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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2003-01-09DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 9, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. chaired by Councillor John Smola, with the following members present: Doug Hoch, Denis Pellerin, Mark Stranz, Cynthia Ramon-Cano, Sam Head, Glen Woolner, Nathan Hallman, Anita Petsche-Good, Marty Schreiter, Chris Farley Others: Michele Hodgins, Catherine Heal, Michelle Schurter, Jennifer Voss, Larry Masseo, Frank Pizzuto, Larry Lynch 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Doug Hoch requested that he would like to speak briefly on the Lodging House issue. Anita Petsche-Good requested that she would like to speak regarding the Random Acts of Kindness Vehicle. On motion by Anita Petsche-Good it was resolved: "That the agenda for the January 9, 2003 meeting be accepted." 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Glen Woolner it was resolved: "That the minutes from the December 12, 2002 meeting be accepted." 3. MIXED-USE CORRIDORS — Larry Masseo/Jennifer Voss L. Masseo and J. Voss gave a presentation to the Committee regarding the mixed-use corridors surrounding the downtown, the reasons for the Commercial Policy review and the potential plans for the future. L. Masseo explained that the Planning Department completed a major review of the City's commercial land use policies, which hadn't been updated since the early 1980's and were no longer responsive to the new retail and commercial trends. The City retained a consultant team to complete this review. When the consultant's recommendations were received, a project team of City and private sector representatives developed a new set of commercial land use policies. These new policies were adopted by City Council in September, 2001. The new commercial policies distribute retail uses throughout the city, based essentially on a series of mixed use "nodes" and "corridors". These nodes and corridors are generally well defined and have public transit, major services (sewer, hydro, water), and other infrastructure in place. The intent is to intensify these nodes and corridors through retail, office and higher density residential uses. With the new policy framework in place, implementation has started to take place. An urban design project has been initiated for the major mixed-use corridors located within the City's central neighbourhoods. Through this project, staff are addressing design requirements that will apply to new development, range of permitted land uses, and streetscape improvements (i.e. pedestrians, environment, landscaping, street lighting, etc.). Staff are also exploring a number of financial incentives which may be considered in order to stimulate new development within these corridors. The main mixed-use corridors leading into the downtown have been identified as the following: Belmont Ave., King St. E., Victoria St. N., Vicotria St. S., Queen St. S., King St. W., and Lancaster St. Staff held a public meeting in late November at Victoria Park Pavilion and sent out notices to residents, property owners, business owners within these corridors, and offered a question and answer period. Close to 200 people showed up, and the result of this meeting was quite positive. Committee members asked why the Downtown area was not addressed at this public meeting. L. Masseo responded that the Commercial Policy doesn't deal with the downtown, the downtown had its own identity and staff didn't want it to get lost with other policies regarding shopping malls, etc. Good incentive packages already are available for the downtown, and good developments are taking place now, and staff want that to continue. Staff are working on improving the incentives and have developed "The Kitchener EDGE" program, consisting of 3 components: heritage tax; brownfield remediation programs; residential program. There is no priority of what corridor will be worked on first. Currently, staff are working with the Engineering Department on improvements to King St. from Ottawa to Madison, and also the Belmont area. All capital projects are subject to Council approval and they have to be worked into various department budgets. L. Masseo and J. Voss left the meeting. 01 4. DOWNTOWN PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT — Larry Lynch Larry Lynch, Manager of Engineering Rehabilitation (roads, sidewalks, etc.) outlined for the Committee the projects scheduled for 2003, in and around downtown Kitchener. L. Lynch also mentioned putting together a project team consisting of different department representatives (i.e. Community Services, Public Works, etc.) and external representatives, such as M. Schreiter from the KDBA, Neighbourhood Association reps. L. Lynch also suggested if anyone was interested from DAC, to advise M. Hodgins. Complete Street Reconstruction (Surface and Sub -Surface) • Victoria Street — Walnut Street to King Street • Park Street — CNR Tracks (near Cherry Street) to Devon Street (Victoria Park) • Weber Street — Queen Street to Victoria Street (Regional Project) • Simeon Street — Krug Street to Cameron Street • Troy Street — Krug Street to Cameron Street • Lydia Street — Frederick Street to Krug Street • Bingeman Street — East Avenue to Lydia Street Downtown Streetscaoe Enhancement • Victoria Park Entrance feature, at terminus of Gaukel Street • Water Street — King Street to Duke Street • Centre Block parkette @ King Street and Forsythe Parking Lot • Market Lane — Eby Street to Scott Street Road and Surface Rehabilitation (Road, curbs, sidewalk upgrades) • King Street — Ottawa Street to Stirling Avenue • Stirling Avenue — King Street to Charles Street • Borden Avenue — King Street and Charles Street • Onward Avenue — King Street to Weber Street Committee members had the following questions and comments: What lighting levels/types are going to be used? The lighting issue needs to be reconsidered. It's important to have high quality, appealing lighting that is pedestrian oriented. What is planned for the houses that are being taken down at the entrance to Victoria Park at Gaukel St.? F. Pizzuto explained that demolition of the houses will start in May, with enhancements to the entrance of the park to start in June. The city's intent is to create pedestrian entrance to the park, which will involve some reconstruction on Joseph St. to Queen St. Some type of water fountain will possibly be incorporated into the design of the entrance to the park (see the attached). 3 It was suggested that street numbers be added to street signs, i.e. 200-600 King St. W. Also suggested was to form partnerships with business owners for lighting along downtown lanes, and to keep consistent in lighting, landscaping and sidewalks from the downtown and out to the rest of the city. L. Lynch left the meeting. 5. KDBA UP -DATE — Marty Schreiter The KDBA undertook the leadership in facilitating a mutli-sectoral community group to address the issues of improved safety, the assessment/perception of the number of social agencies residing downtown and to build creative solutions. Since that time a large mutli-sectoral community development project has been sponsored through the KDBA presently named the Kitchener Downtown Community Collaborative. There is no question this group will have important leadership role in shaping new partnerships in Kitchener Downtown, however, the original discussion undertaken by DAC envisioned a much smaller project. Consequently, M. Schreiter recommended that he continue to brief DAC as this work progresses but recommends that this liaison be of an informal nature and not directly accountable to DAC. A discussion took place and DAC agreed to relax its formal reporting relationship but asked to be ensured of it's continued development. C. Farley left the meeting. 6. DOWNTOWN UP -DATE — Frank Pizzuto F. Pizzuto, C. Heal and M. Schurter gave a presentation introducing the new Downtown Development Group, their goals and initiatives (see the attached). They will be presenting this to city staff on January 22nd to keep staff informed and to solicit staff's support. The following are comments/suggestions/questions from Committee members: • It was suggested this message be conveyed to industry, real estate, homebuilders, Chamber of Commerce, and the general public. Also provide incentives to developers who build in the downtown, and incentives for businesses to invest, and stay in the downtown. Want the downtown to be a "no hassle zone" for development. • Want to have a good blend of housing, not only for high density but also for residential/family development in the downtown. • Encourage a team approach between staff and developers. • Cleanliness contributes to the perception of a safe and healthy downtown, also fosters pride for the downtown. E Further up -dates regarding the downtown are as follows: Staff presented to Council the concept of a "Your Kitchener Store" that would sell licensed merchandise, promote special events, sell tickets for city facilities, such as hockey and/or golf tickets/passes, and provide tourist services. The location for this new store is across the street from City Hall at the old Strand restaurant. R. Pitfield will be available to attend a future DAC meeting and give an up -date on the store (see attached news release). The new parking garage proposed for the Charles/Benton St. area has been deferred indefinitely. The tenders coming in for the construction were higher than expected. Staff are looking for new options and ask for the Committee's comments (see attached). A suggestion is to perhaps look to partner with the Four Points Sheraton Hotel and expand on their parking garage. The St. Jerome's building is a good heritage building, but presently the buildings are going into decay. F. Pizzuto wonders if there is an interest in the community to develop and/or preserve the historical buildings. A suggestion is to form a group of interested parties to help save these buildings. Committee members suggested developing it into a community centre for the downtown, utilizing the existing swimming pool and gymnasium in the buildings. G. Woolner and D. Hoch expressed their interest in working with F. Pizzuto in forming this group. 7. EDAC UP -DATE — Joan Euler J. Euler was unavailable to give an up -date at this time. 8. SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE UP -DATE — Doug Hoch Due to time constraints, this item is deferred to next meeting. 9. ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE UP -DATE — Denis Pellerin Due to time constraints, this item is deferred to next meeting. 10. NEW BUSINESS/AGENDA ITEMS D. Hoch presented a handout to the Committee regarding Lodging Houses (see the attached). D. Hoch asked Committee members to review and contact him with their thoughts. • A. Petsche-Good informed the Committee of the Random Acts of Kindness Vehicle that has been visiting the downtown on week -ends and some evenings, and raised a number of concerns about it. Staff suggested A. Petsche-Good put her concerns in writing to F. Pizzuto for consideration (see the attached). 11. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. ATTACHMENTS 1. Gaukel St. Master Plan 2. Downtown Development Group presentation 3. Your Kitchener Store new release 4. Lodging House issue — D. Hoch 5. Random Acts of Kindness Vehicle — A. Petsche-Good G