FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning & Urban Design

 

 

 

 

PREPARED BY:

 Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

2004-Jun-28

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Request to Complete Subdivision Works at

Markham Heritage Estates

Funding Allocation Request

 

 

 


 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Staff Report entitled “Request to Complete Subdivision Works at Markham Heritage Estates – Funding Allocation Request,” dated June 28, 2004, be received;

 

AND THAT  Council authorize the implementation of the following improvements to an upset limit of $304,850 inclusive of 7% GST ($ 285,000 exclusive of 7%GST) to cover all costs associated with design, construction and contract administration:

Walkway Connection                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $27,000

Island Medians                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $58,000

Road Construction Work                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $150,000

Super Mail Box Shelter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $50,000

$285,000 + GST

AND THAT funding for the improvement projects be provided from the Capital Reserve Fund;

 

AND THAT Staff be authorized to initiate the land division process for Block 39 through the municipality’s power of conveyance;

 

AND THAT Heritage staff examine the options available for interpretive plaques and/or signage for the individual buildings at Markham Heritage Estates, and repairs to the Markham Heritage Estates entry sign, and prepare a submission for consideration during the 2005 capital budget process; 

 

AND THAT staff be directed to identify any remaining subdivision works that are required to be completed by the Town of Markham as the developer of Markham Heritage Estates for the consideration of Council in a future report;

 

AND THAT the request for hanging baskets not be supported.

 

PURPOSE:

The Town of Markham is the developer of the Markham Heritage Estates subdivision.  The purpose of this report is to obtain approval for the allocation of Town funding to undertake subdivision works at Markham Heritage Estates.

 

BACKGROUND:

Markham Heritage Estates was created by the Town in the late 1980’s

The Markham Heritage Estates subdivision was created in the late 1980’s by the Town of Markham as a refuge of last resort for the relocation of threatened heritage buildings that cannot be integrated within new development.  A financial incentive in the form of reduced lot prices is offered by the Town to assist property owners in undertaking the costs of relocation and restoration.  To date, 27 buildings have been relocated to the subdivision.  The Town recently acquired the former Lunau homestead (5884 Sixteenth Avenue) which brings the total number of heritage buildings in the subdivision to 28.  There are 16 lots remaining in the subdivision (two of which can be created from the existing Block 39).

 

The Town is the developer of Markham Heritage Estates

The Markham Heritage Estates subdivision was registered on October 17, 1989.  The Town is in essence the developer of this subdivision.  When lots are sold, the funds are returned to the Town’s reserve balances from which the original monies were taken to develop the project.  In 1988, the lot prices were established to cover the anticipated costs associated with the development of the subdivision.  In December 1999, the Town confirmed the need to conduct a review of the lot pricing structure.  The intent of the review was to investigate whether an increase in lot prices was warranted.  The review was conducted by JMS Real Estate Appraisers, and on consideration of their report, in January 2000, Council supported a price increase of 21.8% based on the Consumer Price Indices for Shelter provided by Statistics Canada.  The price increase struck a reasonable balance between the Consumer Price Index increases since 1988 and the ongoing need to discount lot prices to encourage the relocation of threatened heritage resources.  Lot prices were again increased effective September 2003 by 21.5%.

 

To date, the Town has received $2,238,000 in revenue from 27 lot sales.  Based on lot pricing currently in effect, additional revenues of approximately $1,604,000 are expected from the sale of the remaining 16 lots with the total overall revenue estimated at $3,842,000.  All monies from lot sales at Markham Heritage Estates are deposited into the General Capital Reserve Account.

 

Estimated development costs for Markham Heritage Estates were approximately $2.9 million

In 1988, the estimated cost associated with developing Markham Heritage Estates was $2.9 million including land costs (see Appendix A).  Since 1988, approximately $2.7 million has been expended on the development of the original subdivision (including $1.5 million for servicing and $837,000 for the original land acquisition), and an expenditure of approximately $450,000 to expand the subdivision through the acquisition of the Lunau homestead property in 2000.  The total expenditures to date are $3,204,020 (including the expenditures identified in the following sections of this report).

 

 

In 1990 and 1991, two studies were completed focussing on Markham Heritage Estates

In 1990, the Town retained the consulting services of Unterman McPhail Cuming Associates to undertake the Markham Heritage Estates Lot Allocation and Design Study which provided a vision statement for the subdivision and guidance on changes to the zoning by-law and individual lot selection guidelines.  The cost of the study was approximately $20,000.

 

In 1991, the Town retained the consulting services of Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited to prepare landscape design guidelines and an overall landscape master plan for Markham Heritage Estates.  The study included guidelines for individual lot landscaping and an overall vision statement, phasing and objectives for the public or streetscape components of the subdivision.  The cost of the study was $20,000.

 

In 1995, major capital works were undertaken

On September 12, 1995, Council approved the following works at Markham Heritage Estates in response to requests from the Heritage Estates Homeowners Association:

 

            - the installation of perimeter landscaping and an entrance feature ($195,600)

            - the installation of two absent light standards on David Gohn Circle ($5,000)

            - the undertaking of localized asphalt and concrete patching ($15,000)

 

Staff was also directed to examine the need for a parkette and the introduction of the island medians in the northern cul-de-sac for 1996. 

 

Town approved details plans for landscape medians and entrance feature in 1996

In 1996, the Town retained the consulting services of Todhunter, Schollen & Associates (Landscape Architects, Land Planners and Environmental Restoration Consultants) to undertake detail working drawings for the design of the David Gohn Circle island medians, an entrance/noise attenuation wall design and entry signage based upon the principles and objectives outlined in the Landscape Master Plan of 1991.  On June 25, 1996, Council approved funds in the amount of $70,115 for an entry feature and the northern cul-de-sac landscaping.

 

Fencing improvements were undertaken in 1999

In May 1999, at the request of a property owner to the south, Council authorized funding in the amount of $9,245 be provided from an appropriate reserve to install fencing along the property boundary of 5906 and 5928 Sixteenth Avenue.

 

Markham Heritage Estates was expanded through the acquisition of the Lunau property

Upon the death of Mrs. Lunau who owned 5884 Sixteenth Avenue, the property was purchased by the Town.  On March 28, 2000, Council authorized the purchase of the property at a cost of $426,000 plus applicable taxes and disbursements ($450,000).  The property was re-designated as Urban Residential-Heritage and rezoned to Heritage Residential, and became part of Markham Heritage Estates.  In 2001, the Town created four lots and sold the lot which contained the heritage house (Wismer-Lunau House) for $175,000.

 

 

 

Residents of the subdivision have identified a number of projects to be completed

Ward 4 Councillor George McKelvey and members of staff have been contacted by a number of residents from the Markham Heritage Estates subdivision requesting a number of projects be completed this year.  The projects include the following:

 

  • Complete the walkway connection between Markham Heritage Estates and the Wismer subdivision to the west (located between 6 and 8 Wismer Place).
  • Install the island medians in Alexander Hunter Place and Wismer Place.
  • Complete the final coat of asphalt on roads.
  • Install the shelter for the mailboxes.
  • Revise the existing street name signs using the heritage design used in heritage districts.
  • Introduce the heritage interpretive signage for each house in the David Gohn Circle and Alexander Hunter/Wismer island medians
  • Repair the split rail fence on the David Gohn Circle island medians.
  • Introduce flowers in hanging baskets on the lamp posts.

 

Each of the above projects is discussed in detail in the next section of this report.

 

Other issues or costs which staff has identified include the introduction of missing lamp posts, improvement to the entry sign and the creation of two lots from Block 39. 

 

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

Each of the requested projects is discussed below.  Staff from the appropriate departments has been consulted.  Some of the identified projects are works that are required to be undertaken by the Town as the developer of the subdivision while other projects should be considered as part of the Town’s annual capital budget review process.  All identified costs include design, construction and administration.

 

1.         Walkway Connection

            Discussions with residents of Markham Heritage Estates concerning access to parks and schools resulted in the decision by Council to support a walkway connection between Markham Heritage Estates and the new subdivision to the west.  The walkway is located between the properties municipally known as 6 and 8 Wismer Place.  The land for the walkway on the Markham Heritage Estates side was created in December 2001 (Plan 65R-24462).  The walkway on the new subdivision side has been constructed by the private sector developer.  The following work needs to be completed by the Town:

 

            Fencing             $6,000

            Walkway           $9,600

            Shrubs               $3,600

            Trees                 $7,800

            Total               $27,000 plus GST        

 

2.         Island Medians - Landscaping

            The majority of lots located on Wismer Place and Alexander Hunter Place have had homes relocated to them.  Only the two southerly corner lots remain vacant and relocated homes can be placed on these lots using Heritage Corners Lane.  The two island medians need to be designed, installed and landscaped.  Staff will be consulting with residents at Markham Heritage Estates in July.  The following work needs to be undertaken:

 

            Asphalt Removal           $5,000

            Curbing                       $22,000

            Site Preparation             $7,000

            Planting                       $24,000

            Total                           $58,000 plus GST

 

3.         Final Asphalt Coat

            Roads at Markham Heritage Estates were initially constructed with only the base coat of asphalt.  In 1996, some localized asphalt and concrete patching was undertaken as well as final coat of asphalt on David Gohn Circle and Heritage Corners Lane to where it intersects with Wismer Place and Alexander Hunter Place.  Given that the majority of lots north on Wismer Place and Alexander Hunter Place are now occupied and the island medians are proposed to be installed, it is recommended that the final coat of asphalt be installed.  It has also been noted that the base coat of asphalt is deteriorating along Heritage Corners Lane.

 

            This road work could potentially be deferred to the 2005 budget year.  However, given that the island medians are proposed to be installed and the existing base road is in poor condition, it is recommended that this secondary road work, including removal and replacement of damaged curb, repair to base asphalt and placement of top course of asphalt be implemented this year at an estimated cost of $150,000

 

4.         Super Mailbox Shelter

            Super Mailboxes were installed on a temporary basis near the entrance to Markham Heritage Estates on the east side of Heritage Corners Lane and were not an attractive entrance feature.  When the Town acquired the Lunau property and four new lots were created, it was determined that the mailboxes would have to be relocated.  The Landscape Master Plan had shown the mailboxes on the two east islands at David Gohn Circle and Alexander Hunter Place.  However, upon further analysis by staff, it was decided to sever a small parcel of land off Block 39 in Aileen Lewis Court to create an area for all the Super Mailboxes.  The Landscape Master Plan also indicates that these features should be enclosed in a wooden structure designed to camouflage their contemporary appearance.  An appropriately designed shelter is needed to assist in masking these boxes.  Similar shelters have been introduced in subdivisions such as Cornell and Angus Glen.  Staff will be meeting with residents in July to discuss the change in the number of shelters, the location and design issues. 

 

            Mailbox Shelter                            $50,000 plus GST.

 

5.         Heritage Street Name Signs

            The current street name signage does not reflect the special status of the subdivision.  The street name signage should be similar in design to the signage used in the heritage conservation districts.  There are five signs that need to be replaced.  This work could be undertaken by the Town Sign Shop this year.  An amount of $1400 would be required for some expenses such as new poles, sign plates, brackets, etc.  This request should be considered during the 2005 capital budget review.

 

6.         Interpretive Signage

            All the properties at Markham Heritage Estates are individually designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.  All other individually designated properties in the Town receive a bronze designation plaque at a cost of approximately $350 per plaque.  Given the special nature of Markham Heritage Estates and the fact that the homes have been relocated from other parts of Markham, the need for enhanced interpretive plaques has been identified.  Through the years, discussions have been held with residents at the Estates and it has been determined that any interpretive signage should be installed in the island medians and not immediately in front of each house. 

 

            Heritage staff will examine the interpretive options available, and present a submission for the 2005 capital budget.  Staff will also work with the Urban Design Section to ensure the new island median(s) at Wismer Place and Alexander Hunter Place address the potential placement of interpretive signage.

 

7.         Repair Split Rail Fence

            The Road Maintenance Section of the Community and Fire Services Commission has been contacted to repair the existing split rail fence in the island medians at David Gohn Circle.

 

8.         Hanging Flower Baskets

            A request has been made for the introduction of hanging flower baskets on the lamp posts at Markham Heritage Estates.  Hanging baskets are an urban feature primarily located in the commercial core areas, business improvement areas and main streets of Markham.  The introduction of the hanging baskets at Markham Heritage Estates would not be in keeping with the “rural residential character” vision developed in the Landscape Master Plan.

 

            In addition, from an operating perspective, there is not only an initial capital cost, but also an ongoing maintenance cost associated with hanging baskets as they must be watered on a daily basis.  Staff recommends that this request not be supported.

 

9.         Repairs to Entry Sign

            The Entry Sign to Markham Heritage Estates needs to be repainted as it is fading.  The cost to undertake this work would be approximately $500.  This request should be considered during the 2005 capital budget deliberations.

 

10.       Missing Lamp Posts

            Of the approximately 35 lamp posts to be installed throughout the subdivision, 25 have been installed to date.  From the entrance at Sixteenth Avenue to Alexander Hunter Place, approximately every second lamp has been installed.  This installation approach was intentional to assist in the relocation of buildings to the development lots.  Operations staff have indicated in the past that the illumination in this road section was adequate (given there are no houses along this road), but development will now be occurring along this section of road.  Staff would like to obtain approval to install the necessary required lamp posts as required over the next few years.  The cost of this undertaking is as follows:

 

            10 lamps @ $3,500 for acquisition/installation   $35,000

 

            Staff will forward this request for funding in a future report when all remaining Markham Heritage Estates developer requirements are identified.

 

11.       Block 39

            Block 39 at Markham Heritage Estates was originally designed for a potential road allowance to allow the possible expansion of the subdivision to the south.  This opportunity was not pursued and the Block should be subdivided into 2 lots.  Staff should be authorized to initiate the land division process for Block 39 through the municipality’s power of conveyance.

 

Summary of project costs and future works

The following summarizes the cost of the identified projects recommended for consideration at this time:

 

Walkway Connection                                      $24,000

Island Medians                                                $66,000

Road Construction Work                               $150,000

Super Mail Box Shelter                                    $45,000

 

Total                                                             $285,000 plus GST

 

A review of the revenues versus expenditures for Markham Heritage Estates (Appendix ‘A’) indicates that these projects can be funded from current and projected revenues.  Staff will be undertaking a review of the entire heritage subdivision project to ensure that all required developer related works have been identified and will report back to Council in the fall of 2004.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Upon Council approval of the requested expenditures, Financial Services Department will transfer funds from the General Capital Reserve and set up a capital account to finance the work approved by Council.

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

This project aligns with the corporate goal of achieving a Quality Community through recognizing, promoting and strengthening a sense of community.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

This report has been reviewed by the Financial Services Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Figure 1            Report Identification

Figure 2            Map of Markham Heritage Estates illustrating lot sales

Appendix ‘A’   Markham Heritage Estates Expenditures

Appendix ‘B’   Revenues Compared to Expenditures

Appendix ‘C’   Markham Heritage Estates Lot Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valerie Shuttleworth, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director of Planning & Urban Design

 

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Commissioner of Development Services

 

 

 

Q:\Development\Heritage\MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES\GENERAL\F&A Report June 28 04.doc


FIGURE 1

 

File Q:\Development\Heritage\MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES\GENERAL\F&A Report June 28 04 FINAL.doc

 

 

 

Markham Heritage Estates

            Heritage Corners Lane

            Aileen Lewis Court

            Wismer Place

            Alexander Hunter Place

            David Gohn Circle

 

 

LOCATION  MAP

 

 


 

Appendix A

Markham Heritage Estates

 

Expenditures

June 2004

 

                                                        Projected Costs (1988)                                              Actual Costs

 

1. Land Cost                                           $837,407 (17. 39ac)                                               $837,407

                                                                                                                                                 $450,000 (note 1)

                                                                                                                                              $1,287,407

 

2. Public Works                                  $1,299,420                                                              $1,298,445

                                                                                                                                                   $15,000 (note 2)

                                                                                                                                              $1,313,445

 

3. Hydro                                                  $257,560                                                                 $236,099

                                                                                                                                                     $5,000 (note 3)

                                                                                                                                                 $241,099

 

4. Survey, Land Title, Etc                       $15,000                                                                   $26,742

 

5. Soil Testing                                            $5,000                                                                     $6,005

 

6. Stormwater Report                                $3,000                                                       included in #2

 

7. Landscaping                                      $150,065                                                                     $1,107

                                                                                                                                                 $195,600 (note 4)

                                                                                                                                                   $70,115 (note 5)

                                                                                                                                                 $266,822

 

8. Consultants Fee                                  $22,500                                                                   $22,500

      (planning)

 

9. Contingency (10%)                           $258,995                                                                   $40,000 (note 6)

 

 

 

Total                                                     $2,848,947                                                              $3,204,020                                               

                                                                                                                                                               

Notes

1         Cost of Lunau Homestead purchase ($426,000 plus associated expenses)

2         Asphalt and concrete work approved in 1995

3         Installation of two missing light standards approved in 1995

4         Installation of perimeter and internal landscaping, entrance feature

5         Installation of landscaped islands at David Gohn Circle  and entrance improvements

6         Two studies: Markham Heritage Estates Landscape Master Plan ($20,000) and Markham Heritage Estates Lot Allocation and Design Study ($20,000)                                            


Appendix B

 

 

Markham Heritage Estates

Projected Revenues Compared to Capital Expenditures to date

(June 2004)

 

                                                                               

                                                       

Expenditures                                                                                                                      $3,204,020

 

Revenue from

Former Lot Sales                                                              $2,238,000

 

Expected Revenue

From Future Lot Sales                                                     $1,604,000

 

                                                                                              $3,842,000                              $3,842,000               

 

Available Revenue                                                                                                              $637,980

 

 

Q:\Development\Heritage\MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES\GENERAL\F&A Report Revenue and Costs June28 04.doc

                                                                                                               

 


Appendix C

MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES

LOT SALES

 

Lot

Address

Amount

After Landscape Rebate

Date of Sale

9

4 Wismer

61,000

58,000

 

10

6 Wismer

85,000

82,000

 

11

8 Wismer

123,500

120,500

 

12

10 Wismer

69,500

66,500

 

13

12 Wismer

62,000

59,000

 

14

2 David Gohn Circle

62,000

59,000

 

15

4 David Gohn Circle

70,000

67,000

 

16

6 David Gohn Circle

96,000

93,000

 

17

8 David Gohn Circle

84,500

81,500

 

18

10 David Gohn Circle

83,000

80,000

 

19

12 David Gohn Circle

69,000

66,000

 

20

14 David Gohn Circle

75,000

72,000

 

21

16 David Gohn Circle

62,000

59,000

 

22

18 David Gohn Circle

80,000

77,000

 

23

20 David Gohn Circle

98,000

95,000

 

24

22 David Gohn Circle

81,000

78,000

 

25

24 David Gohn Circle

97,000

94,000

 

26

26 David Gohn Circle

69,000

66,000

 

27

28 David Gohn Circle

62,000

59,000

 

28

14 Alexander Hunter Place

75,000

72,000

 

29

12 Alexander Hunter Place

68,500

65,500

 

30

10 Alexander Hunter Place

95,000

92,000

 

31

8 Alexander Hunter Place

73,500

70,500

 

32

6 Alexander Hunter Place

74,000

71,000

 

33

4 Alexander Hunter Place

68,500

65,500

 

37

6 Aileen Lewis

109,000

106,000

 

38

11 Heritage Corners

94,000

91,000

 

Part 1

1 Heritage Corners

175,000

172,000

 

TOTAL

 

 

$2,238,000

 

 

Dated June 14, 2004

 

Q:\Development\Heritage\MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES\Lot Prices and Lot Sales\Expenditures, Lot Sales & Lots to Sold (June 2004).doc

 

 


LOTS TO BE SOLD

 

Lot

Address

Amount

After Landscape Rebate

Date of Sale

1

2 Heritage Corners

99,000

96,000

 

2

4 Heritage Corners

99,000

96,000

 

3

6 Heritage Corners

96,000

93,000

 

4

8 Heritage Corners

104,000

101,000

 

5

10 Heritage Corners

112,000

109,000

 

6

12 Heritage Corners

118,000

115,000

 

7

14 Heritage Corners

123,000

120,000

 

8

2 Wismer Place

96,000

93,000

 

34

2 Alexander Hunter Place

96,000

93,000

 

35

2 Aileen Lewis

96,000

93,000

 

36

4 Aileen Lewis

118,000

115,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Block39

Aileen Lewis

100,000

97,000

 

(2 Lots)

 

100,000

97,000

 

Lunau

3 Heritage Corners

96,000

93,000

 

Lunau

5 Heritage Corners

103,000

100,000

 

Lunau

7 Heritage Corners

96,000

93,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,604,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date June 14, 2004

 

Q:\Development\Heritage\MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES\Lot Prices and Lot Sales\Expenditures, Lot Sales & Lots to Sold (June 2004).doc