Title
APPLICATION FOR AN OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BY-LAW - MICHAEL BOSEOVSKI ON BEHALF OF TRISTAR MANAGEMENT CORPORATION - 681 - 685 YONGE STREET (WARD 9) (FILE: D09-OPA50 & D14-1579)
Mr. T.J. Cieciura of Design Plan Services advised that the purpose of the public meeting was to review an application for an Official Plan amendment and an amendment to the Zoning By-law submitted by Michael Boseovski on behalf of Tristar Management Corporation for the property at 681 - 685 Yonge Street, Barrie.
Mr. Cieciura provided a slide presentation concerning the application. He discussed slides concerning the following topics:
· an aerial map of the subject lands and surrounding uses;
· an illustration of the site plan for the proposed commercial plaza;
· an artist's rendering of the proposed streetscape;
· excerpts from the City of Barrie's Official Plan, Painswick South Secondary Plan and the City of Barrie Zoning By-law identifying permitted land uses for the subject property.
Mr. Cieciura noted that the proposed development would implement Provincial Planning policies and wouldn't cause a nuisance.
Ms. Janet Foster, Senior Development Planner discussed items currently being considered by Planning staff concerning the application including the appropriateness of single storey on Yonge Street as an intensification corridor the use when vacant commercial land exists, efficient use of services, impact to adjacent uses related to on traffic, safety and boundary tree preservation. She noted that the Ward Meeting occurred on January 15, 2015 and area residents identified concerns related to the commercial tenant mix, lack of sidewalks, tree preservation, noise, traffic and safety impacts and possible loitering at the property. Ms. Foster advised staff are currently reviewing comments from City Departments and external agencies, and anticipate reporting back to General Committee on the application on May 11, 2015.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Ms. Kathy Crompton, 213 Kenneth Avenue noted that she attended the Ward Meeting in January. She discussed her concerns related to the increase in traffic that may result from the proposed commercial property. She noted her current concerns related to traffic and accidents off of Ashford Drive involving student from the Secondary School. She also commented that she is concerned with the proposed drive-thru component as she feels the traffic infrastructure is not in place to handle it and related safety concerns. She advised that she has lived in the area for 15 years and knew that commercial development was intended in the area, but her concern related to ad drive-thru. Ms. Compton also discussed her concerns with the proposal as the site plan currently shows the buildings being located towards the back of the property and she highlighted safety concerns if security was not in place. She suggested locating the buildings at the front of the property.
2. Ms. Sarah Collins 204 Bertha Avenue advised that she was representing herself and the owners of 206 Bertha Avenue, as they were unable to attend. She echoed the concerns of the previous speaker. She advised of her current concerns related to traffic safety, observing that Ashford Drive seems to be used as by-pass between Big Bay Point Road to Yonge Street. Ms. Collins also noted her concerns related to additional traffic from the parking lot and proposed drive-thru component of the proposed plaza as well as possible noise and safety impact on the residents. She commented that she would like to ensure that the neighbourhood stays safe as her children grow up.
3. Ms. Mandy Moore, 209 Kenneth Avenue thanked City staff for listening to the residents' concerns. She discussed her concerns related to the proposed building location and possible noise and safety impacts for the adjacent residents. Ms. Moore noted she purchased her home because there was nothing right behind or proposed to be so close to her backyard. She expressed concern regarding the loss of mature trees. She asked that the proposal to locate commercial buildings closer to any new residential properties be started with any new development built south along Yonge Street rather than in existing neighbourhoods.
Members of General Committee asked a number of questions of clarification of the applicant and staff concerning the proposal and received responses.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. Correspondence received from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, dated March 25, 2015.