The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Kingsberg Warden Development Inc. for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a 10 storey 80 unit apartment building at 3882 Highway 7 (north side, east of Warden Avenue) (File Nos. OP/ZA 18 233310).
The Committee Clerk advised that 643 notices were mailed on June 4, 2019, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on June 2, 2019. Four written submissions were received regarding this proposal.
Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues.
The following deputations were made on the development proposal:
Clay Leibel provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Supported the new design of the building and acknowledged the developer’s effort in accommodating resident requests (e.g. enclosing the balconies, and improving the landscaping);
- Supported the building being eight stories, as the height is required to provide geothermal energy;
- Opposed to any easement onto private property.
Timothy Yeung, Chair for The Ellington Park Condominium Board provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Signed petition last year strongly opposing the zoning by-law amendment;
- Suggested that the building being proposed does not fit with the streetscape along Highway 7 or with the character of the neighbouring properties;
- Concerned the building will block the sunlight of residents living in the Ellington Park Condominium;
- Concerned that the proposed height of the building will impact the value of his property.
Harry Eaglesham provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Asked that the development proposal follow the principles of the Precinct Plan for Highway 7.
Alfred Szeto, provided the following feedback on the development proposal on behalf of residents living on Tembury Drive:
- Concerned about the impact the development proposal will have on residents’ privacy;
- Concerned about the shadow the proposed development will create;
- Opposed to the connectivity of the development proposal to Tenbury Drive.
David McBeth provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Complimented the developer on the new design of the building;
- Support the building being eight stories in height, but prefer it to be six stories in height;
- Suggested privacy issues may still be an issue, but did not know if this could be resolved;
- Opposed to the connectivity of the development proposal to Tenbury Dirve;
- Complimented the developer on the new design of the buildings;
- Suggested that the only outstanding issue is the shadow the building will create.
Carmel Marina provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Concerned about the height and density of the development proposal;
- Concerned about the impact the development proposal will have on his property value;
- Did not think the development proposal should be approved.
Committee provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Complimented the new design of the condominium;
- Asked why geothermal energy was being proposed over being connected to Markham District Energy;
- Asked if Tenbury Drive was intended to be a Cul-de-sac when originally designed and if there was any benefit to opening up the road to Highway 7;
- Asked if the existing owner of the property was committed to building the development proposal;
- Asked what the building height provisions are for this property;
- Asked about the unit sizes and height of the building;
- Suggested that it is more important to have an eight storey building with a nice design versus a square building that is six stories in height;
- Suggested that the applicant meet with the church to address their concerns;
- Asked if the glass panels on the balconies opened up to provide fresh air.
Staff provided the following responses to Committee and resident inquiries, the Secondary Plan for this area permits a maximum of 3 ½ stories, but the general policy is to permit six stories. An application has been submitted by the Applicant to amend the Official Plan to permit 8 stories. The design of Tenbury Drive supports that the road was intended to be a Cul-de-sac, as the road has a circular end. The City’s position is to keep the road closed off, but York Region’s position is to open up the road. This position is being challenged by City staff.
In response to Committee and resident inquiries, the Applicant advised that the proposed condominium will be approximately 25.8 metres in height and that the units will range from 640 square feet to over a 1,000 square feet. The balcony will be enclosed, but the glass panels can be opened to provide fresh air. The Applicant has committed to meeting with the church to discuss their concerns with the development proposal, and was also open to connecting the building to Markham District Energy (if possible). It was confirmed that the property owner is committed to building the proposed development.