MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING
JUNE 18, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.
Council
Chamber
Meeting No. 10
All
Members of Council
Development
Services
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton
Attendance
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Ron Blake, Manager, West District
Sabrina Bordone, Planner
Biju Karumanchery, Senior
Development Manager
Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District
Gary Sellars, Senior Planner
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Valerie Burke disclosed an
interest with respect to Item No. 2 regarding Thornhill Revitalization, by
nature of a family owned business in the Thornhill area, and did not take part
in the discussion of, or vote on the question of the approval of this matter.
1. PRELIMINARY
REPORT
8310 WOODBINE DEVELOPMENTS
INC.
8310 WOODBINE AVENUE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF WOODBINE
AVENUE AND LANARK ROAD
APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENT AND
SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO PERMIT A
ONE STOREY OFFICE BUILDING
(ZA/SC 12 119142) (10.5, 10.6)
Report
The Public Meeting this date was to
consider an application submitted by 8310 Woodbine Developments Inc. for Zoning
By-law Amendment and Site Plan approval to permit a one storey office building
at the Southwest corner of Woodbine Avenue and Lanark Road (ZA 12 119142 &
SC 12 119142).
The Committee Clerk advised that 54 notices were mailed on May 29, 2013,
and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 27, 2013. No written submissions were received
regarding this proposal.
Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location,
surrounding uses and outstanding issues. Melanie Melnyk of R.E. Millward and
Associates Ltd., representing the applicant, provided more details regarding
the proposal. The owner of the property was also in attendance to answer
questions.
There were no comments from the audience with respect to this
application.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
1) That the Development Services Commission report dated May 7,
2013 entitled “Preliminary Report, 8310 Woodbine Developments Inc., 8310 Woodbine Avenue,
Southwest corner of Woodbine Avenue and Lanark Road, Applications
for Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Approval to permit a one storey
office building, File No.: ZA/SC
12 119142”, be received; and,
2) That the Record of the Public Meeting
held on June 18, 2013, with respect to the application by 8310 Woodbine
Developments Inc., for an amendment to
Zoning By-law 165-80, as amended, be received; and,
3) That Zoning By-law
Amendment application (ZA 12 119142) by 8310 Woodbine Inc. for an amendment to
Zoning By-law 165-80, as amended, be approved; and further,
4) That the proposed Zoning
By-law Amendment to amend By-law 165-80, as amended, be enacted without further
notice.
CARRIED
2. PRELIMINARY
REPORT
THORNHILL REVITALIZATION AREA
LAND USE STUDY:
CITY-INITIATED SITE-SPECIFIC
OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES
AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
(PR 11 127722) (10.0)
Report
Councillor Valerie Burke disclosed an
interest with respect to Item No. 2 regarding Thornhill Revitalization, by
nature of a family owned business in the Thornhill area, and did not take part
in the discussion of, or vote on the question of the approval of this matter.
The Public Meeting this date was to consider City-initiated
Site-Specific Official Plan Policies and Zoning By-law Amendment applying to
the Thornhill Revitalization Area land Use Study (PR 11 127722).
The Committee Clerk advised that 32 notices were mailed on May 29, 2013,
and Notice was posted in the May 30 and June 6, 2013 editions of the Thornhill
Liberal. Four written submissions were received regarding this proposal.
Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location,
surrounding uses, outstanding issues, and the community consultation that had
taken place. Staff outlined the proposed Land Use strategy to implement Council
directions and noted that the Canac site will be subject to a separate public
meeting in the fall.
Mike Papapetrov, area
resident, questioned the prohibition of auto body and auto repair shops and
requested clarification, as well as the process and timing for the new By-law
to take effect. Staff responded to the questions. The Committee directed
staff to provide clarification when this matter comes forward regarding the
timing for by-laws to take effect and the impact on pending applications.
Eric Lerner, area resident, expressed appreciation to staff and Council
for this initiative and discussed the redevelopment of the Canac site.
Jim Levac, Weston Consulting, on behalf of Mercedes Benz Inc., advised
that they have entered into a long-term lease for a building within the study
area and discussed his clients’ plans for the facility, requesting the proposed
uses be permitted in the pending By-law. Staff advised that direction from the
Committee is required if staff is to work with the applicant in regard to this
request, contrary to the current directions of Council.
Caterina Facciolo of Brattys Barristers and Solicitors, representing
Granite Real Estate Inc., owners of land within the study area, spoke of their
concern for the restrictions imposed to limit the use with respect to the proposed
use by Mercedes Benz. Ms. Facciolo discussed the extensive retrofitting of the
property for this business and the notion of clean versus dirty employment
uses, and requested consideration of a site-specific exemption. Councillor
Howard Shore indicated he would meet with the proponents.
Stephen Inberg, Mercedes Benz Canada Inc., suggested the issue may be
resolved through clarification of the use definitions, and provided an overview
of the site plan application submitted for this property and their consultation
with the City.
Michael Dankery, area business owner, advised that his family has been
a long-term owner of a property in the area, and expressed confusion regarding
restrictions to existing establishments with respect to continuing
non-conforming uses and outside storage. Staff provided clarification.
Ahmad Tabrizi, area resident, supported the redevelopment of the Canac
site, and suggested more mixed uses such as nursing homes are needed in the
area.
Andrew Eaton suggested the wording and the restrictions of the proposed
by-law have been changing and he requested to be kept informed.
Mike Ferreira, area business owner, wishes to continue his landscaping
business use and is willing to upgrade his property. Mr. Ferreira requested to
be kept informed on this issue.
William Tiemerima, owner of a landscape and snowplow business in the
area, spoke of the regulations and restrictions in Markham with respect to
upgrading the area and the Canac site. Mr. Tiemerima noted the need for a
buffer zone adjacent to residential use.
Mario Morassutti, owner of an auto body business in the area,
questioned the legal non-conforming status for a prohibited use. Staff provided
clarification and confirmed the proposed By-law can be reviewed and appealed to
the OMB by the public.
The Committee suggested that a further public information meeting be
held prior to the by-law going forward to Council. Staff advised of the time
constraints regarding the Interim Control By-law, and will investigate the
possibility of extending it. The Committee advised that further clarification
regarding legal non-confirming use will be provided by the City Solicitor at
the next meeting on this matter. Documentation is available for review
outlining the proposed by-law and can be obtained by contacting the Clerk’s
Department.
The Ward Councillor thanked the residents and staff for their work on
this project, and Council for its support.
A motion, moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath and seconded by Councillor
Howard Shore, to refer this matter and the proposed by-law directly to Council
with no recommendation, was LOST.
It was suggested that a public information meeting, dedicated to the
Thornhill Revitalization Area Land Use Study be held with Council members and
staff, prior to bringing the By-law forward, by September at the latest. It was
noted that a Special Council Meeting could be called during the summer for the
associated By-law.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Gord Landon
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1)
That the
written submissions from Barry A. Horosko, Brattys Barristers & Solicitors;
Bill Haley, Haley Planning & Development Solutions; Jim Levac, Weston
Consulting; and Eric Lerner, regarding Thornhill Revitalization, be received; and,
2)
That the
deputations by Mike Papapetrov, Eric Lerner, Jim Levac, Caterina Facciolo,
Stephen Inberg, Michael Dankery, Ahmad Tabrizi, Andrew Eaton, Mike Ferreira,
William Tiemerima, and Mario Morassutti, regarding Thornhill Revitalization, be
received; and,
3)
That a
public information meeting dedicated to the Thornhill Revitalization Area Land
Use Study be held with Council members and staff, prior to bringing the By-law forward,
by September at the latest.
CARRIED
3. PRELIMINARY
REPORT
GLOBAL UNIONVILLE DEVELOPMENT
INC.
(SYLMATT INVESTMENTS INC.)
APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN
AND
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO
PERMIT A
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF MAIN
STREET UNIONVILLE
AND ENTERPRISE BOULEVARD
28 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
(OP/ZA 12 122739) (10.3, 10.5)
Report
The Public Meeting this date was to
consider applications submitted by Global Unionville Development Inc. (Sylmatt
Investments Inc.) for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit a
high density residential development at the northwest corner of Main Street
Unionville and Enterprise Boulevard (OP 12 122739 & ZA 12 122739).
The Committee Clerk advised that 1765 notices were mailed on May 29, 2013,
and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 28, 2013. Notice was posted in the
May 30, 2013 edition of the local paper. Seven written submissions were
received regarding this proposal.
Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location,
surrounding uses and outstanding issues. Lindsay Dale-Harris and David Huynh of
Bousfields Inc., and the consulting team representing the applicant, gave a
presentation with additional details regarding the area context and providing a
rationale for proceeding prior to the precinct plan. Ms. Dale-Harris reviewed
the shadowing study and showed the proposed stepped buildings from 9 to 27
stories.
The Committee noted the status of the Markham Centre Precinct Plan and
suggested this application may be premature. Discussions included the use of Markham
District Energy, the density of lands to the west, the adjacent school site,
parklands, and residual lands owned by the City. The Committee suggested
improvements to the building design and directed that the parklands be
available for the whole community rather than as an extension of the school green
space.
Beverly Dutoff, area resident, expressed concern that
over 750 units would challenge the site and that the proposal is not
appropriate for a transition development. Ms. Dutoff discussed the impact to
traffic flows in the area and displayed photographs showing existing traffic
congestion.
Gayle Leroux, area resident, suggested the impacts to Main
Street Unionville and the gateway to Unionville have not been considered. Ms.
Leroux discussed traffic congestion and questioned whether the heights of the
approved buildings by the Rockport Group were 3 or 9 storeys.
The Committee questioned
whether the Rockport Group had circumvented City standards through the
Committee of Adjustment, and stated that the City should protect the work
invested in areas such as Main Street Unionville; particularly once height
restrictions come off Buttonville Airport.
Roger Lambert, area resident, expressed concern for
traffic congestion.
Paul Marsh, area resident, suggested the proposed
height is not appropriate in close proximity to the heritage district and
expressed concern for shadowing impacts particularly on the adjacent Bill
Crothers Secondary School. Mr. Marsh supported mixed uses and encouraged
completion of the precinct plan to address transition zones.
Nicola Slater, area resident, supported the statements
made by previous speakers in opposition, and noted concerns for traffic
congestion, transitioning, and shadowing.
Brian Brewer, representing Unionville Ratepayers
Association, stated that they do not have an official position, but are
providing comments regarding: the timing in light of the precinct and mobility
hub study; greater height and density than are currently approved and permitted
in the Official Plan; the additional
pressure on traffic infrastructure; preliminary report mentions adjacent
property but does not address the single family dwellings in close proximity; an
appropriate transition zone is needed; and, they have a preference for a retail
component.
Tatiana DiGiacinto, representing the Rockport Group and
the Main Street Residence (Unionville) Inc., the adjacent approved development
noted that the height increase to their building was for the podium between two
buildings and not along the Main Street frontage as suggested. She also commented on the amount of work invested
in their own development from a design perspective, and they requested to work
with staff to ensure a cohesive design. The front-end work for the road and
Markham District Energy connection were noted.
The Committee emphasized that this development must be
compatible with the Pan Am Centre and other developments, as well as Main
Street Unionville, and noted that higher density is in fact intended for areas
such as the subject site in close proximity to the GO station. A suggestion was made for advanced
signals at Enterprise Boulevard and Main Street.
The Committee
agreed to refer this matter to the Unionville Subcommittee with a potential
for more community meetings.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
1)
That the written submissions from Beverly Dutoff, Paul C. Marsh,
Nicola Slater, Steve Budgell, Petition with 61 signatures in opposition, Teresa
Chan, and the Unionville Ratepayers Association, regarding the application by
Global Unionville Development
Inc. (Sylmatt Investments Inc.), be received; and,
2)
That the deputations by Beverly Dutoff, Paul C. Marsh, Nicola
Slater, Roger Lambert, Gayle Leroux, Brian Brewer, and Tatiana DiGiacinto regarding
the application by Global Unionville Development
Inc. (Sylmatt Investments Inc.), be received; and,
3) That the Development Services Commission report dated May
21, 2013, entitled “Preliminary Report, Global Unionville Development Inc.
(Sylmatt Investments Inc.), Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendments to permit a high density residential development at the northwest
corner of Main Street Unionville and Enterprise Boulevard” be received; and,
4) That the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 18, 2013
with respect to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, be
received; and,
5) That the applications by Global Unionville Development Inc.
(Sylmatt Investments Inc.) for proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendments (OP/ZA 12 122739), be referred back to staff for a report and a
recommendation; and,
6) That the applications by Global Unionville
Development Inc. (Sylmatt Investments Inc.) be referred to the Unionville
Subcommittee and that community information meetings be held as necessary; and
further,
7) That staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Public Meeting adjourned at 11:20 PM.
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