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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2005-07-14 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES July 14,2005 City of Kitchener The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m., Chaired by Doug Hoch with the following members present: Tony DiBattista, John Smola, Glen Woolner, Jason Lane, Markus Stranz, Jim Jansen, Marcus Shantz City staff present include: Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon, Tracey DeVille, Rob Browning and John McBride 1. Business Arisina 1.1 Parkina Solutions Presentation Doug Hoch introduced Mr. John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning. Mr. McBride provided an overview of the feasibility study that has recently been completed. Mr. McBride noted that the previous study was done in 2000 and the results of that study indicated at the time that a delay in pursuing a new parking facility would not be necessary. Due to significant changes within the downtown core namely the arrival of The Record, Stantec and a number of other new businesses, the need for a new study was recognized. Mr. McBride provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the results of the study, which was completed by an external consultant. Some of the components of the study were: · Parking spot counts at various times of the day to identify peek periods · Need is shown in the central portion of the core · Long term demands are shown in the west end, with a large demand for the Court House Questions were raised regarding what the recognized needs are. The needs could be satisfied through partnerships, future building design, such as Centre Block and redesign of current lots. Mr. McBride noted that at this time any suggestions will be taken into consideration. Mr. McBride informed the Committee that he will be meeting with stakeholders in August, and having a draft report ready in mid-August. It was agreed that Mr. McBride come back to the September for an update. 1.2 Downtown Survey - Imoact events had on downtown business owners The presentation was withdrawn and placed on the Future Agenda items until a presentation date can be confirmed. Page 1 of 3 DAC Minutes July 14,2005 2. New Business WLU / UW Uodates Mr. Rob Browning introduced Mr. Jake Thiessen, Director of the School of Pharmacy and Mr. Lou Khoubesserian, Mr. Thiessen provided an overview of what health science is all about, noting that the main goal is health and well being. He stressed the need to create a world class facility which has a serious focus on research. He presented the committee with a model of the facility, which showcases the impact the structure will have on the intersection of King and Victoria Streets. The final building will have the following features: · 10 storey structure · Public courtyard and interactive medicinal garden where they will have the ability to hold public information sessions. · Commercial pharmacy · Family medicine centre · 300-400 seat auditorium · Outdoor patios / food services He noted that this facility will also be available for the community to host exhibits, show movies, have workshops etc. The school is scheduled to open Fall of 2007 along with that will be approximately 500 undergrad students, 75 grad students, 30 professors, and various number of administrative staff. Naturally, questions regarding housing and parking were raised and Mr. Thiessen noted that the school is aware of the need. There are no plans for underground parking as there is enough land available for surface lots. The housing issue is currently being reviewed; with no plans for an on-site residential component rather a partnership with the private sector is more of where the University is looking. No agreements have been formed at this time, but the need for 'living learning' atmosphere is what they would like to provide their students with. The Committee provided Mr. Thiessen and Mr. Khoubesserian with their support and encouragement. 3. Aooroval of Minutes On motion by, Tony DiBattista It was resolved: "That the minutes of June 9, 2005 be approved" Page 2 of 3 DAC Minutes July 14,2005 4. Aooointments · Safe & Healthy Community 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 Community Advisory Committee will be done through receipt of the minutes. Further to the discussion of the current vacancies and the need to adjust the representation. The Committee Administrator advised the Committee that there is a newspaper ad that will be posted in August requesting people apply for the current vacancies and included in that will be a request for an Education Representative. 5. New Business Mr. Tony DiBattista was asked if he could provide the Committee with some information regarding his recent partnership purchase of the Block that Rocks. Mr. DiBattista was able to provide some of the following information: · Water Street side will remain with current leases having been extended · Looking at the block as 2 separate parcels with the parcel from Stages down having to be demolished and new buildings built to create a safe structure · Phase 1 could include apartments on 2nd and 3rd floors with ground level retail (further talks with the Universities are planned) Mr. DiBattista has advised that he will provide updates as they are available. He noted that he is optimistic about the opportunities this site will provide to the health and development of the downtown. 5. Advisorv Committee Uodate Mr. Hoch informed the Committee updates are done through distribution of the minutes and if there is a particular item which needs attention, the representative from that Committee could provide more information. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Next Meeting: Thursday, August 11 - 4:00 pm - 6pm Conestoga Room, Ground Floor City Hall Page 3 of 3 DAC Minutes July 14,2005