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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 24, 2019 - SpecialDICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Present: Mayor David Ryan Councillors: K. Ashe M. Brenner S. Butt I. Cumming B. McLean D. Pickles Also Present: T. Prevedel K. Bentley P. Bigioni J. Hagg R. Holborn C. Rose S. Cassel V. Plouffe N. Surti L. Roberts - Chief Administrative Officer - Director, City Development & CBO - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor - Fire Chief - Director, Engineering Services - Chief Planner - City Clerk - Manager, Facilities Capital Projects - Manager, Development Review & Urban Design - Committee Coordinator 1. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 2. Delegations Delegates who registered to speak are noted later in the meeting. 3. Information Reports Councillor Ashe, Chair, gave an outline of the requirements for a Statutory Meeting under the Planning Act. He outlined the notification process procedures and also noted that if a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City before the by-law is passed, that person or public body are not entitled to appeal the decision of City Council to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), and may not be entitled to be added as a party to the hearing unless, in the opinion of LPAT, there are reasonable grounds to do so. 1 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Catherine Rose, Chief Planner, appeared before the Committee to act as facilitator for the Information Reports portion of the meeting, explaining the process for discussion purposes as well as the order of speakers. 3.1 Information Report No. 13-19 Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 06/19 City Initiated: City Facilities and Pickering Town Centre Joint Venture — Select Lands East and West of Glenanna Road in the City Centre A public information meeting was held under the Planning Act, for the purpose of informing the public with respect to the above -noted application. N. Surti, Manager, Development Review & Urban Design, appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the City initiated joint venture for the City Centre. Through the aid of a Power Point presentation, he provided background information on the downtown Pickering vision for intensification, to be a sustainable accessible and distinct city centre for all residents. He outlined approved Official Plan amendments which authorized staff to finalize the City Centre Urban Design Guidelines and introduced new designations and policies. He outlined the current policy framework and zoning for the subject lands and stated that the Zoning By- law approved in 2017 introduced new zone categories permitting a broader range of uses as well as new development standards to regulate the size, location, massing and height of buildings. Mr. Surti also noted that during the development of the City Centre vision, a unique opportunity was presented with the closure of Sears and relocation of the theatres which offered further opportunities for the redevelopment of the City Centre. Mr. Surti concluded his presentation by providing a summary of the public comments received to date. T. Prevedel, Chief Administrative Officer, appeared before the Committee to provide background information on the proposed development noting it began two years ago and included previous Council approvals to proceed with a study to create a new landmark for Pickering. He noted that the report being presented tonight deals only with City of Pickering and the Pickering Town Centre lands and stated that the comments received to date were enthusiastic. Mr. Prevedel stated that the report outlines the challenges involved and noted that staff were currently working on outstanding items as well as a business case which would be presented to Council on July 22, 2019. 2 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Dayna Gilbert, CAPREIT (Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust), appeared before the Committee and referred to a map that outlined the property adjacent to the proposed development which is owned by CAPREIT and includes five apartment buildings. She provided an overview of the current zoning on the lands, noting a need to create a Block Plan and stated that during the past year, multiple meetings had taken place regarding the proposed City Centre development. Ms. Gilbert stated they will be looking at impacts of the development on their property, but expressed their concerns to ensure the block is done comprehensively, so that there is access and connectivity from their property to the new development and that their tenants' rights are protected. She stated they will be submitting more formal comments to the City but that they are looking to move forward and work with the City as expeditiously as possible. George Buckles, Vice -President, Cushman & Wakefield, appeared before the Committee and provided background information on their company, noting they have worked with PTC for over 20 years and have seen numerous changes over that time period. He stated that while the closure of Sears was unfortunate, it has freed up 10 acres in which to better utilize and urbanize the Pickering Town Centre. He outlined the layout of the proposed development which would include a theater, library, double gym and senior/youth centre. He stated this was an exciting opportunity and that they would continue to work with CAPREIT to integrate their ideas into the development. Aline Revoy, 1200 The Esplanade North, Pickering, appeared before the Committee to express concerns over the proposed height of the condominium units, noting views from the Esplanade as well as Valley Farm will be affected. She questioned why the large jump in the number of storeys, noting this would not fit in with the look of the community. Barbara Cooney, 1000-1712 The Esplanade North, Pickering, appeared before the Committee noting concerns that the Consultant's report prepared by JKO Planning Services, lacked comments with respect to infrastructure, public/private transportation, education, garbage and the existing dangerous traffic conditions on Glenanna Road. She also noted that residents of existing surrounding condominiums are already penalized in regards to taxes, as they do not receive the same services as single dwellings. Ms. Cooney raised further concerns regarding the environmental impacts and lack of greenspace, reduction of the carbon footprint, and the problems with on-going construction over the next number of years which could potentially lower existing property values. 3 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Tom Shanahan, 1525-410 Diefenbaker, Pickering, appeared before the Committee in support of progress and the redevelopment of the City Centre. He noted that progress is relentless and while it may be difficult, it needs to be professionally addressed in a respectful manner. He encouraged residents to embrace change and not to let fear restrict growth. Steve Gilchrist, 155-1995 Royal Road, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, in opposition to the current zoning. He discussed the benefits of retail over residential and questioned the need for a seniors centre, gym and library in such close proximity to existing services. He questioned the development charges for the proposed new buildings and widening of Glenanna Road and the costs that would be incurred for services that are not needed. Mr. Gilchrist raised further questions regarding use of the existing space in the empty Sears store at the Pickering Town Centre and whether that space could be utilized instead of building new structures. He noted that condominiums over retail would not be in the best interest of the community, and also noted commercial tax would be much higher than residential. He stated that there was a need for balance noting that this was not the best use of City lands and that it was providing a benefit to a private land owner. He urged the Committee to reject the proposal and come back with an alternate one. Patty Rowl, 1880-524 Valley Farm Road, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, noting her opposition to the proposed height of the condominium towers. She stated this would create shadowing, loss of sight lines and sunlight and questioned the need for such a drastic change in height. Ian Robertson, 893 Modlin Road, Pickering, appeared before the Committee stating this development would set a precedent for all builders. He noted that consideration should be given with respect to heights, as problems can arise with wind tunnels, heating, lightning storms and high snowfalls. Robert Crowder, 1540-504 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, appeared before the Committee and stated the importance of relaying information to citizens on development impacts such as shadowing, potential costs involved with parking at new facilities, City facilities constructed on privately owned lands and play areas around the proposed new signature building to enable citizens to relay concerns to their Councillors so they can make informed decisions. 4 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Deborah Kent, 908 Lynx Avenue, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, noting a discrepancy in the map attached, which did not include the AVIVA retirement home. She questioned where residential parking would be, the height of the office tower as well as the connectivity between AVIVA and the new complex. She noted the need to offset the buildings to avoid wind tunneling and a need for heated walkways to allow for continued pedestrian access through harsh winter months. Ms. Kent also questioned the flight path with a proposed airport, and the power source for the new development with the future closure of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. Ms. Kent concluded her delegation by stating that there was a need to ensure that green space was included in the development and that it brings in real jobs. Greg Fernandes, 582 Rainy Day Drive, Pickering, appeared before the Committee in support of evolving progress but stressed it needed to be done in a controlled manner, noting the need for a cost analysis and the effect on property taxes. He stated he would support future casino funds being used for this project and questioned why the City would give a percentage of casino revenue to the Durham Region when it could be used for initiatives such as this proposed development. Mr. Fernandes raised further questions as to whether existing structures could be utilized to avoid the need for new buildings and whether the building heights could be lowered. Richard Kane, 1535-207 Diefenbaker Court, Pickering, appeared before the Committee in opposition to the proposed building heights, noting concerns with wind tunneling and the effects on the area, as well as parking, infrastructure and traffic with an influx of new residents. He questioned where the energy would come from to support the new development as well as the timing of crosswalks to provide more time for pedestrians to safely cross streets. Heather Robinson, Pickering Resident, appeared before the Committee, quoting a CBC news article from April 2017 that discussed the effects of strong wind gusts with tall towers and various multiple phenomenas which can occur at once. She noted the article indicated solutions such as the installation of awnings and podiums to the building's design, noting it was a shared responsibility to come up with solutions. Members requested Ms. Robinson provide a copy of the article to the City Clerk for circulation to Members of Council. It was the consensus of the Committee to take a short recess. 5 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe Committee recessed at 8:05 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m. Eileen Higdon, 852 Fairview Avenue, Pickering, appeared before the Committee and stated that she thought the development was exciting but that the change in building heights was concerning as well as the minimal parking that would be available for the number of residential units. Marie Hardie -Beaudoin, 734 Leaside Street, Pickering, appeared before the Committee and stated that the proposal was exciting but that it was not considering age -friendly communities or striving toward such a community. She further stated the need to look at the proposed footprint and work this into the planning process noting that development seemed to be dictating the agenda. Ms. Hardie -Beaudoin raised concerns regarding environmental impacts and the proximity of the development to Frenchman's Bay as well as the need to incorporate a vision as part of climate change. She further relayed comments regarding the disruption of major construction which brings about noise and dust issues and asked Committee to strongly consider the impacts of the development to taxpayers. Abigail Sampson, 822 Bern Avenue, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, noting her concerns for the existing residents living in the area. She noted the importance for the City to provide as much information as possible during public engagement. Napoleon Costaneda, 1400-711 The Esplanade North, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, and stated he was in agreement with previous concerns noted by residents. He also questioned security and how the City proposed to handle a potential increase in crime, as well as issues pertaining to garbage, traffic, bike lanes and the safety of cyclists. John Fahey, 1400 The Esplanade North, Pickering, appeared before the Committee in support of the Civic Centre redevelopment, noting the potential is here to capture an urban oasis. He stated that while intensification must happen, it is currently unsafe for cyclists. Mr. Fahey further noted the need to look at interconnectivity. Sid Cocker, 1000 The Esplanade North, Unit 1012, Pickering, appeared before the Committee, questioning the increase in building height, noting that he felt most residents were opposed to this. He noted he had supported the original plan, but that this one is currently overboard. 6 DICKERING Special Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2019 Council Chambers — 6:30 pm Chair: Councillor Ashe There were no further delegations. Councillor Ashe, Chair, summarized the concerns raised by residents during the meeting as follows: • Building height and the impact on shadowing • Transportation network • Occupancy yields • Tax rates • Environmental impacts/climate change • Greenspace • Maintaining retail/development charges • Wind tunnels • Parking • Housing mix • Flight path with proposed airport • Crime • Garbage • Need for a business case Discussion ensued with Members of the Committee requesting that staff provide clarification on how parking would be accommodated and that underground parking have a direct access onto Pickering Parkway and Kingston Road as opposed to internal roadways, cost analysis, density comparisons as well as rental components with a broader incorporation of CAPREIT lands and how the age -friendly community would be addressed. 4. Adjournment Moved by Mayor Ryan Seconded by Councillor McLean That the meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm 7 Carried