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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2005-03-08SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Co-Chair, D. Schnarr S. Bergstra, J. Breithaupt, S. Fohring, M. Harris, C. Schneider, A. Bender, B. Thomlison. S. Franzen and T. Beaulne were in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: C. Sadeler, Interim Director, Community Programs and Services L. Korabo, Committee Administrator 1. ADAPTIVE REUSE INCENTIVE PLAN Mr. C. Bluhm, Planner, attended to present a draft 'Issues Paper' assessing the need for an Adaptive Reuse Incentive Plan in the City's central neighbourhoods. He stated that local developers have approached Council and requested assistance in order to make development of loft-style housing in former industrial or institutional buildings more financially viable. Currently not enough financial incentives are available, therefore, older buildings are usually demolished rather than renewed. Mr. Bluhm further advised that all Advisory Committees are being asked for input regarding the proposed Incentive Plan and these comments would be incorporated into the final document scheduled for presentation to City Council in April, 2005. Mr. Bluhm displayed a map to demonstrate the targeted central neighbourhoods and noted that many opportunities exist to convert former industrial or institutional buildings into office or residential uses. He provided examples of successful adaptive reuse projects in the Region of Waterloo and stated that the reuse of these buildings fits into the approved Regional Growth Management Strategy as it provides infill housing and slows down urban sprawl. It was noted that there are projects such as the Light Rail Transit System which will provide an incentive to live in the central neighbourhoods; however, these are still 5-10 years in the future. Developers have requested financial assistance at this time to kick-start the loft market and to help establish this type of lifestyle in the central part of the City. Without incentives, developers are reluctant to begin redevelopment projects due to the unpredictable costs associated with older buildings and unforeseen delays which can result if neighbourhood opposition arises. He noted the following community values for supporting adaptive reuse: alignment with one of Compass Kitchener's strategic directions; the potential to develop 12 sites of historical / architectural value; and aiding the perception of a safe and vital neighbourhood. The economic value of this Plan was also referenced however not discussed in the context of the feedback offered by the Committee. Mr. Bluhm then reviewed four options being considered by the Corporation and the costs of each, as follows: · do nothing - properties in the central neighbourhoods would only benefit from the programs already in existence; · do everything - give the developers everything they are asking for; · do something - a combination of the two above; · do something - set a defined grant amount per unit redeveloped. The Committee asked questions concerning the viability of buildings being considered for adaptive reuse and the ownership of these properties. Feedback was provided as follows: · buildings being considered for the Incentive Plan should be thoroughly inspected to determine the feasibility of committing funds; · submissions for funding should be considered on a case-by-case basis rather than under a blanket set of criteria; · the safety and vitality of the surrounding neighbourhood would be greatly improved by the adaptive reuse of older industrial /institutional buildings; · the difficulties encountered to redevelop a building designated under the Ontario Heritage Act or identified as historically significant; · general support for the Incentive Plan as a positive way to improve the neighbourhood; · the use of market research to determine the need for loft-style housing in the community; · the need for affordable housing rather than market value accommodations; · a mixture of tenants living in the building would be a greater asset; SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 2005 - 6 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. ADAPTIVE REUSE INCENTIVE PLAN (CONT'D) · dedication of portions of the reuse developments for community use; and, · the importance of developing an energy efficient building. The Committee suggested it could assist by developing criteria which could be used by Planning staff in evaluating development proposals for adaptive reuse of buildings within the central neighbourhoods. Mr. Bluhm acknowledged that it would be helpful to have criteria to reference during negotiations with developers and thanked the Committee for their offer. Ms. T. Beaulne requested that the final draft of the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Plan report be brought back to the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee for final review and endorsement. Mr. D. Schnarr indicated that having the endorsement of all Advisory Committees prior to presenting the final report to Council could be beneficial. On motion by Ms. T. Beaulne - it was resolved: "That the staff report assessing the need for the establishment of an Adaptive Reuse Incentive Plan be presented to the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee for review and endorsement prior to presentation to City Council; and further, That the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee develop criteria focusing on a safe and healthy community perspective to be used by staff when evaluating development proposals under the plan for Kitchener's central neighbourhoods." 2. WORK PLAN 2005-2006 - FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS Ms. C. Sadeler introduced this agenda item stating that following the Committee's February meeting where a review of the 2005-2006 Work Plan was undertaken and new working groups established, she was approached by a Committee member who indicated an overwhelming feeling of the Committee attempting to take on too much in a short period of time. Ms. Sadeler indicated that she shared this concern and therefore is suggesting focusing the efforts of the current Committee on only a few projects which could be done well. Members generally agreed that selecting a few projects would be a better use of the Committee's resources, however, it was noted for the record that all of the suggestions outlined in the Work Plan are worthwhile undertakings. Mr. D. Schnarr commented that following the restructuring of advisory committees undertaken by Council in late 2001, he felt that the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee had been given too broad a mandate. Several other members agreed with this observation, indicating a sense of "spinning their wheels" rather than being productive as a group. It was noted that the Committee was struck to act in an advisory capacity to Council and staff and that this function has been embraced; however, the Committee is also project driven and this is the area where efforts could be refocused. Ms. T. Beaulne suggested that prior to the April meeting all of the identified Working Groups meet and discuss the specific plan of action and report back to the full Committee. It was suggested that a member on each Working Group assume a leadership role, contact the other members and set up a meeting in the near future. Ms. Beaulne stated that it should not be left to staff to mobilize the Working Groups. Following the reports of the Working Groups, priority items could be identified and moved forward in 2005. Additional discussion ensued and it was determined to follow the proposed strategy to have Working Groups meet and report back in April outlining their priorities, as well as time lines and resources required to accomplish tasks. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 2005 - 7 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES COMMUNITY SAFETY & CRIME PREVENTION - UPDATE As Councillor B. Vrbanovic was unable to attend today's meeting, this item was deferred to the April 5, 2005 meeting. COMMUNITY POLICING IN CROATIA As Councillor B. Vrbanovic was unable to attend today's meeting, this item was deferred to the April 5, 2005 meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS Ms. J. Breithaupt introduced Elijah Walsh and Jonathan Milner who are producing the art work for the Youth Website. Mr. E. Walsh circulated samples of a stylized font he is proposing for use on the website noting that it reflects an urban "graffiti" image. The Committee was generally supportive of the font design and thanked Mr. Walsh and Mr. Milner for their work. Ms. Breithaupt advised that she is waiting for a final consultation with the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) in order to finalize and launch the website and hand over its ongoing maintenance to them. In response to a question from the Committee, Ms. Breithaupt advised that the Youth Website will be a stand alone site however will be accessible through a link on the City's website. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator