Title
APPLICATION FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW - INNOVATIVE PLANNING SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF PINEMOUNT DEVELOPMENTS - 400 AND 430 FERNDALE DRIVE SOUTH AND 134 HAWTHORNE CRESCENT (WARD 6) (FILE: D14-1585)
Mr. Greg Barker of Innovative Planning Solutions advised that the purpose of the public meeting was to review an application for an amendment to the Zoning By-Law for parcels of land fronting on the southwest corner of Ferndale Drive South and Hawthorne Crescent, north of the intersection of Ferndale Drive South and Cumming Drive, in the Ardagh Secondary Planning Area and that the property is municipally known as 400 and 430 Ferndale Drive South and 134 Hawthorne Crescent.
Mr. Barker discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• The application context including the location, existing site use and surrounding uses;
• The current land use designation and zoning;
• The original proposal presented at the Neighbourhood Meeting held on March 24, 2015;
• The current development proposal presented at second Neighbourhood Meeting held on October 1, 2015;
• Architectural renderings illustrating views of the property from the west and south;
• Illustrations of the elevation of the proposed development in comparison to the surrounding properties and trees;
• The proposed Zoning By-law amendment detailing the requested special provisions; and
• The application in the context of Provincial Planning Policies and the City of Barrie Official Plan.
In closing, Mr. Barker noted that in his professional planning opinion, the proposed Zoning By-law amendment represents good planning and is consistent with Provincial and City planning policy.
Mr. Steve Farquharson, Development Planner discussed the context of the application, noting that the applicant had amended the application in response to comments received at the neighbourhood meeting on March 24, 2015 and the revised proposal was presented at a second neighbourhood meeting held on October 1, 2015.
Mr. Farquharson advised that the planning/land use items being considered include an increase in the allowable density outside of the intensification area; an increase in the height of the building to four storeys; a reduction in the required amenity space and functionality of the space and a reduced setback for a secondary means of access from 7 metres to 5 metres along the Ferndale Road South flankage. Mr Farquharson also discussed the concerns expressed by those who attended the two neighbourhood meetings, including the height of the building; the increase in density; existing tree removal/preservation; the on-site parking and potential overflow onto Hawthorne Crescent; the potential impacts on traffic; the effect of the development on surrounding properties and the noise that may be generated resulting from the construction and removal of garbage.
In closing, Mr. Farquharson advised that the staff recommendation on the application will be presented to General Committee at a future date.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Mr. Allan Bray, 196 Cumming Drive advised that he had attended both of the neighbourhood meetings. He noted that he was able to review the revisions and appreciates that the applicant is listening to the surrounding property owners. He commented that he was aware a 3-storey walk up was to be built, and questioned the need to increase the density beyond what was originally planned. Mr. Bray discussed his concerns regarding the impact of the proposal on surrounding property values.
2. Mr. Mario Titus, 47 Toronto Street questioned if the proposed development would be developed as rental units or condominiums and the dollar amount associated had been determined.
Mr. Barker responded to Mr. Titus’ question.
3. Ms. Elizabeth Myers, 11 Bloom Crescent advised that she did not attend the October 1, 2015 neighbourhood meeting. She discussed her concern that the proposed increase in density of the development would result in an increase in crime in the area. Ms. Myers asked questions concerning the actual number of units and building height being proposed.
Mr. Barker responded to Ms. Myers questions.
In closing, Ms. Myers reiterated her concerns regarding a possible increase in crime in the area due to the nature of the proposed development and potential traffic impacts due to the increase of residents in the area. She requested that the building height be kept to 3-storeys.
4. Mr. Jim Walker, 180 Cumming Drive discussed the City of Barrie’s Intensification Plan noting that this proposal was in a designated intensification area and the close proximity of other applications for multi-unit dwellings in the area. He asked if Council would be considering the cumulative impact of the applications. Mr. Walker inquired regarding the notification process associated with the second neighbourhood meeting on October 1, 2015.
Mr. Farquharson provided details regarding the provisions for both of the neighbourhood meetings and the public meeting.
5. Mr. Grant Harris, 191 Cumming Drive expressed his concerns regarding the current traffic in the area and an increase in traffic from this development. He also noted that he was concerned about parking, cut through traffic and partying on the site.
Members of Council asked a number of questions of the presenter and staff and received responses.
WRITTEN COMMENTS
1. Correspondence from Ms. Dianne McCabe dated March 24, 2015.
2. Correspondence from Mr. Allan Bray dated March 21, 2015.