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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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