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DEPUTATIONS BY THE FOLLOWING CONCERNING MOTION 23-G-161- AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW, 15 HARVIE ROAD (BARRIE-BRYNE DEVELOPMENTS INC.) (WARD 7)
The following Deputations concerning motion 23-G-161, Amendment to the Zoning By-law, 15 Harvie Road (Barrie-Bryne Developments Inc.) were received:
1. Sarah Khan discussed her three main concerns with the development two multi-unit apartment blocks. Her first concern was the population density regarding the lack of accountability for the units within the apartment buildings. She requested that the planners consider the number of residents in multi-unit apartments and reassess if this is a high-density neighbourhood. Ms. Khan’s second concern was the lack of sunlight and privacy for residents living on Megan Crescent and the height of the buildings impacting the quality of life. Her final concern was the impacts of the construction related noise on the physical and mental health and overall well-being of nearby residents. She noted her concern with residents that work from home, with no option to leave the house during work hours.
Ms. Khan concluded by asking Council to reassess the draft plan and explore replacing these apartment buildings with townhouses and semis or relocating them to the south side of the property. She expressed that she and neighbours are not against the construction but are merely concerned for their well-being.
2. Mark Resnick of Smart Centres spoke on behalf of Barrie-Bryne Developments Inc. in support of the recommendations listed in Staff Report.
Mr. Resnick commented that he supports the amendment to the height restriction proposed by Councillor Harvey, and that they accept the requirements for the future subdivision approval as well as an updated traffic study.
Mr. Resnick confirmed that a shadow study has yet to be conducted but has implemented a three to six story restriction to developments. He stated there was a considerable distance between the mid-rise block and Megan Crescent and that the EP lands are not developable, therefore creating issues in moving the apartment buildings to the south.
Mr. Resnick concluded by stating that the subdivision was not high density, and that the apartment buildings would not cause an issue with population and traffic.
3. Ed Greenwood expressed three concerns for the proposed development: lack of green space, high population density, and traffic and pedestrian safety. He commented that he feels the development threatens the safe neighbourhood, specifically regarding increased traffic volume, and the impact it would have on kids traveling to and from school.
Mr. Greenwood expressed that the density would not be an issue if the development were well designed. He suggested not connecting the two neighbourhoods with roads but instead making the new development a crescent only accessed by residents, adding more parks and biking trails connecting the neighbourhoods, and constructing the building wider and longer mid-rise apartment complexes so that the traffic utilizes new roads designed for that volume.
Mr. Greenwood concluded by asking for an expert to get involved in order to create a safer neighbourhood and route traffic around schools.