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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv - 2007-05-23 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES May 23, 2007 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Adrian Conrad, commencing at 11:05 a.m. with the following members in attendance: Lawrence Bingeman, Steven Voll, Mark Collins, Gerry Remers, Jeremy Auger, Willy Heffner, Dan Piedra, Glen Woolner, Bob Denton, Ian Cook, Peter Benninger, Len Carter, Councillor Christina Weylie, Councillor John Smola The following people sent their regrets: Don Zehr, Howie Budd The following people were absent: Paul Singh, Sherryl Petricevic Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Kathy Weiss, Valerie Bradford, Robert Morgan, Chantelle Dixon, Jeff Willmer, Tina Malone-Wright, Silvia Wright, Don Chapman and Tracey DeVille Approval of Minutes Economic Development Advisory Committee deferred approval of the April minutes. It was felt that the minutes were not descriptive enough to reflect the discussion that took place. The minutes will be revised and approved at the June meeting. 1. Discussion Items 1.1 Redesignation and Zoning of Land Parcel on Ira Needles Boulevard Mr. Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning, provided the Committee with a brief overview of the zone change application for a parcel of land in the west end of the City of Kitchener at the intersection of Ira Needles and University. Mr. Paul Britton, MHBC Planning, provided the Committee with a presentation on the background and proposed purpose of the land. Mr. Britton advised that the land, a total of approximately 94.4 acres straddles the border of both Kitchener and Waterloo at Glasgow Street / Ira Needles Blvd., and West Hill Road. The Kitchener portion is approximately 48 acres and currently zoned Industrial. The zone change would see the Kitchener portion changed to Commercial/Mixed Use zoning which would allow for use similar to the Sunrise Centre on Ottawa Street South. Mr. Britton also provided the Committee with a detailed report showing current locations of other industrial and commercial land locations in Kitchener. Mr. Britton explained that: ? the lands had unique off site servicing requirements of approximately $67,500 per acre ? given the amount of residential in the area, the shortage of retail space on the west side of the city and the availability of transit in relation to the subject lands, commercial / retail space would be more advantageous to the surrounding area. ? the Waterloo portion of the land has successfully been changed to commercial zoning to allow for a better use of the land ? the zone change would bring an approximate 58 employees per acres whereas industrial zoning would generate 29 employees per acre. ? that the property could now be developed for some commercial uses such as a Staples or Office Basics under current zoning Mr. Willmer advised the Committee they were asking for input on the following: 1. Should a portion of the subject lands within the City of Kitchener be retained as industrially designated and zoned lands? 2. If so, what minimum area of industrial lands would be necessary to constitute a viable employment area? 3. If EDAC supports a portion of the lands should be retained for industrial uses, is it beneficial to refine the industrial zoning to provide for only true industrial employment uses? The Committee discussed the intended use of the land and the concerns that the property owners have with keeping the land zoned industrial. The Committee discussed the following concerns: ? Potential for conflict with adjacent residential areas ? Set back lines – limitations for industrial ? Impact on the Downtown if land is rezoned to Commercial and allows office space ? The logic of this land continuing to be industrial given its placement in relation to other industrial lands The Committee was advised that the City is not opposed to the rezoning of the land and it was also noted that there is more demand for industrial lands on the east side of Kitchener and towards the Airport. The Committee asked staff what type of industrial parcels are currently in demand and were advised that the recent inquiries have been for 2 to 5 acres parcels and have mostly been from local companies looking to expand or purchase their own land. In response to a question regarding long term Regional industrial land needs staff indicated that the Region is currently planning for the development of the eastside lands around the airport as the primary long term supply of industrial land for the region. The Committee generally agreed that if the current site zoning permitted some commercial development, and adequate industrial lands were available elsewhere it would be prudent to support the requested zone change in order to optimize the value of the site over all. On motion by G. Remers Seconded by I. Cook It was resolved: “That EDAC confirm support for a comprehensively planned mixed commercial centre for the entire site adjacent to the Westside of Ira Needles Boulevard” 1.2 Urban Vitality Ms. Silvia Wright, Manager of Downtown Community Development and Mr. Don Chapman, Manager of Special Events provided a presentation on the current happenings with the downtown. The information included: ? Current market trends in young target audience & baby boomers ? Summary of Downtown Monitoring Report indicators showing high levels of development and economic improvements downtown ? Request to support momentum with vitality programming while development in progress: Events, o Downtown tours, o Downtown ambassadors o Due to time limitations, the issue will be brought back to the Committee at a later date for more detail and discussion. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm.