Joyce Tsao, Markham resident, addressed the Committee in regard to the staff report on the Wismer Percy Reesor Street Parkette. Ms. Tsao expressed concerns related to noise disturbances, loss of privacy, security, and potential loss of property values for residents resulting from the parkette's existing location. Ms. Tsao requested that the Committee support the relocation of the Wismer Percy Reesor Street Parkette to one of two proposed locations further north on Percy Reesor Street to mitigate impacts to area residents.
Biju Karumanchery, Director, Planning & Urban Design, addressed the Committee and provided members with a background of the Wismer Percy Reesor Street Parkette and the proposed options contained in the staff report. It was noted that staff was not aware of the two potential sites identified by Ms. Tsao, but that relocation to either of those sites would involve more significant costs due to extensive regrading than if the parkette were moved to the site identified in Option 3 of the staff report.
The Committee discussed the following relative to the staff report:
- Balancing the wishes of the affected residents with the significant cost required to relocate the parkette
- The parkette's existing level of use and the need for a community amenity space
- Potential cost, requirements and feasibility of removing the parkette and/or play structure from the existing site without relocation
Certain members of Committee considered the removal of the play structure without relocating the parkette to an alternate site to be a potential option. The Committee directed staff to seek feedback through a survey of area residents to determine whether the community would support the removal of the play structure while maintaining the site as an open park space. It was suggested that staff work with the local Ward Councillor to confirm the details of the survey.