very important and a credible heritage conservation district would not be achievable without including both founding families. Councillor M. Wagner questioned what parking facilities would be available for the Pioneer Tower and Mr. Bensason advised that there will be a parking facility north of the tower. Councillor M. Wagner then suggested that, if the City knew the profit potential, the five lots could possibly be purchased from the parkland dedication fund. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that he has been discussing the parkland dedication for the J.H.S. lands with Parks and Recreation and they advised that the City will have to provide active sportsfields in this area. He advised that staff will review the Municipal Plan policies again and continue to negotiate with the owner. He advised that the owner primarily wants 7 lots on the south side of Street "A". Staff will update the Committee at its's next meeting. Ms. Buchanan suggested that the value of the lots on the north side of Street "A" will increase in value if their are no houses on the southside of Street "A". J. STECKLY HERITAGE HOMESTEAD - 1811 - 1831 BLEAMS ROAD - REVIEW OF DESIGNATING BY-LAW = Mr. L. Bensason advised that two years ago this Committee agreed to review and revise the designating by-law for the J. Steckle Heritage Homestead, in light of the Sheinman report. Dr. Steckle has recently contacted staff requesting that something be done this year. Ms. S. Campbell volunteered to assist Mr. Bensason and Dr. Steckle in reviewing the designating by-law. REGIONAL HERITAGE INVENTORY TASK FORCE Mr. L. Bensason distributed information concerning the work being done by Regional Heritage LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1996 -10- CITY OF KITCHENER Inventory Task Force to develop a common electronic data base to be shared with all municipalities in the Region. They are trying to develop a system that is easy to use. They are looking for input as to whether the fields included in the program are adequate. There is hope that the program will be finalized by the end of this year. Questions were raised as to whether photographs will be included. Mr. Bensason advised that since the Ministry is involved, it is hope that they will be able to rent a digital camera for the summer. Councillor T. Galloway advised that the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation will be purchasing a scanner for a special project, which, once completed, will be available for loan. 6. UPDATES Mr. L. Bensason advised that the owners of 39 Doon Valley Drive have received approval from the Committee of Adjustment to sever the house from the rest of the property. He also advised that, at the time of designation in 1991, it was understood that the lands would be used for future development. Because there was no separate legal description at the time, for the house, the designating by-law was registered against all the land. Mr. Bensason stated that the staff report to the Committee of Adjustment advised that a heritage impact assessment will be required when the land is developed. Mr. L. Bensason circulated the fourth newsletter of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. He stated that the steering committee is meeting regularly and they are at the stage where they need input from the neighbours. To that end a public workshop has been scheduled for Wednesday February 21, 1996, from 7 - 10 p.m. in the Council Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. Councillor M. Wagner advised that this will be the prototype of how other Heritage Conservation Conservation Districts will be prepared in the future. There was a suggestion that Council set aside a modest sum of money, for minor grants, to assist property owners to renovate their properties. 7. EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. E. Essenberg spoke of the Restoring Home and Garden Series to be presented by Mr. N. Hill on February 27, March 5, 12 and 19. She advised that the Education Sub-Committee has sent out 160 invitation to owners of designated properties and others. 8. DESIGNATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. D. Westman distributed copies of a letter which is intended to be sent to owners of properties which the Committee is interested in designating. The letter briefly explains what L.A.C.A.C. is and gives a brief description of the designation process. Ms. Westman requested comments on the letter. Ms. B. Buchanan suggested that property owners do not like the word designation and inventory. She suggested that the Committee try to educate people and advise them that they have an historically or architecturally significant property. It was suggested that the letter be softened to make it friendlier and that a L.A.C.A.C. brochure be included with the letter. 9. LETTERHEAD Mr. L. Bensason advised that the L.A.C.A.C. letterhead is running out and questioned whether the Committee wishes to develop a new letterhead. He asked that this matter be placed on the March agenda. 10. GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN Mr. R. Coo gave a brief verbal report on the last meeting of the Grand River South Community LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1996 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER Plan Technical Review Community. He advised that alternatives to the original road location have been developed and it appears as though the Woolner property will not be affected at this time. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the Fung and Huber properties are in this area and questioned whether they should be added to the inventory. He indicated that he would bring this matter forward to the Evaluation Sub-Committee. 11. HERITAGESHOWCASE Ms. E. Essenberg reminded the Committee that L.A.C.A.C. will be setting up a display at the Heritage Showcase to take place on Saturday February 17. She asked for further assistance from the Committee members. She suggested that the L.A.C.A.C. maps be made available for sale at the showcase and it was generally agreed that the maps would be sold for $5.00. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. 12. 11 - 15 PANDORA AVENUE NORTH A report on 11-15 Pandora Avenue North was distributed at the meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that the owners seemed reluctant; however he and 1 or 2 Committee members will arrange a meeting with the owners in this regard. 13. DESIGNATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. P. Costigan distributed copies of the Sub-Committee Report at the meeting, containing a list of properties which the Sub-Committee would like to designate. She then reviewed which property still needs work before they can be considered for designation. Ms. Costigan then distributed another form to each member requesting a list of ten properties which they would recommend for designation. Concerning the designation ceremony for Kaufman Footwear, this is being left to L.A.C.A.C. in consultation with the owner. Concerning the property at 189 Queen Street North, Councillor Jake Smola advised that he would do a little research on this property. Ms. S. Campbell volunteered to research the property at 80 Queen Street North. 14. EVALUATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. S. Burke advised that the Evaluation Sub-Committee is moving towards its next meeting but there is still some background work to be done. Mr. R. Coo advised that some A.C.O. members have indicated an interest in helping out with some historic research. 15. NEW BUSINESS Ms. E. Essenberg advised that the Education Sub-Committee intends to focus on public relations. They would like to send letters of thanks to owners of designated properties who come to L.A.C.A.C. for advice. Ms. B. Buchanan suggested that minutes and agendas of L.A.C.A.C. be sent to meetings recent former L.A.C.A.C. members who would still like to be involved with the Committee. Ms. S. Burke questioned who makes the arrangements for Heritage Impact Assessments. Mr. Bensason advised that the property owners hire the consultants. Ms. Burke asked that the consultants be required to footnote their reports. 15. NEW BUSINESS - cont'd Ms. S. Burke advised that Joseph Schneider Haus will be having a special exhibit for the Victoria Park 100th Anniversary Committee. It will open on February 18, 1996, from 1 - 5 p.m. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1996 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER 16. Mr. R. Coo asked that part of each meeting be set aside to request items for the next agenda. Mr. M. Badran advised that anyone looking for details about properties should contact him, as he has a database of properties. It was suggested that it might be possible to have an open discussion meeting in the fall, similar to the one held last year. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist