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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2007-12-04HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Co-Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. S. Lauber, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. E. Brown and Messrs. G. Zeilstra, J. Ariens, T. Benedict, L Mota, and L. Robertson. Staff: J. Willmer, Director of Planning A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range Planning L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage M. Wade, Heritage Planner S. Rice, Development Administrator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. INTRODUCTION -NEW CITY HERITAGE PLANNER On behalf of the Committee, Mr. K. Kirby welcomed Ms. M. Wade who has recently been hired as the City of Kitchener's new Heritage Planner. 2. GENERAL DISCUSSION -HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - BECKER ESTATES PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION - HURON ROAD, PLAINS ROAD AND FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD The Committee considered the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the proposed Becker Estates Plan of Subdivision (Huron Road, Plains Road and Fischer-Hallman Road), dated October 23, 2007. Mr. L. Bensason advised that in May 2007 the City hosted apre-application meeting to identify issues associated with the consideration of the proposed Plan of Subdivision application to develop a parcel of land approximately 66.2 hectares in size located within the bounds of Huron Road to the north and Fischer Hallman Road to the west, in the Huron Park Community. He stated that at that meeting, staff identified that an HIA would be made a submission requirement of any Plan of Subdivision application made for the subject lands. He outlined that the subject property is bisected diagonally by a portion of Plains Road which was listed as a Scenic Road on Heritage Kitchener's Inventory. In addition, it contains three farmsteads previously listed on that Inventory, municipally addressed 1940 Fischer Hallman Road, 163 Plains Road and 780 Huron Road. He noted that the HIA has been circulated to Heritage Kitchener for comments, which will be considered by Planning staff in processing and making a recommendation to Council. Messrs. Robert Anderson, Carson Woods Architects Ltd., and Chris Pigeon, GSP Group, reviewed the proposed heritage preservation measures set out in the HIA for the Becker Estates Neighbourhood Plan. Mr. Anderson advised that the broad cultural heritage interest in the structures at 1940 Fischer-Hallman Road, 163 Plains Road, and 780 Huron Road relate to the design and physical properties of the buildings as representative examples of early farming facilities and residences circa 1860-1870. Similarly, the properties have value for their mixed farming use that began when the agricultural sector of Waterloo was first established as the primary industry of the Township. The following proposed preservation measures were highlighted and it was noted that the heritage features of the subject lands will be commemorated in the local schools and throughout the community: • 1940 Fischer Hallman Road -document conditions, retain dwelling, demolish farmyard structures, and re-use materials from those structures; • 163 Plains Road -document conditions, demolish dwelling and farmyard structures, and re-use materials from barn; • 780 Huron Road -document conditions, demolish dwelling and structures, and re-use materials from barn; and, • Plains Road Right-of-Way -commemoration points in central green and parkettes, commemoration through design along streets, and interpretive signage in central park. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 4, 2007 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. GENERAL DISCUSSION -HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - BECKER ESTATES PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION - HURON ROAD, PLAINS ROAD AND FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD tCONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. C. Pigeon advised that the rationale for locating the proposed high density portion of the subdivision in the area of 1940 Fischer-Hallman Road is resultant to the requirements set out by the Province which dictate that higher density properties need to be located adjacent to an arterial road. He noted that what is before the Committee is just a concept plan, adding that no definitive site plan has been submitted. He stated that with regard to the 2 barn sites, both are considered to be potential safety hazards and vulnerable to proposed grade elevation changes necessary to accommodate the subdivision. He outlined that he was informed by Community Services Department staff that the City had no interest in locating a park next to 1940 Fischer-Hallman Road. Several members expressed concern that the historic alignment of Plains Road was not being preserved in a significant manner and it was suggest that it be converted into abicycle / waking path to increase the subdivisions walkability and ease of travel for students attending the area schools. In addition, it was requested that additional research be undertaken into the historical presence of aboriginals in this area and the early history of European immigrants and their potential use of Plains Road as a settlement route. Mr. L. Bensason expressed concern regarding the impact that the proposed development would have on the log-term preservation of 1940 Fischer-Hallman Road, which in his opinion has not been adequately addressed at this time. He stated that Plains Road is uniquely significant and more information is required as to the exact nature with which it will be celebrated within the proposed development. He added that as additional information appears to be necessary, the revised HIA might be brought back before Heritage Kitchener for further consideration. He noted that ultimately the HIA must be approved by the Director of Planning, which occurs when it is determined that the HIA meets the needs of the site. 3. REVIEW OF HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA-V-012 - 134 DAVID STREET - PROPOSED REAR ADDITION Mr. L. Bensason declared a conflict of interest as he is a neighbour of the Applicant and did not participate in any discussion regarding this application. The Committee was in receipt of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-V-012, dated November 16, 2007 requesting permission to demolish and replace the existing one-storey rear addition atwo-storey addition at 134 David Street, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Ms. S. Rice advised that HPA 2007-V-012 is being presented only for the Committee's information at this time, adding that staff anticipate bringing it forward for formal consideration at the January 8, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting. At the request of Ms. E. Brown, Mr. Art Janzen, Applicant, agreed to supply elevation drawings at the January 2008 meeting, outlining the distance that the proposed addition would extend from the rear of the existing building. 4. ANTICIPATED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 24 DILLS STREET -PROPOSED ALTERATION TO FRONT FACADE Mr. L. Bensason advised that earlier this year the Committee considered a Heritage Permit Application (HPA) requesting permission to demolish and replace the addition at 24 Dill Street, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District (HCD). At that time the Committee agreed to approve the Applicant's request subject to the exterior design details of the proposed addition being approved by the City's Heritage Planner. He stated that when the required information was provided by the Applicant, staff were informed of his intention to replace the windows on the building's front fagade. He added that normally installing replacement windows would not require an HPA unless the window opening is increased or, as proposed by the Applicant, the window opening is re-designed significantly. He stated that typically, a considerable amount of additional information would be required before a request of this nature is considered by the Committee, noting that staff had originally intended for this matter to come before the Committee at its January 8, 2008 meeting. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 4. 2007 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. ANTICIPATED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 24 DILLS STREET -PROPOSED ALTERATION TO THE FRONT FACADE tCONT'D) Mr. Daniel Howard, Applicant advised that he intends to use the same style windows on the front fagade as those proposed for the rear addition, noting that he would save approximately $3,000. if he is able to order both sets of windows within the next few days. He outlined that additionally, he cannot wait until the Committee's January 2008 meeting to order the windows for the addition, as its interior is currently open and exposed to the winter weather conditions. In response to questions, he stated that he intends to use an EIFS material to replace the stucco that is currently around the windows. Several members stated that they are unable to properly evaluate the Applicant's request without examining elevation drawings depicting the dimension, location and material to be used. Accordingly, the Committee agreed to refer consideration of the Applicant's request to the January 8, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting to allow time for the circulation of elevation drawings. Mr. L. Bensason suggested that in anticipation of the January 2008 meeting, the members could examine the exterior of 5 Maurice Street, which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, as it was previously coated with stucco and now has an EIFS exterior approved by Heritage Kitchener. 5. GENERAL DISCUSSION -DELEGATION OF HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION PERMIT APPLICATION APPROVAL AUTHORITY The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. L. Bensason, dated November 19, 2007 regarding the delegation of approval authority for compliant and non-controversial Heritage Permit Applications (HPA). Mr. L. Bensason advised that pursuant to new provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, staff are proposing that the Coordinator, Cultural Heritage (or designate) be delegated approval authority for alterations to designated heritage properties. He outlined that staff are of the opinion that this delegation would serve to streamline the approval of compliant and non- controversial HPAs and would remove routine /administrative matters from Council's and Heritage Kitchener's agendas. In addition, it may serve to improve customer service by reducing the waiting period for approval, particularly during the summer recess months, and reduce staff time spent on report preparation and processing. Mr. Bensason then reviewed the proposed process for the review of HPAs, as outlined in the memorandum. In response to questions regarding the proposed approval process, Mr. L. Bensason advised that when an HPA is received a notification e-mail would be sent to the Chair, Co-Chair and Heritage Kitchener member representative of the subject Heritage Conservation District (HCD), who would provide comments back to staff. He stated that the objective is to process non-controversial HPAs within 10 business days of the City's receipt of a complete application, which is equivalent to the typical amount of time taken to process Building Permit applications. He added that staff would not have the authority to refuse or consider HPAs for demolition or significant new construction, noting that such applications would continue to follow the current practice. Mr. Bensason commented that if an HCD member representative has a question they would liked posed about a particular HPA to neighbouring property owners, those members should raise that question with staff who would in turn initiate contact with the applicant's surrounding neighbours. He stated that staff anticipates presenting the draft delegation of approval authority by-law to Heritage Kitchener in early 2008. Several members expressed support for the proposed delegation of approval authority as a means of expediting the HPA process. It was suggested that as a further means of expediting the process, an alternate HCD member representative could be appointed at the start of the Committee's term and provide feedback to staff in the event the regularly appointed member is unavailable to comment. In addition, it was put forward that the notification e-mail could be sent to all members who in turn could provide feedback to the Chair, Co-Chair or HCD member representative. Questions were raised regarding the potential transparency implications of the proposed process and it was agreed to have the Heritage Permit Application Tracking Sheet attached to all future Heritage Kitchener agendas. Further, it was proposed that a clause be added that the proposed delegation of approval authority process be reviewed after its first year in operation. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 4. 2007 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. ANTICIPATED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT Mr. J. Ariens declared a conflict of interest as his wife owns the subject property and advised that while he would be addressing the Committee as an applicant, he would refrain from any voting or deliberations regarding this matter. The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. D. Schmitt, Environmental and Urban Forest Project Manager, dated November 29, 2007 regarding an assessment of the impact the proposed site alterations required to facilitate the additional parking spaces may have on the property's trees. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Mr. L. Bensason, regarding the various alterations proposed for 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent, being: 1. installation of front and side walkways around the house, as per application specs; 2. concept of introducing a fieldstone wall 3 '/2 feet high by 3 feet wide, conditional on satisfactorily addressing matters associated with its ultimate location and the impact of its construction on the health of existing trees; 3. parking 3 vehicles in front of the existing driveshed, conditional on meeting other City requirements including the variance, encroachment agreement, and relocation of the sidewalk so it is curb edged; 4. re-cladding the driveshed with new pine board and batten; 5. lowering the 2 barn windows to 36 inches from the floor of the driveshed; 6. alteration of driveshed including a new man door on rear elevation and rear deck to accommodate coach house use; and, 7. construction of a 3 car garage, approximately 12 feet by 16 feet, and driveway to accommodate parking spaces 4, 5 and 6. Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mr. Schmitt's assessment suggests that the current proposal for the construction of a garage could have a negative impact on the health of the trees he assessed. He outlined that staff are supportive of the concept of introducing a fieldstone wall on the property; however, the issues surrounding parking spaces 4, 5, and 6 would need to be resolved before the location of the wall can be determined. He added that in an effort to try to move this matter forward, staff are recommending approval of alterations 1 through 5 and suggest that the Committee refer consideration of items 6 and 7 to the January 8, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting to allow for further analysis and discussion. Mr. J. Ariens reviewed that proposed site plan, stating that the construction of a garage was not originally included; however, he now requires a storage facility for a new summer vehicle. He advised that the property's current zoning allows for its use as a bed and breakfast. He estimated the cost of the alterations to the driveshed to be between $20,000. to $30,000., noting that its proposed re-use as a bed and breakfast would enable him to recouping a portion of these costs. He outlined that while he is cognoscente of the fact that the location of the fieldstone wall is dependant on several factor, he would like to receive approval at least in principle at this time, so that he is able to book a stone mason for spring 2008. He added that he would be willing to limit the parking in front of the driveshed to guests only to reduce the number of cars visible along the historic ridge. Mr. Ariens requested that the Committee also consider granting approval in principle for items 6 and 7. Ms. E. Gallaher stated that she would be willing to support the construction of the fieldstone wall in principle. She expressed concern that the proposed alterations are being considered without detailed elevation drawings or a proper landscape plan; especially since the proposed alterations might be contrary to the provisions of the Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement applied to this property. Mr. J. Ariens advised that his wife appealed the adjacent property owner's plan of subdivision as that property was not going to be subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement. At that time Council decided that in the interest of equity they would be willing to withdraw the Easement Agreement applied to his property, but since they voluntarily entered into the Agreement he and his wife decided against its withdrawal. Mr. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 4. 2007 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. ANTICIPATED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT tCONT'D) Ariens noted that while he would prefer not to, if the Easement Agreement is now impeding their ability to undertaking the proposed alterations, he and his wife might be willing to approach Council to have it withdrawn. Several members expressed support for items 1, 2 and 3, noting that all of items concerning the proposed driveshed alterations seem to be interconnected. Accordingly, the Committee agreed to refer consideration of items 4 to 7 to the January 8, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting. On motion by Mr. L. Robertson - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-IV-013 (300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent) be approved, to permit the following alterations in accordance with the materials provided by the applicant and reviewed at the December 4, 2007 Heritage Kitchener meeting: • the installation of front and side walkways around the house; and, • the concept of introducing a stone wall 3 1/2 feet high and 3 feet wide on the property, conditional on satisfactorily addressing matters associated with its ultimate location and the impact of its construction on the health of existing trees; and further, • parking 3 vehicles in front of the existing drive shed, conditional on meeting other City requirements including the variance, encroachment agreement, and relocation of the sidewalk so it is curb edged." 7. GENERAL DISCUSSION - ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - ENTRANCE SIGNS AND STREET SIGNAGE - PARK NAME CHANGE As the following matter was brought forward at the request of Mr. K. Kirby, Councillor J. Gazzola assumed the Chair. The Committee was in receipt of commemorative street signage graphic designs for each of the City's Heritage Conservation Districts (HCD). In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a map of the St. Mary's HCD indicating the proposed locations for the installation of 18 commemorative street signs. Mr. L. Bensason advised that as the St. Mary's HCD designation serves to preserve an area of the City's wartime housing, approval was granted by the Federal government for the use of the poppy symbol as part of that HCD's commemorative street signage. He noted that funding has been set aside within the HCD budget for these signs and staff are pursuing their installation. A motion was brought forward by Mr. K. Kirby recommending that as a means of linking all component features of the St. Mary's HCD, the central landscaped boulevard located on Spadina Road East, between Glen Road and Windsor Crescent be named `Veterans Green'; and, the parkspace currently referred to as `Lorne Green' be renamed `Veterans Park'. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby - it was resolved: "WHEREAS the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Plan contains policies and guidelines which are aimed at conserving the significant architecture and suburban landscapes unique to the post-war housing character associated with that neighbourhood; and, HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 4, 2007 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. GENERAL DISCUSSION - ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - ENTRANCE SIGNS AND STREET SIGNAGE - PARK NAME CHANGE tCONT'D) WHEREAS the landscape character of the St. Mary's HCD serve to complement and support the designation of the neighbourhood as a heritage conservation district; and, WHEREAS the St. Mary's HCD Plan states that it is important that the landscape components of the district be retained and managed in a way that link all component features, as they are a considerable physical asset and community amenity; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the central landscaped boulevard located within the St. Mary's HCD on Spadina Road East, between Glen Road and Windsor Crescent, legally described as Part of Block `E' on Plan 670, be named `Veterans Green' and appropriate signage be installed; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the parkspace located within the St. Mary's HCD currently referred to as `Lorne Green', legally described as Part of Blocks `B', `O', `S' and `U' on Plan 670, be renamed `Veterans Park' and appropriate signage be installed." 8. COMMITTEE UPDATE - 3$1 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - THE EBY ESTATE FARMHOUSE 12062 BLEAMS ROAD) Mr. L. Bensason provided an update as to the status of 381 Pioneer Tower Road and the Eby Estate Farmhouse (2062 Bleams Road). He stated that the City's Chief Building Official has issued an order to remedy an unsafe condition for the rear annex of 381 Pioneer Tower Road, which must be complied with by mid December 2007. Regarding the Eby Estate Farmhouse, which was recently damaged by a fire, Mr. Bensason advised that the owners' intend to restore the house to the design approved by Heritage Kitchener as proposed by the Eby Estates Plan of Subdivision. 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator