Ron Blake, Senior Development Manager, introduced the report and provided members of Committee with an overview of the application, including the proposal submitted by the applicant, previous approval history, and outstanding issues to be addressed as part of the staff review.
Nick Pileggi, Macaulay Shiomi Howson, consultant to the applicant, requested that a statutory public meeting for the application be scheduled as soon as possible prior to the fall, noting potential benefits resulting from early consideration. Mr. Pileggi also addressed several concerns expressed by the Unionville Residents Association in regard to the applicant's proposal.
Peter Miasek, representative of the Unionville Residents Association, addressed the Committee and expressed concerns with the development application, including potential impacts associated with the proposed Floor Space Index, tower heights, and reduction in parkland dedication. Mr. Miasek also noted concerns with the timing of the application relative to the status of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update study, and requested that a statutory public meeting for the application be postponed until such time as a draft Secondary Plan has been completed.
There was discussion regarding the features of the development proposal relative to the existing approvals for the subject lands, and the potential impacts resulting from additional approvals. The Committee also discussed the potential appropriate timing of a statutory public meeting for the application in consideration of the status of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update study.
Development Services Committee tabled discussion on this matter to recess and resumed discussion upon returning from confidential session.
The Committee directed staff to proceed with the processing of the minor variance application for Phase 1 of the proposal. The Committee also resolved to postpone the scheduling of a statutory public meeting for the application to allow for further public consultation as part of the Markham Secondary Plan Update study process. It was requested that staff and the applicant continue to explore the feasibility and requirements of incorporating infrastructure for a pneumatic waste collection system to service the proposed future subdivision. It was also requested that staff report back to Development Services Committee on the status of the application in the fall of 2020 to determine an appropriate course of action.