HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-02-23
KPL/CENTRE BLOCK PROJECT COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 23, 2006 City of Kitchener
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee met this date, commencing at 8:30 a.m., Chaired by Hans
Pottkamper with the following members present: Carla Ladd, Ray Robinson, Hans Gross, Rod
Regier, Larry Gordon, Marty Schreiter, Bruce McNeil, Michael May, Silvia Wright, Jana Miller and
Sandy Curzon
Approval of Minutes
1.
On motion by Larry Gordon, it was resolved that the minutes of February 9, 2006 be accepted and
posted on the city’s website www.city.kitchener.on.ca
On motion by Marty Schreiter, it was resolved that the minutes of February 16, 2006 be accepted
and posted on the city’s website www.city.kitchener.on.ca
2.Next Steps - Discussion
Project Committee embarked on a contingency planning discussion relative to attracting a
developer with or without using the library as a catalyst on the Centre Block site. The following
are points made during this discussion:
st
?
KDBA Board, at their meeting of February 21 reaffirmed their support of having a new
central library on Centre Block. The KDBA Board sees the library as a catalyst that will
change the demographics of downtown. It was noted that the KDBA board explored options
of not having a library, however did not spend much time doing so.
nd
?
The Economic Development Advisory Committee, at their meeting of February 22,
reconfirmed their commitment to support the KPL/Centre Block Project Committee in their
current approach to the development of the Centre Block site and recommends that they move
ahead with the RFP including a new Main Library.
?
It is understood that should Council decide not to go forward with a new central library, the
$32.5M allocated for the project will go back into the Economic Development Investment
fund
?
It would be in the City’s best interest to develop the whole site rather than ‘sell off’ pieces of
it. However, based on the current market, the successful developer may choose to develop
the site in phases - similar to the Kaufman Lofts development
?
Success of the site will be in maximizing the space into a public realm - how much space is
needed?
?
How would the Urban Design Guidelines fit in, if there were no library?
?
What does compatibility mean from a heritage aspect?
?
We have an opportunity to make this site a ‘centre piece’ that would attract economic
development into the downtown
?
If we go beyond demographics, who are the buyers - who are we trying to attract?
?
Who are You Kitchener has taught us that there is a whole range of the population segment
answering surveys on-line. There was some concern however, of missing library users who
live on the fringe of downtown who do not have access to computers and don’t buy books, if
only on-line survey methods were used.
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee Page 1 of 2
Minutes: February 23, 2006
Project Committee agreed on the following points:
?
To look for total block development in one proposal call, and not parcel the site off
?
There is a need for public spaces and to further discuss how much & where
?
To provide clear directions to the development industry about what it is we are looking for
including the streetscape off King Street
?
To explore the demographics surrounding recent loft sales (Kaufman, Le Marche and Eatons).
Who’s buying? (age, gender, job status, etc.).
nd
Action for March 2:
?
S. Wright to work with staff to define the market for Centre Block using current loft sales and
demographics
?
S. Wright to investigate talent attraction
?
R. Regier to invite appropriate staff to discuss streetscape design and heritage compatibility
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am
nd
Next Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, March 2, 2006
8:30am – 10:00am
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee Page 2 of 2
Minutes: February 23, 2006