M I N U T E S

                                             DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

2002-06-04

 

PART A - 11:00 a.m. - Canada Room

PART B - 1:00 p.m. - Council Chamber

 

Attendance

Chair:  Councillor G. McKelvey Vice Chair, Community Character:             Regional Councillor T. Wong Vice Chair, Markham Centre:             Councillor D. Horchik Vice Chair, Economic Development:             Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell Members: Mayor D. Cousens             Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti             Councillor E. Shapero             Councillor J. Virgilio             Councillor J. Heath             Councillor K. Usman             Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer M.F.Turner, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services J. Baird, Acting Commissioner of Development Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering V. Shuttleworth, Acting Director of Planning L. Mara, Director, Corporate Communications & Culture J. Allen, Chief Information Officer B. Wiles, Manager, Business Operations D. Clark, Town Architect L. Duoba, Senior Project Coordinator D. Cheng, Planner K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 11:00 a.m. in the Canada Room with Councillor G. McKelvey in the Chair. 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

 

 

Councillor Horchik disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 19, the Heritage Markham Committee minutes of May 8, 2002, by nature of his brother-in-law owning the subject house, 125 John Street (item # 16) and did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.

 

 

1.         ADDRESS CHANGE REQUEST - 13 RASPBERRY RIDGE DRIVE (10.15)

 

The Committee had before it:

            - staff memorandum, dated June 4, 2002

            - correspondence and map from Mr. Tse, dated March 28, 2002

            - staff response with map sent to Mr. Tse, on April 5, 2002

            - correspondence from Mr. Tse and Ms. Chu, dated May 13, 2002

            - current and past Town policies regarding street numbering

Mr. Alex Tse made a deputation regarding his request for address change at 13 Raspberry Ridge Drive, explaining that the proposed numbering will not be out of sequence, and will have no impact on his neighbours.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That correspondence dated March 28, 2002 and May 13, 2002, and the deputation by Mr. Alex Tse, requesting an address change for 13 Raspberry Ridge Drive, be received;

 

And that the staff memorandum dated June 4, 2002 regarding the requested address change, be received.

 

And that the address change for 13 Raspberry Ridge Drive, requested by Mr. Alex Tse, be granted, subject to:

            1.         The applicant paying a fee of $500.00 to the Town;

            2.         Confirmation from the Town of Markham Fire Department that the address

                        change will not affect emergency response.

 

 

 

2.         MARKHAM CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES (10.8.1)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Markham Centre Development Principles, on file in the Clerk's Department, be endorsed.

 

 

3.         BILL 124 - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 41
            OF THE PLANNING ACT (SITE PLAN CONTROL) (10.0, 10.6)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Town forward the report dated June 4, 2002, regarding Bill 124, to all Ontario municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Markham's three MPPs, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and again request the Province to amend Bill 124 to delete the proposed changes to Section 41 of the Planning Act;

 

And that the Town, together with York Region Municipalities, pursue, through the Minister of Municipal Affairs, legislative changes to Section 41 of the Planning Act and a new Provincial policy statement to facilitate greater municipal control over urban design matters, as outlined in the report dated June 4, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

4.         GREENSBOROUGH, BUR OAK AVE.
GO RAIL CROSSING AGREEMENT (5.14.2)

 

Committee requested information be provided at, or prior to, the Council meeting scheduled for June 11, 2002, regarding provision of barriers at the crossings.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute crossing agreements to allow for the construction of Bur Oak Ave. and a municipal watermain across the Greater Toronto Transit Authority (Go Rail) line;

 

And that, the Bur Oak Ave. railway crossing be added to the Street Services Department's inventory of level crossings to be maintained by the Town once the facilities have been constructed to the satisfaction of the Town and Go Rail.

 

 

5.         PROPOSED SKATEPARK AT CENTENNIAL PARK (10.0, 6.3)

 

Committee directed that public consultation be included early in the process, and that the provision of "satellite facilities" be tied into the focal point amenity study for Ward 7.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the report entitled “Proposed Skatepark at Centennial Park” dated June 4, 2002 to Development Services Committee be received;

 

That Council support and endorse the recommendations of the Skatepark Sub-Committee as follows:

1. That a permanent skatepark be built at Centennial Park, of approximately 1300 sq. m. in area;
2. That an additional $100,000 from the Development Charges Reserve Fund be allocated for the design and construction of a skatepark such that the total approved capital budget increases from $350,000 to a maximum of $450,000, and that the budgeted funding for the skatepark be revised to $45,000 tax levy and $405,000 development charges;
3. That an invited, Request for Proposals process, be used to select the best consulting firm to provide design and contract administration services for the skatepark and that a public consultation component be incorporated into the consultant’s work plan;
4. That the development of smaller “satellite facilities” for skateboarders in neighborhood parks across Markham be considered as part of Recreation Services upcoming “Outdoor Recreation Needs Study”.

----                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*               Amended by Council at its meeting held June 11, 2002, to read as follows:

 

4.   That the development of smaller “satellite facilities” for skateboarders in neighborhood parks across Markham be considered as part of Recreation Services upcoming “Outdoor Recreation Needs Study” and the "Focal Point Amenity Study" in Ward 7;

 

And that Brad Hainschwang, DBS and one or two youth members of the Skatepark Sub-Committee be involved in the planning of the proposed park.

 

6.         EUGENIO GARRITANO, LOTS 9 & 10, REG. PLAN 1149
355-357 MAIN STREET MARKHAM NORTH
APPLICATION FOR REZONING AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL
(ZA-99-029954, CS.99-029952) (10.5, 10.6) 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the application for Zoning By-law Amendment by Eugenio Garritano, to permit the construction of two semi-detached dwellings and the restoration of the existing heritage dwelling at 355-357 Main Street Markham North be approved, and the implementing by-law attached as Appendix ‘A’ be enacted without further notice;

 

And that the application for Site Plan Approval to permit two semi-detached dwellings be approved subject to the following conditions.

 

1. That the Owner enter into a site plan agreement with the Town;

 

2. That prior to execution of the site plan agreement, the Owner shall submit final drawings, and comply with all requirements of the Town and authorized public agencies, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services;

 

3. That the site plan agreement include provisions for the payment by the Owner of all applicable fees, recoveries, development charges, parkland dedications and financial obligations related to applicable Developers Group Agreements;

 

4. That the Owner be required to install sewage pumps in the basements of the proposed dwellings in order to avoid excessively high foundations;

 

5. That the Owner be required to grade the proposed development site so that storm-water runoff from the rear of the development will be directed towards Deer Park Lane;

 

6. That site plan approval shall lapse after a period of three years commencing June 4, 2002 in the event that the Owner does not enter into a site plan agreement with the Town during that period.

 

7.      That the Owner obtain condominium approval for the common element driveway and visitor parking spaces;

 

8. That the Owner obtain a corresponding exemption from part lot control for the subject lands in order to divide the lands to permit two semi-detached dwellings and the restoration of the existing heritage dwelling, as freehold residential units with access to the public road and visitor parking provided via a common element condominium block in the eastern section of the subject lands;

 

9. That the prospective purchasers be advised through restrictive covenants registered on title that the lands are located in the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District;

 

10. That prior to the execution of a site plan agreement, the Owner shall enter into a heritage conservation easement with the Town to ensure protection of the existing heritage house.

 

7.         OFFICIAL PARK OPENING POLICY (6.3, 12.2)

 

Councillor Heath announced the opening ceremonies for the two parkettes on Main Street Markham will be held on June 22, 2002.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the report dated June 4, 2002 to Development Services Committee entitled "Official Park Opening Policy" be received;

 

And that Official openings be planned, as a matter of course, for all parks classified as:

            - Town Parks,

            - Community Parks or

            - Neighbourhood Parks

 

And that official openings be planned for Parkettes only if they:

            - are deemed to have unique environmental, social or historical significance, and/or

            - have been built with grants of funds given to the Town with the provision that an

              opening be held;

 

And that the Corporate Communications and Culture Department be charged with the responsibility to oversee and administer all park openings and that they be assisted, as necessary, by the Planning and Urban Design, and Parks Construction and Maintenance Departments;

 

And that park openings incurred in 2002 be absorbed within approved capital and operating budgets;

 

And further that future park development budgets reflect the additional park opening costs within the tax rate funding component.

 

 

8.         PARK NAMING FOR TWO WILLIAMSTOWN PARKS
BERCZY VILLAGE COMMUNITY (6.3)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Development Services Commission Report dated June 4, 2002, entitled "Park naming for Two Williamstown Parks", be received; 

 

And that "Williamstown Green" and "Emery Hill Common" be approved as the official park names for two parks in Williamstown in the Berczy Village Community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.         GRAND LIFE BOULEVARD CORPORATION
NORTH EAST CORNER WOODBINE AVENUE AND MAJOR
MACKENZIE DRIVE - EAST CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY
PHASE 1, DRAFT PLAN 19TM-20007
REQUEST FOR STREET NAME APPROVAL (PL 02 105839) (10.14)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the following street names be approved for use in the Grand Life Boulevard Subdivision, Draft Plan 19TM-2007, located at the north east corner of Woodbine Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in the East Cathedral Community:

            - Hazelton Avenue

            - Castleview Crescent

            - Heathfield Avenue

            - Glaceport Crescent

 

 

10.       TRANSPORT CANADA, MAY 24, 2002
"Federal Government Green Space Strategy To
Protect Oak Ridges Moraine And Rouge Park For Future Generations"  (13.1)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That correspondence from Transport Canada, dated May 24, 2002, "Federal Government Green Space Strategy To Protect Oak Ridges Moraine And Rouge Park For Future Generations" be received;

 

And that the Mayor be requested to respond with a letter of appreciation on behalf of himself and Council.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other matters dealt with by the Development Services Committee on June 4, 2002:

 

 

11.       TASK FORCE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING (10.7) 

 

Ms. Diana Santos of Price Waterhouse Coopers was in attendance to review and receive feedback regarding the consultant's report on the recommendations of the Task Force on Affordable Housing.

 

Ms. Santos discussed the focus group input and Regional initiatives. The primary issues facing Markham are housing affordability, mix, and availability, particularly rental units for seniors and entry-level wage earners. Employers in Markham are having difficulty attracting employees, partly due to the lack of affordable housing. The importance of integration of affordable housing was emphasized, and it was stated that the development industry has indicated a willingness to work with the Town on this issue. Ms. Santos outlined a "tool box" approach to provide incentives such as: Public/private partnerships; use of public land; waiving of fees; deferral of property taxes; and developing policies to take a pro-active approach.

The use of second-suites was considered, and staff were directed to report on a strategy and the implications of permitting the use in the zoning by-law, as well as recognizing existing uses.

 

Ms. Santos reviewed the consultants' recommendations to: work with housing providers and other levels of government to implement the recommendations of the Task Force; to forward a resolution of Council urging incentives to the Federal Ministry of Housing, and the Chair of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Urban Issues, and the Provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and to develop implementation policies and strategies regarding the use of second-suites.

 

Committee members were requested to provide input to the consultant regarding the draft report, and the Committee requested public input be sought sooner, rather than later.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the presentation by Ms. Diana Santos of Price Waterhouse Coopers regarding the consultants' draft report on Task Force on Affordable Housing be received;

 

And that staff review the consultant's recommendation and prepare a report as soon as possible, with respect to implementation of the recommendations, a strategy for public involvement, and a strategy for second-suites for Wards 7 or 8 or appropriate areas as determined.

 

 

12.       MARKHAM CENTRE COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE (10.8.1)

 

Staff provided an update on Markham Centre. The Committee had before it handouts regarding the Markham Centre Work Program - 2002, and the Public Relations Plan. Discussions included the advisory committee structure and schedule.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the staff update regarding Markham Centre Communications be received.

 

 

13.       CARe PROGRAM AND CONTACT CENTRE (10.0)

 

The Commissioner of Corporate Services, and staff, gave a presentation regarding the CARe program and Contact Centre. A handout of the presentation entitled "Customer Relationship Management Strategy" was provided.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the staff presentation regarding the CARe Program and the Contact Centre be received.

 

 

 

14.       PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

 

The following employees were presented with service awards:

 

James Higgs, Area Supervisor, Parks Maintenance and Construction - 30 years

Kenneth Jarvis, Area Supervisor, Roads Maintenance - 30 years

Gregory Nelson, Zoning Examiner, Building Services - 15 years

Robert Robinson, Town Solicitor, Legal Department - 15 years

John Mascarin, Assistant Town Solicitor, Legal Department - 10 years

 

 

15.       CONSTRADA AGGREGATE RECYCLING FACILITY
350 YORKTECH DRIVE, ZONING AMENDMENT AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL APPLICATIONS (ZA 01-104767, SC 01-104830) (10.5, 10.6)

 

The Committee had before it correspondence regarding the recycling facility proposed by ConStrada at 350 Yorktech Drive, from:

   -        Harold Quinton, IBM, April 25, 2001

   -        Harold Quinton, IBM, dated January 22, 2002

   -        Bill Seli, General Manager of First Markham Place, Darton Property Advisors and Managers Inc.;

   -        I.S. Ahuja, 98 Coledale Road, Markham

   -        Grace Ng, 102 Hollingham Road, Markham

   -        Gary Ribble, 16 Shae Court, Markham

   -        Tang Kwok Ying, 11 Hollingham Road, Markham

   -        Victor Yeu, 30 Morrison Cres., Markham

   -        Kitty Tang, 2 Cranleigh Drive, Markham

   -        William Chan, 18 Mary Elizabeth Cres., Markham

   -        Patrick Kung, 6 St. Mortiz Way, Markham

   -        Ruth Reid, 64 Nadine Cres., Markham

   -        Yuen Yuet Lui, 25 Blackwell Court, Markham

   -        Louis and Brenda Au, 1 Loweswater Avenue, Markham

   -        Roger Took Tung Lee, 70 Montgomery Court, Unionville

   -        Ping Huang, 10 Cox Blvd., Unit 8, Markham

   -        Petition from David Lai, with 145 signatures;

   -        Petition with 50 signatures

   -        Petition with 7 signatures

   -        Petition with 11 signatures

   -        Petition with 55 signatures

   -        Petition with 34 signatures

   -        Petition with 28 signatures

 

Staff reviewed the progress of this application, and the public involvement to date. Staff advised the proposed temporary use by-law is recommended for one three-year term plus one possible three year renewal term (at the discretion of Council), for a total maximum of six years, and that extensive site plan conditions will be imposed. Staff consider the proposal to be a viable way to rehabilitate and contain the existing contaminated soils on the site.

 

Mr. Bill Seli, General Manager of First Markham Place, suggested the truck traffic would be higher that the 150 daily trips put forward by the applicant. Staff advised that the Town has retained an independent consultant in this regard, who estimates a conservative trip count of 280. Staff stated a "no stopping" by-law for Rodick Road will be implemented in conjunction with this application, and on-site structures will be located farther from the road to accommodate on-site truck stacking rather than trucks  stopping along Rodick Road.

 

In response to Committee's questions, staff advised:

- the Development Agreement will require the applicant to monitor dust generation due to site operations and settlement into the two storm water management ponds and discharge to Beaver Creek, and to perform any required retrofitting;

- water quality testing will be done prior to commencing construction, to set a benchmark for the water quality conditions for future comparison purposes.  If site construction or facility operations do not comply with the Ministry of the Environment Table B Criteria, the facility will be required to cease operations;

- the applicant has made a commitment to not seek an extension of the Temporary Use beyond the maximum of 6 years.  A detailed paper trail is in place for the eventuality that the applicant appeals the land use to the OMB;

- the applicant is required to submit a three year truck traffic monitoring report.  The results of this report will determine if the Temporary Use will be extended beyond the initial three year term.

 

Councillor Horchik presented a video demonstrating the frequency of truck traffic at the ConStrada site in Vaughan. He noted the Vaughan site is currently on a dead-end street, and is larger than the proposed Markham site, however, it was acknowledged that the site size will dictate the activity. It was suggested the Committee make a visit to ConStrada operations sites.

 

The Committee directed that the wording of condition 2(j) be strengthened from "The Site Plan Agreement may…", and that the conditions include a provision to shut down the operation in the case of environmental problems.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That correspondence regarding the recycling facility proposed by ConStrada be received from: Harold Quinton, IBM, April 25, 2001 and January 22, 2002; Bill Seli, General Manager, Darton Property Advisors and Managers Inc.; I.S. Ahuja, 98 Coledale Road, Markham; Grace Ng, 102 Hollingham Road, Markham; Gary Ribble, 16 Shae Court, Markham; Tang Kwok Ying, 11 Hollingham Road, Markham; Victor Yeu, 30 Morrison Cres., Markham; Kitty Tang, 2 Cranleigh Drive, Markham; William Chan, 18 Mary Elizabeth Cres., Markham; Patrick Kung, 6 St. Mortiz Way, Markham; Ruth Reid, 64 Nadine Cres., Markham; Yuen Yuet Lui, 25 Blackwell Court, Markham; Louis and Brenda Au, 1 Loweswater Avenue, Markham; Roger Took Tung Lee, 70 Montgomery Court, Unionville; Ping Huang, 10 Cox Blvd., Unit 8, Markham, and 7 petitions with 330 signatures;

 

And that the staff report entitled “ConStrada Aggregate Recycling Facility, applications for Zoning Amendment and Site Plan approval, 350 Yorktech Drive (Concession 4, Lot 9, Plan 65R-22981),” be received;

 

And that the ConStrada Aggregate Recycling Facility, applications for Zoning Amendment and Site Plan approval, Files ZA 01-104767, SC 01-104830 for 350 Yorktech Drive, be deferred to the Development Services Committee meeting scheduled for June 18, 2002;

 

And that staff arrange for the Committee to make a site visit to ConStrada operations in Vaughan and/or Brampton, prior to June 18, 2002.

 

 

16.       VALORE INVESTMENTS GROUP INC., 5680 14^TH AVENUE
REZONING TO PERMIT MULTI-TENANT INDUSTRIAL
BUILDING AND A COMMERCIAL BUILDING (ZA. 02-106948) (10.5)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That a Public Meeting be held to consider the rezoning application (ZA.02-106948) submitted by Valore Investments Group Inc., to rezone the property at 5680 14^th Avenue to Business Corridor (BC), under By-law108-81, as amended.

 

 

17.       WU'S INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC. 82 OLD KENNEDY ROAD
SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO PERMIT A COMMERCIAL/LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING (SC. 00-234063)(10.6) 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That site plan application (SC.00-234063) submitted by Wu’s International Group Inc., to permit commercial/light industrial building at 82 Old Kennedy Road, be approved subject to the following conditions:

 

1.                  That final site plan and elevation drawings be submitted to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services;

 

2.                  That the Owner submit a Landscape Plan, prepared by a Landscape Architect having O.A.L.A. membership, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services;

 

3.                  That the Owner enter into a site plan agreement with the Town, containing all standard and special provisions and requirements of the Town and authorized public agencies and including the following:

 

a.       Provision for payment by the Owner of all applicable fees, recoveries, cash-in-lieu of parkland, and Developer’s Group obligations;

 

b.      Provision for payment by the Owner of its pro rata share of streetscape and infrastructure improvements being planned for Old Kennedy Road;

 

c.       Provision to ensure that all necessary municipal services (water, sanitary sewers, storm sewers) are available, to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering;

 

d.      Provisions requiring securities for the future construction of a private road and sidewalk and/or bicycle path along the west limit of the property to be integrated as part of an overall private road and sidewalk network servicing this area, to the satisfaction of the Town.

 

4.                  That the Owner convey to the Town a 9 metre easement in the nature of a public right-of-way for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, along the railway tracks at the west end of the property, as well as a 6 metre easement from the railway tracks to the east limit of Turff Avenue, over the east-west driveway along the south side of the property;

 

5.                  That the Owner obtain all the necessary variances to accommodate the proposed development; and

 

6.                  Further that the site plan approval will lapse after a period of three years commencing June 4, 2002, in the event that a site plan agreement is not executed within that period.

 

 

18.       MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES - APRIL 17, 2002 (16.39)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the minutes of the main Street Markham Committee meeting, held April 17, 2002, be received for information.

 

 

19.       HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES - MAY 8, 2002 (16.11)

 

Councillor Horchik disclosed an interest with respect to the Heritage Markham Committee minutes of May 8, 2002, by nature of his brother-in-law owning the subject house, 125 John Street (item # 16) and did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matter.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting, held May 8, 2002, be received.

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

20.       YORK REGION, MAY 23, 2002
"Enhanced Performance Measurement Program For Planning Update
And Workplan"   (13.4)

 

RECOMMENDATION:      - Receive

 

 

21.       ROUGE PARK, MAY 23, 2002
            Rouge North Management Plan And Implementation Strategy  (10.0)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That correspondence from Rouge Park, dated May 23, 2002, regarding the Rouge North Management Plan And Implementation Strategy, be received and referred to staff for appropriate action.

 

 

Public Meeting

 

Attendance

Chair:  Councillor G. McKelvey Vice Chair, Community Character:             Regional Councillor T. Wong Vice Chair, Economic Development:             Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell Members:             Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti             Councillor E. Shapero             Councillor J. Virgilio             Councillor J. Heath             Councillor K. Usman             Councillor A. Chiu

J. Baird, Acting Commissioner of Development Services V. Shuttleworth, Acting Director of Planning S. Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber with Councillor G. McKelvey in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST  - none declared.

 

 

22.       METRUS DEVELOPMENT INC., CORNELL
            NORTH OF 16^TH AVENUE, EAST OF 9^TH LINE
            PLAN OF SUBDIVISION (19TM-01015) AND IMPLEMENTING
            ZONING BY-LAW (SUO1118320, ZA01118317) (10.5, 10.7)

 

The Chair advised that the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider Plan of Subdivision (19TM-01015) and implementing Zoning By-law, Files SU01118320 and ZA01118317, submitted by Metrus Development Inc. - Cornell, North of 16^th Avenue, East of 9^th Line.

 

Committee was advised that 23 notices were mailed on May 6, 2002, and a public meeting sign was posted on May 1, 2002. There were no written submissions received.

 

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, explaining the location, surrounding uses, and the proposed uses of the subject property. It was explained that the current water allocation available for this proposal is for 460 units.

 

Mr. George Kelava, 9451 Ninth Line, Markham, addressed the Committee with respect to the lease on his property. He stated his opposition to development of the land.

 

Committee had several questions regarding:

- spacing between garages for snow storage/removal

- naming of laneways

- timing for provision of parks, trees, sidewalks, and other amenities

- increased front yard setbacks and encroachment onto town property

- uniform width of green space along 9^th Line

- remnant piece of property at 16^th Avenue

- dead-ending of streets

- fencing of yards

- preservation of Heritage home on the property

- traffic calming.

Staff responded, and will address the issues raised in the final report.

 

Committee also questioned the effects on the fish habitat in the intermittent stream, and staff advised that in 1997, the TRCA, in accordance with policies of the day, had reached an agreement with the developer to provide a fish-way in Milne Park, at the developer's expense.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the report from the Development Services Commission dated April 23, 2002 entitled "Metrus Development Inc. - Cornell - North of 16^th Avenue, East of 9^th Line - Proposed Plan of Subdivision (19TM-01015) and Implementing Zoning By-law" be received;

 

And that the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 4, 2002, with respect to the proposed  Zoning By-law Amendments and Plan of Subdivision, be received;

 

And that the applications be referred back to staff for a report evaluating the proposal.

 

 

 

 

23.       JENNORA LIMITED, CORNELL
            SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 7, EAST OF 9^TH LINE
            OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS AND PLAN
            OF SUBDIVISION (19TM-02001) (OP02100345, ZA02100353, SUO2100367)
            (10.3, 10.5, 10.7)

 

The Chair advised that the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, and Plan of Subdivision (19TM-02001), Files OP02100345, ZA02100353 and SUO2100367, submitted by Jennora Limited, Cornell, south of Highway 7, east of 9^th Line.

 

Committee was advised that 79 notices were mailed on May 6, 2002, and a public meeting sign was posted on May 1, 2002. The Committee received two written submissions from:

1)         Glenn and Sharon Russell, 7265 Highway 7, Markham, expressing concerns;

2)         Ashmore Reesor and Bob Reesor, 7323 Highway 7, Markham, expressing concerns.

 

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, explaining the location, surrounding uses, and the proposed uses of the subject property. It was explained that the current water allocation available for this proposal is 460 units, plus commercial development.

 

Mr. Dan Leeming of the Planning Partnership, representing Metrus Development, reviewed the overall development of the Phases of Cornell, and the public consultation that had been involved. Mr. Leeming advised that: the houses along Highway 7 will be oriented to the Highway; the internal roads cannot be used as shortcuts; the Heritage home will be preserved; the Jennora proposal is a pedestrian-friendly mix, and; all technical support studies have been completed.

 

Mr. Donald Hindson, Solicitor, representing Frank and Robert Reesor, explained his clients' attempts to acquire land to increase their property size. Mr. Hindson advised of their objection to development of the easterly employment lands until detailed plans and required studies are submitted, and staff advised the current draft approval application applies to residential and commercial lands only, not the industrial portion. Mr. Hindson requested notice of Council's decision on this application, and the Chair requested Mr. Hindson provide staff with a written copy of his presentation, so that a response can be prepared.

 

Mr. Glen Russell, 7265 Highway 7, Markham, owns the other private property, west of the Reesor land. It is currently being restored as an Historical home, and has many significant trees on the property line. He is concerned for damage to the building and trees during construction. Mr. Russell also expressed concern for the effects on the water table. The Chair requested Mr. Russell meet with staff to discuss the water concerns.

 

Mr. Bob Baird, of Sherwood Amberglen Ratepayers Association, located on the west side of the 9^th Line, indicated they are generally pleased with the development proposal, and requested Regional Councillors support the acceleration of construction of the 9^th Line By-pass. Mr. Baird expressed concern that the inconsistent speed limit in that area creates noise problems. The Committee requested staff contact the region with respect to the status of the By-pass project.

 

Mr. Tom Farrar, of  Box Grove Community Association, discussed the need to coordinate timing for provision of services (water, sewer, and roads).

 

Mr. Graeme Weston, 7624 Reesor Road, Cedar Grove, spoke to the Committee regarding the effects of the increase in residences and employment lands on transportation issues.

 

Mr. Gary Atkins, President of the Cornell Ratepayers Association, advised the Association is pleased with the proposals by Metrus and Jennora. He identified several concerns regarding: access to the retail component in Jennora, across Highway 7; traffic calming; the timing and location of the community centre; and he requested the Association be given some design and architectural control.     

 

Ms. Renee Torrington, of the Cornell Ratepayers Association, identified several concerns: that the entrance and median strips be better maintained; importance of traffic calming, and; more detached houses are needed to provide a place for the residents to grow. Ms. Torrington supported the 'New Urbanism" and lane-based concepts, and appreciated the open dialogue with the Town and the developer. 

Committee questioned:

- if the two private properties to the west will be included in the servicing allocation

- how can the timing of garage construction be enforced

- will parking regulations be consistent with the rest of Cornell: overnight, or by permit?

- will the commercial/retail complex be transferred to the north-east corner of 9^th Line & Hwy 7

- will Bur Oak Avenue be built out prior to these Phases

- can the traffic light at Delmark be provided early in the development

- traffic calming and speed hump review

- is an LRT loop site available

- street treatments along Highway 7 and 9^th Line

- can the Town acquire the land for three parkettes/green space at the corners of the development

- can a wider range of housing be provided, including detached, and seniors accommodations

 

The Committee expressed appreciation to the developer for maintaining an open dialogue with the Town and residents, and requested the same effort be made with owners of the Reesor and Russell properties.

 

Staff were directed to prepare a report addressing all the issues raised, including the timing of the 9^th Line By-pass.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the report from the Development Services Commission dated April 23, 2002 entitled "Jennora Limited - Cornell - South of Highway 7, East of 9^th Line - Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision (19TM-02001)" be received;

 

And that the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 4, 2002, with respect to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments and Plan of Subdivision, be received;

 

And that the applications be referred back to staff for a report evaluating the proposal and all the issues raised at the Public Meeting held June 4, 2002, including the timing of the 9th Line By-pass.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:30 p.m.