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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2, 2009 Crtq o0 Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley PRESENT: Mayor Ryan COUNCILLORS: D. Dickerson R. Johnson B. Littley B. McLean D. Pickles ABSENT: J. O'Connell ALSO PRESENT: T. Melymuk - (Acting) Chief Administrative Officer N. Carroll - Director, Planning & Development D. Wilcox -City Clerk L. Taylor - Manager, Development Review R. Pym - Principal Planner, Development Review L. Roberts -Committee Coordinator (1) DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST 1. Councillor McLean noted that in the past he had declared a conflict of interest with respect to Director of Planning & Development, Report PD 47-08, S.R. & R Bay Ridges Ltd. He has since received a legal opinion indicating that he has no conflict of interest with respect to this issue. (1) PART `A' - INFORMATION REPORTS City of Pickering Official Plan Amendment, OPA-08/003/P Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 19/08 S.R & R. Bay Ridges Ltd. And S.R. & R. Bay Ridges (Plaza II) Ltd. Part 1 Plan of Part of Block Y, Registered Plan No. M-16 Plan 40R-3151, And Plan M 16 Part of Block Y, RP WR-414 Part 1 to 3 City of Pickering A public information meeting was held under the Planning Act, for the purpose of informing the public with respect to the above noted application. 1 Crry o¢ Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley Lynda Taylor, Manager, Development Review gave an outline of the requirements and notification process for a Public Meeting under the Planning Act. She informed the public that anyone not wishing to speak tonight could also put their comments in writing to the Planning Department. She also made note of the sign in sheets out front for anyone wishing to be informed of future meetings. Ross Pym, Principal Planner, Development Review, provided an overview of the property location, explaining the process, applicant's proposal and the City's Official Plan policies pertaining to this site, as outlined in Information Report No. 04-09, through the use of a powerpoint presentation. He confirmed that the Bay Ridges Redevelopment Guidelines had been approved. He indicated they had received two comments prior to the meeting as well as two written comments received today. The Conservation Authorities have no objection to the development. He noted this application is exempt from Regional approval. He also explained the need for the Official Plan Amendment and rezoning. Moiz Behar, a representative for the applicant, appeared before the Committee in support of the application. Mr. Behar provided background information through the use of a PowerPoint presentation. He stated that the subject site functions poorly and needs revitalization. He noted the plaza was a 5 minute walk, and the proximity to the GO station was a major advantage. He stated this development is consistent with the direction of the Official Plan and the landscape ideas and sustainability features are in keeping with the City of Pickering's Sustainable Development Guidelines. He further noted that this also complies with Pickering's Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan and transportation reviews were completed with no negative impacts. He indicated the benefits would revitalize the commercial area, and noted the existing tenants are welcome to relocate to the new development. He outlined the increased tax benefits and increase in building permits. Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Johnson That the rules of procedure be suspended in order to extend the 10 minute time limit for speaking- on the matter. CARRIED Mr. Behar proceeded to outline the balance of his powerpoint presentation. A question and answer period ensued. 2 City Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes PICKEWNG Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley Written correspondence was received from Dan Shire, 22-1235 Radom Street, Pickering, in opposition to the subject proposed 25 storey building. Members of the Committee were provided with a copy of the correspondence in this regard. Written correspondence was received from Mike Danishchewsky, 1113 Tanzer Court, Pickering, in opposition to the subject proposed 25 storey building. Members of the Committee were provided with a copy of the correspondence in this regard. Doris Hopper-Riede, 204-1210 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee in opposition to the subject application. She noted her concerns with traffic at the intersection of Liverpool and Bayly, stating that accidents occur far too frequently and this is the 8t" most dangerous intersection in Pickering. She suggested the City contact the Region to provide a traffic report on this dangerous intersection and further noted Radom Street is not equipped to handle the increased traffic. Her second concern was with parkland. She noted the regulations with respect to parkland conveyance and questioned whether monies owing to the City had been settled. She stated there needs to be more park space as opposed to cash in lieu of parkland. In summary, she stated that the City should not approve a third tower at this time. Hazel Daubeny, 807-210 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee in opposition to the subject application. She stated she has been a resident of the area since 1964 and hopes the Committee takes a logical approach to this application. She stated she concurred with the previous delegates concerns and questioned why the Committee would even consider another tower when the other two had not been started yet. She noted high-rises in Toronto are not selling and developers are walking away, therefore questioned why the City would take this risk at this time. She agreed with a park, stating this would be an asset to the whole community. She also noted the need for a grocery store south of the 401 and stated that the decision should be deferred until the economy improves. John Blandford, 108-1210 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee, stating his concerns with respect to waste collection in all forms, retail as well as residential. He noted space would not be adequate for garbage trucks and emergency vehicles already had difficulty manoeuvring . He questioned whether there were any provisions for recycling, and if curbside pickup was not available, would there be any other arrangements for this. He also stated his concern for the safety of children in the area, insufficient parking, impacts on the Douglas Ravine and questioned who would be responsible for cleanup and vermin control of this area. 3 Cny Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley Jocelyn Hammond, 1703-1210 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee. She stated she is a 20 year resident of the area and noted the townhouses along Bayly and Liverpool were a nice improvement to the Pickering waterfront. She requested that the application for the third tower be deferred, stating that this would be an overpopulated corner. She noted room to grow on the other side of the GO station, which would be better for congestion, and was closer to the 401. She questioned the environmental impact on Douglas Park as well as the ecological repercussions as being built on the cusp of the ravine would mean garbage will land in the ravine. She suggested this application be deferred until after the two towers had been built and at that point any traffic issues arising would be seen and it would allow the City time to solicit the Federal and Provincial governments for additional funds for infrastructure. She read a letter from tenants in the Bayshore Towers noting the threat to the creek and the fact that wildlife would be disappearing, further advising that they also suggested deferral of this application. Paul Crawford, 867 Antonio Street, appeared before the Committee, requesting that consideration be given to the creation of jobs first. He suggested a citizens advisory committee be put in place for the purpose of cross table discussions. He would like to see Places to Grow legislation incorporated into this development, but noted this had yet to be adopted. He noted we should produce more jobs, not more people, and this should be done over a long period of time. He also stated his willingness to sit on a Committee if formed. Marie John, 1646 McBrady Crescent, appeared before the Committee stating she is a first time homebuyer and that Bayshore Towers interested her. In researching the area she noted that the townhouses are not fully built yet, but already there are traffic issues. She questioned where the visitors parking is, and noted how insufficient it was. She noted her interest in moving into Bayshore Towers, but if this application was approved, she would reconsider her decision to move there. She does not approve of this development and suggested it be delayed. James Graham, 849 Douglas Avenue, appeared before the Committee, noting the key issues he felt needed to be addressed. He noted his concerns with traffic in the areas of Radom Street, St. Martins Drive, Liverpool and Bayly, particularly during peak GO train times, pedestrian safety, and transporation issues with children getting to school. He further noted concerns with snow removal, emergency planning, and greenspace. He also questioned where cars would go in the case of underground parking repairs being required. In summary, Mr. Graham noted that if the application were approved, it should be done in stages, with commercial first. 4 Cif a~ Planning & Development ~4g~ Committee Meeting Minutes PIO~E Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley Steve Laforest, Pickering Naturalists, 1133 Ritson Road North, Oshawa, appeared before the Committee, noting his concerns with planning issues, encroachments, increased littering, disruption of habitat, and the high density along Douglas ravine. He commented that it was unfortunate that a greater setback was not required, stating it would have a major impact on the ravine, and that it was incompatible with Sustainable Pickering principals. He stated there would be a loss of greenspace as well as increased runoff. He noted this contravenes the guidelines and puts features such as flora and fawna at risk. He was concerned with birds colliding into the buildings. If this application is approved, there should be provisions in place to reduce the risk of death to birds, which should also be applied to the other two buildings as well, including a procedure in place in which to monitor the building perimeter. Tim Dobson, 1505 Sturgeon Court, appeared before the Committee. He stated he had been a resident of Bay Ridges in 2007 and that his concerns related to the traffic issues. He questioned why the third tower had not been considered in the original submission to Council and whether the parkland payment had been resolved. Frank Dempsey, 1152 Tanzer Court, appeared before the Committee, expressing concerns with population density. He informed the Committee that through his observations of the area, the population density is too high, and there was not enough space for people to walk their dogs. Kit Cross, 1507-1210 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee with respect to the Douglas ravine and the problem with greenspace. She noted there would be a loss of animals in the ravine with the increase in population. She indicated the nature aspect was what made her choose this location as a nice place to live and stated she would consider moving should this application be approved. Susan Passmore, 1235 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee in opposition to the third tower, noting the traffic issues. She also stated she had realized a decrease in her home value. Sharon Wilken, 877 Chapleau, appeared before the Committee, outlining her concerns with exhaust emissions as a result of traffic congestion. A question and answer period ensued. Lynda Taylor, Manager, Development Review stated that staff were aware of the issues and this would be part of their review process which would be addressed through a future report. 5 city Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes PIO<IE Monday, March 2, 2009 7:30 pm - Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Littley (II) ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:10 pm. 6