Title
APPLICATION FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW - INNOVATIVE PLANNING SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF OZRENKA BELAVIC AND SHERRY HUTCHINSON - 424 AND 426 VETERAN’S DRIVE (FILE D14-1586)
Mr. Greg Barker of Innovative Planning Solutions advised that the purpose of the public meeting was to review an application for an amendment to the Zoning By-Law submitted by Innovative Planning Solutions on behalf of Ozrenka Belavic (424 Veterans Drive) and Sherry Hutchinson (426 Veterans Drive), for the parcels of land fronting on the west side of Veterans Drive, south of Harvie Road, in the Holly Planning Area.
Mr. Barker provided a slide presentation, concerning the application. He discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• The application context including the location, existing use and surrounding uses;
• The current land use designation and zoning;
• An image illustrating the development proposal;
• Images illustrating the four proposed single detached dwellings proposed, the 4-unit walk up apartment building and the existing detached dwelling built form proposed and an overview of the special provisions being requested;
• The height and extent of the proposed fencing;
• The proposed Zoning By-law amendment detailing the requested special provisions; and
• The application in context of Provincial and City Planning Policy.
In closing, Mr. Barker noted that in his professional planning opinion, the proposed zoning by-law amendment represents good planning and is consistent with Provincial and City planning policy.
Steve Farquharson, Development Planner provided details regarding the context of the application. He advised that the ward meeting occurred on May 5, 2015 and he noted that the primary concerns of the public included the removal of existing trees, preservation of trees and required compensation plantings, the increase in traffic and parking to the existing area and proposed the building setbacks and form of development. Mr. Farquharson commented that the planning/land use concerns include boundary tree preservation and compensation, the special provisions related to the reduced setbacks and lot area, the impact to adjacent existing residential neighbourhood and the increased traffic and parking in the existing residential area on White Crescent.
In closing, Mr. Farquharson indicated that staff are currently conducting a detailed analysis of the application and a recommendation will be presented through a formal staff report to General Committee at a future date. (File: D14-1586)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Mr. Joel Baker, 428 Veterans Drive advised that he has lived at his property for 43 years and is concerned that the applicant is requesting too many special provisions from the standards contained in the Zoning By-law. Mr. Baker questioned why the proposed fence is not being installed along the entire property. He also noted that he felt the site was way to overcrowded
Mr. Barker responded to the question concerning the fence installation.
2. Mr. Andrew Barranger, 79 White Crescent discussed his concerns related to the amount of residents that will be living in such a small area and limited availability of parking for the residents of the proposed dwelling units. He also questioned where the snow from the parking areas would be placed, as there does not seem to be any space on the subject properties. Mr. Barranger commented on the second suites included in the proposed application and noted that he feels that White Crescent is a narrow street and that there is currently a significant amount of traffic congestion in the area, without the proposed increase in density.
3. Mr. Shane Myers, 38 Touchette Drive questioned if current City policy prohibiting any additional entrances on 5-lane roads and if there would be any grandfathering that apply if the site is rezoned. Mr. Myers also discussed his concerns of a potential increase in traffic, as there is a school in the area.
Members of General Committee asked questions of the Presenter and City staff and received responses.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. Correspondence from the Simcoe County District School Board, dated September 2, 2015.
2. Correspondence from Bell, dated May 26, 2015.
3. Correspondence from PowerStream, dated April 23, 2015.
4. Correspondence from Eric Ellis, dated September 2, 2015.
5. Correspondence from Joel and Debra Baker, received September 8, 2015.
6. Correspondence from Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, dated September 9, 2015.