Title
APPLICATION FOR AN OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW - MHBC PLANNING ON BEHALF OF MASON HOMES - 370 BIG BAY POINT ROAD (WARD 8) (FILE: D14-1580)
Mr. Gordon Mason, Mason Homes highlighted Mason Homes history of development within the City of Barrie as well as its credentials as a home builder.
Ms. Debra Kakaria of MHBC Planning advised that the purpose of the public meeting was to review an application for an Official Plan amendment and an amendment to the Zoning By-law submitted by MHBC Planning on behalf of Mason Homes for property of 370 Big Bay Point Road.
Ms. Kakaria provided a slide presentation concerning the application. She discussed slides concerning the following topics:
· an aerial map of the subject property and surrounding land uses;
· the current Official Plan designation and zoning of the site;
· the technical studies completed in support of the application;
· the project history and planning process;
· the public comments received at the ward meeting;
· artist's renderings of the of the height of the proposed units compared to neighbouring properties;
· design considerations associated with the proposed development;
· the requested amendments to the zoning by-law.
Ms. Kakaria noted that she believes the proposed development is consistent with the uses and built form approved for the site, as it will provide an affordable housing choice and allow an under-utilized vacant parcel of land to be developed.
Ms. Janet Foster, Senior Development discussed items currently being considered by Planning staff including the requested amendments, the removal of existing commercial use, built form increase in density, and reduction in front yard setbacks. She also highlighted comments received at the January 6, 2015 Ward Meeting including concerns related to the height of the homes and impact on privacy for residents of the existing residential homes, stormwater management/drainage, loss of sunlight in the rear yard of properties located north of the subject land and concerns related to an increase in traffic volumes in the area. Ms. Foster advised that the staff report associated with this application is anticipated to be presented to General Committee on April 27, 2015.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Mr. John Gairns, 66 Draper Crescent thanked the City's Planning Services Department for providing notice of the public meetings by mail. Mr. Gairns discussed his concerns regarding the height of the proposed town homes as he feels they will tower over the surrounding residential area causing a significant loss of privacy. He submitted a petition signed by 64 residents opposed to the proposed residential development. Mr. Gairns indicated that there are no other homes similar to this in the area and noted his concerns with the homes becoming rental units, additional traffic and impacts on area parking.
2. Mr. Mario Titus, Toronto Street asked if the units associated with the development would be sold or rental units. He also asked questions about the proposed pricing of the units.
3. Ms. Cynthia Marchand, 58 Ward Drive discussed her concerns related to the proposed height of the townhomes, as the majority of them would be backing onto bungalows. She noted she appreciates that the developer will be installing privacy fencing and boundary trees, but this will not alleviate the privacy concerns as the main living areas of the new homes will still be able to see into existing backyards and homes.
4. Ms. Jackie Cooley-Heckhaus, 56 Ward Drive advised she agreed with the comments of the previous speakers concerning the height of the proposed homes and she is also concerned about traffic and safety in the area once the development is completed.
5. Mr. Thomas Dickinson, 64 Draper Crescent advised that he agreed with the previous speaker. He raised concerns associated with the increase in traffic the development may cause given the school in the area, especially during peak morning rush hour. He noted that he is uncomfortable allowing his daughters to walk in area given the current traffic and this proposal would add to his discomfort. He commented that there are no other three-storey homes in the area and expressed his concerns about how they will fit in.
6. Mr. John Matera, 62 Draper Crescent advised that he backs on to the subject lands and considered selling when he was made aware of the proposed development. He commented on the possible traffic impacts as Big Bay Point will likely become a busier street. He expressed concerns with respect to the additional traffic in the area of the school. Mr. Matera noted that he had questioned the developer to why either two-storey townhomes or two-storey detached homes could not be built instead.
Mayor Lehman asked a question of the applicant's representative and received a response.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. Correspondence from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, dated February 3, 2014.
2. Correspondence from C. Nolan, dated April 10, 2015.
3. Petition signed by 64 residents, received March 17, 2015.