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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2008-05-26DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 6:15 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, J. Smola, K. Galloway, and G. Lorentz Staff: P. Houston, General Manager, Community Services G. Murphy, Director of Engineering J. Willmer, Director of Planning T. Beckett, Fire Chief M. Selling, Director of Building L. MacDonald, City Solicitor A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range and Policy Planning T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner K. Anderl, Planner D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator DTS-0$-070 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 0$l04IUSR - 76 LIMERICK DRIVE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 070, dated May 9, 2008, recommending conditional approval of Demolition Control Application DC 08/04/L/SR for the property municipally known as 76 Limerick Drive. Mr. & Mrs. Csehi were in attendance in support of this application and the staff recommendation. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 08/04/L/SR requesting permission to demolish a single family dwelling located at 76 Limerick Drive, owned by Jim and Sarah Csehi, legally described as Beasley's Broken Front Concession Part Lot 24 RP 58R-14050 PT 1, be approved in principle, subject to the following condition: a) That the owners obtain a building permit for the proposed single family dwelling. That upon satisfaction of Condition 1, the Chief Building Official may authorize and issue a demolition permit under Section 33(6) of the Planning Act. The demolition permit will be subject to the following condition: `That in the event that construction of the single family dwelling is not substantially complete within 2-years of the date of issuance of the demolition permit, the City Clerk may enter on the collector's roll, to be collected in like manner as municipal taxes, $20,000 for each dwelling unit contained in the residential property in respect of which the demolition permit is issued and such sum shall, until the payment thereof, be a lien or charge upon the land in respect of which the permit to demolish the residential property is issued."' DTS-0$-091 - ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2007 -MASTER STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 091, dated May 16, 2008, presenting the recommendations from the 2007 Annual Audit report prepared by Totten Sims and Hubicki. Mr. Murphy presented the staff report. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the recommendations outlined in the Executive Summary for the 2007 Annual Audit Report, prepared by Totten Sims and Hubicki, be endorsed." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-0$-061 - LANG TANNERY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT VISION - 36 FRANCIS STREET NORTH The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 061,dated May 13, 2008, respecting the redevelopment of the former Lang Tannery which has recently been purchased by Francis Street Inc. The proposed reuse of this building is intended to include office, retail, restaurant uses. Ms. K. Anderl introduced Ms. L. Sherman, cadan inc. who was in attendance to present the design vision for redevelopment of the Lang Tannery. She advised that staff have worked extensively with the owners, who propose a vey high quality development; which is in keeping with the Downtown Strategic Plan and Design Guidelines. To date, in terms of process, they have received site plan approval in principle, approval from Heritage Kitchener, and approval of a Minor Variance from the Committee of Adjustment. Ms. Anderl recommended acceptance of the Design Development Vision by this Committee. Ms. L. Sherman, cadan inc. was in attendance to present the proposal. She introduced the development team for the project: Developer -cadan inc., Architect - rawdesign inc., Heritage - ERA architects inc., Engineers -The Walterfedy Partnership and Landscape -The Planning Partnership. Ms. Sherman advised that Mr. R. Rom Colthoff, the project architect, is also in attendance to answer questions form the Committee. She stated that it has been a pleasure to work so closely with City staff on this project. Ms. Sherman advised that they are creating a convergence centre which will be a key component in revitalizing Kitchener's downtown. She stated that it is their intension to open up the Lang Tannery site, which is central to the Warehouse District. They will open up the site to create circulation to public and private spaces. She displayed a view of the opened site, which includes removal of some 1 storey structures at the corner of Charles and Victoria Streets. This will allow room for parking as well as exposing the fagade of the building. They will retain portions of the demolished buildings to delineate the parking area. They intend to open-up and retrofit the front fagade and turn it into a public cafe on a raised walkway. She noted that the space in the middle of the site is quite spectacular and it is intended to be used as a restaurant. Ms. Sherman advised that they want to be sensitive to the heritage structure, but at the same time, apply new elements. She noted that there will also be streetscape improvements. During her presentation, Ms. Sherman advised that the existing artisans and industrial uses have been moved into one building, and that work is underway to upgrade this building, which upgrades will be completed by December 2008. With respect to the new office and retail space, demolition will be completed by August 2008, the leasing office will open in September 2008, and the new space will be ready for occupancy by 2009. In response to questions from the Committee, Ms. Sherman confirmed that the redevelopment of this site will cost $30M and there will be 350,000 sq. ft. of space after the demolition. She stated that the demolition will start in July 2008, and acknowledged that some of the timelines are leasing dependent. Ms. Sherman then confirmed that they own the site on the other side of Joseph Street and they will eventually develop it, but the timing for that development has not been established yet. Ms. Sherman concluded by stating that they purchased the Lang Tannery site because of the City's intension respecting the redevelopment of Kitchener's downtown. They have been made to feel very welcome to this community, and they are confident that the market exists for this development. With respect to a question concerning contamination, Ms. Sherman advised that a Phase 2 Assessment has already been undertaken and they will soon begin the necessary clean-up. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That the Tannery District Design and Development Vision be received as a guide for future site development processes at 36 Francis Street North." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DTS-0$-0$0 - AIR QUALITY IN KITCHENER -FIVE BEST BETS FOR 200$ - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-08-080, dated May 15, 2008, presenting the recommendation of the Environmental Committee reging those initiatives the Committee wants the City to pursue in 2008, respecting air quality improvements in the City of Kitchener. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the following be approved as the Five Best Bets for 2008, in accordance with the Air Quality in Kitchener (2006) Report Best Bet #1 -Continue to support and implement energy efficiency initiatives; Best Bet #2 - Reduce reliance on automobiles and enhance non-vehicular accessibility; Best Bet #3- Develop, promote and implement best management practices for non- manufacturing businesses; Best Bet #4- Mobilize public opinion; and, Best Bet #5- Establish a greenhouse gas emission reduction target and track implementation progress; and further, That staff, through the Environmental Study Group, investigate the feasibility and, if appropriate, pursue the implementation of the Air Quality in Kitchener Five Best Bets for 2008 and associated sub-action items, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-08-080." This meeting recessed at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, G. Lorentz, K. Galloway, C. Weylie and J. Smola. 5. DTS-0$-059 -OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION OP 0$l01IDIKA AND ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 0$l01IDIKA- 2$6 DUKE STREET WEST The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 08-059, dated April 22, 2008, recommending approval of a zone change application and official plan amendment for the property municipally known as 286 Duke Street West. Mr. T. Lednidou, the current owner of this property, was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation for these applications. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That Official Plan Amendment Application OP08/01 /D/KA requesting a change in designation from General Industrial to General Industrial with a Special Policy to permit personal services and studio, on lands municipally known as 286 Duke Street West, and legally described as Part Lot 221 Plan 376 & Part 1, RP58R-9291, in the City of Kitchener, be adopted, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-059, and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and further, That Zone Change Application ZC08/01/D/KA requesting a change from General Industrial Zone (M-2) to General Industrial Zone (M-2), with Special Regulation Provision 478R and Special Use Provision 3760 on the lands municipally known as 286 Duke Street West, and legally described as Part Lot 221, Plan 376 & Part 1, RP58R-9291 in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law dated April 16, 2008, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 059." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. DTS-0$-004 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 07I02IDIKA - 967 DOON VILLAGE ROAD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 004, dated April 28, 2008, recommending conditional approval of a Zone Change Application for the property municipally known as 967 Doon Village Road. Mr. Sestan was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation. Ms. K. Anderl presented the staff report noting that this is a minor zone change for land which is adjacent to Strasburg Creek. She noted that staff has included conditions dealing with invasive species of trees and shrubs in the hazard land, which have been removed, to be replaced by the property owner with native species of trees and shrubs. She advised that this property is to be developed with a single family dwelling. Ms. Anderl put forward an amendment to condition b) i) in the staff report to require, prior to three readings of the by-law, "that arrangements be made for the planting of 80 native shrubs and 6 native trees, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning". During construction staff do not want to have the new trees damaged, which is why only the arrangements are to be made prior to three readings of the by-law. She advised that it is expected that these conditions will be accomplished prior to the June 9th Council meeting. It was noted that Regional Councillor J. Haalboom has some concerns about the tree removal, and Mr. Willmer advised that the recommended conditions are staff's intention to require environmental improvement. The owner has acted responsibly, and is in agreement with the staff recommendation. The applicant has advised that he will follow what staff has outlined in the staff report. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC07/02/D/KA requesting a change from Agricultural Zone (A-1) to Residential Three Zone (R-3) with Special Regulation Provision 474R, Hazard Land Zone (P-3) and Property Detail Schedule 28 on the lands owned by Sestan Electric Construction Ltd., municipally known as 967 Doon Village Road, and legally described as PT of LT 2 Biehn's Tract; RP 58R-15561 PT 2, in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated April 4, 2008, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-004, subject to the following condition: 1) That the zoning by-law not receive three readings until: a) the owner has removed the invasive species as indicated in the letter from Thompson Environmental, dated February 27, 2008, and further detailed on the Tree Skefch Prepared for Building Permif Applicafion, dated February 26, 2008, attached thereto, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning; b) that upon completion of the removal of the invasive species from the specified area: i. that arrangements be made for planting of 80 native shrubs and 6 native trees, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning; and, ii. protective fencing is to be installed along the tree protection fencing line limit, as noted on Detail 1 of the Tree Skefch Prepared for Building Permif Applicafion, dated February 26, 2008, and notification of the tree protection fencing shall be forwarded to the Director of Planning for review and approval; and further, iii. that the owner provides the City of Kitchener with an undertaking to maintain the protective fencing until final grading and sodding of the site has been completed." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-0$-090 - TRIPLEX STUDY -INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW 2007-130 The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 090, dated May 16, 2008, presenting the Triplex Study undertaken by staff in response to the passing of Interim Control By-law 2007-130, presenting recommendations as to how to proceed, and proposing a City initiated Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change application to implement the recommendations contained in the Triplex Study. Mr. Willmer advised that the report before the Committee this date was not available to the public until late last week because staff needed time to incorporate submissions made by citizens at the public meeting that took place on April 23, 2008. He stated that if members of the public need more time to consider the staff report, consideration could be deferred until the Council meeting of June 9, 2008. It was generally agreed by the Committee members to proceed at this time. Ms. Malone-Wright reviewed the report noting that 74 people attended the public meeting held April 23rd, and advised that they do not want triplexes in their planning communities. She advised that there are 3 options presented in this report. Option #1 would be to prohibit triplexes, and can not be supported as it does not comply with provincial policy statements. The second option is to downzone all R-5 properties that don't comply with the regulations for triplexes, but based on planning principles, staff can not support this option. Ms. Malone-Wright advised that the staff recommended Official Plan Amendment and zone change are based on planning principles. They address concerns regarding parking and neighbourhood character, and provide Official Plan policies where none currently eixst, and are more restrictive than what exists now. Mrs. H. Lippert was in attendance and read the following statement: "After nearly three years, we are pleased that the Triplex Study is being submitted to the Development and Technical Services Committee for consideration. We would like to thank the Planning Department for the large effort required to put the original Interim Control By-law in effect in 2006 when it was apparent the first Triplex Study could not be completed in a timely manner, and also thank Planning in its various reports, for the range of options presented to this Committee. We support the main recommendations presented in the report. Our early interest in the Triplex Study came as development pressure increased in the neighbourhoods adjacent to the then developing University of Waterloo downtown campus. This pressure continues, and will undoubtedly increase, unless a clear and unequivocal message can be sent to developers, speculators and real estate agents. We think that that message is in the planning report. We would direct attention to the tow `Other Options' on page 2 of the final report. We think that the committee should recommend to Council item 2. Down-zoning of Under-Sized R-5 Properties. This option has all-along been the best solution and is a nuanced version of what we requested in 2006. As stated in the Study, it is recognized the task for Planning is, once again, substantial, and could not be completed before the expiry of the Control By-law. In order that Planning be afforded time to complete the task, we would ask that the Committee consider Option 1. Prohibition of Triplexes, while the work is being done. We have recommended in the past that it is necessary only to ban triplex conversions but this suggestion does not resonant with Planning. If the Prohibition Option is not adopted, we request that the Down-zoning Option proceed on a priority basis, with Mount Hope-Huron Park and K-W Hospital hopefully completed before the Control By-law expiry." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 26, 200$ - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. DTS-0$-090 - TRIPLEX STUDY-INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW 2007-130, CONT'D CouncillorSmola suggested the down zoning option for Mount Hope-Huron Park and K-W Hospital Planning Communities, as their residents attended most of the public meetings and had most of the complaints. He suggested that this down zoning could be accomplished by the end of October. He noted that there have not been a lot of triplex conversions in these areas over the last 4 years. Ms. Lippert responded that the interim control by-law will expire before October. She stated that she would accept Councillor Smola's suggestion if that is the best that can be done; however, there have been a lot of illegal conversions and developers will use this window of opportunity. Mr. Willmer referred to the chart on page 23 of the report, noting that this information comes from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and may not be 100% accurate. These planning communities have the largest number of properties to be examined, and it will be labour intensive to look at property surveys for all of these properties, and we do not know how many property surveys actually exist. Staff will aim to have a report prepared for the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting scheduled for October 20, 2008, and will notify this Committee in September if a delay is anticipated. Councillor Smola stated that in the interim the City will have the regulations and policies being considered at this meeting. Mr. Willmer acknowledged that the recommendation before the Committee this date will put in place additional regulations and policies to deal with Committee of Adjustment applications. On motion by Councillor J. Smola - it was resolved: "That the Triplex Study Report, dated May 9, 2008, prepared by City of Kitchener Planning Staff in response to the passing of Interim Control By-law 2007-130 be received for information; and, That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment MP07/12/COK/TMW, which implements the recommendations of the Triplex Study Report, dated May 9, 2008, be adopted in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-090, and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and, That City Initiated Zone Change ZC07/18/COK/TMW, which implements the recommendations of the Triplex Study Report, dated May 9, 2008, be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", dated May 9, 2008, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-090; and further, That staff prepare a zoning by-law amendment to downzone all properties in the Mount Hope-Huron Park and K-W Hospital Planning Communities that are currently zone R-5 but do not meet the lot width and lot area requirements for triplex use, to be presented at the Development and Technical Services Committee meeting of October 20, 2008." $. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. D. Gilchrist Committee Administrator