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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2005-03-10 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 10, 2005 City of Kitchener The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., chaired by Mr. Doug Hoch with the following members present: Councillor John Smola, Glen Woolner, Jason Lane, Denis Pellerin, Marcus Shantz and Michelle Morissetti City staff present include Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon and Tracey DeVille 1. Approval of Minutes On motion by Doug Hoch It was resolved: "That the minutes of February 1 0, 2005 with indicated changes be accepted." 2. 2005 Appointments · Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee Representative No nominations were put forward. It was noted that the request for appointment to the Committee will be on future agendas until such time that the position is filled. Updates from the Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee will be done through receipt of the minutes. · Downtown Advisory Committee Vacancies Mr. Tony DiBattista was introduced as a potential new member of the Downtown Advisory Committee. A motion was put forward to accept Mr. DiBattista as the representative for the Live Entertainment Section of the Committee. On Motion by Doug Hoch It was resolved: "That Mr. Tony DiBattista be appointed to represent the Live Entertainment sector of the Downtown Advisory Committee, for a term expiring November 30,2006." 3. Student Housina - Goals / Public Participation Ms. Janice Given, Project Manager, Planning Division provided the Committee with a presentation and update on the status of the strategy for student housing in downtown Kitchener. Details of the plan include Draft Goals and Objectives, student profile and housing preferences for both the University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier University. Mr. Bud Walker, Director, University Business Operations at the University of Waterloo was also present and provided in detail, what the Universities are looking for in terms of student housing. The presentation provided information on the demographics of the students and stressed on the importance of ensuring that the students have all the benefits of home. Page 1 of2 DAC Minutes March 10, 2005 3. Student Housina - Goals / Public Participation (Cont'd) It was noted that many of the students will already have established careers and families, proving that their needs are different than the average university student. Committee members were asked to provide input into the design elements of student housing within the downtown. The Student Housing Strategy Team is aiming to provide more of a village setting for the students as opposed to lodging / rooming house accommodations. Ms. Given informed the Committee that a working group has been established to determine the possible avenues that can be taken regarding any licensing or distance separation issues in regards to lodging houses. Discussion took place regarding the types of housing that the Universities have done in the past, what has worked and what has not. Questions were raised regarding locations, cost and partnerships with local developers. The Committee was in agreement that the student housing proposal is very positive and they are looking forward to working with the team on future development needs. Ms. Given noted that the team will be meeting with the Neighbourhood Associations to discuss the strategy. She advised the Committee that the Goals and Objectives document will be presented to the Development & Technical Services Committee at their April 18, 2005 meeting for final approval. 4. Adaptive Reuse Incentive Proaram Mr. Cory Bluhm, Planner, provided the Committee with a presentation on the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program. He explained the nature of the program, the area in which the City is looking to offer the program and provided examples of buildings that could take advantage of the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program. A discussion took place weighing the pros and cons of the program. Concerns over the benefits the Region will have if this program proceeds was discussed and the question was raised as to the amount of involvement the Region will have. Mr. Bluhm noted that the Region has informed the City that Provincial Legislation prevents them from being involved. Mr. Bluhm noted that this will be looked into prior to any decisions being made regarding the program. Mr. Bluhm asked the Committee what their standpoint was in regards to the relationship, if any, the Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program has to the downtown. The Committee agreed that they would like to see the geographic area tightened up, but were pleased with the possible program potential. It was discussed as to the limits that should be placed on the program, noting that it is important that the City of Kitchener look more at the option of a deferral program instead of a grant type program. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50p.m Page 2 of2 DAC Minutes March 10, 2005