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DEPUTATIONS CONCERNING MOTION 16-G-172, ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION - 401 ESSA ROAD AND PATTERSON ROAD UNOPENED ROAD ALLOWANCE - SEAN MASON HOMES (ESSA ROAD) INC. (WARD 6)
1. Mr. Graeme Montgomery provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance - Sean Mason Homes (Essa Road) Inc. Mr. Montgomery discussed that not much had changed since he presented a petition signed by 133 area residents on May 16, 2016. He commented on his feelings of disillusionment throughout the process and questioned why City Council is considering to adopt the Planning Services Department recommendations with respect to this application with its nine variances. He asked why the City bothers to put any controls in place when it falls back to Provincial intensification guidelines. He indicated that he felt that the residents raised legitimate concerns concerning the intensification but were not opposed to development. Mr. Montgomery commented that he hoped that if there is a phase 3 the application will be addressed appropriately. He noted that he and his wife travel a lot for their jobs and that their home is a refuge and that all the existing residents look after their properties.
Mr. Montgomery provided the details of communications that he had with the Developer in early April about his concerns related to the development and the Developer’s response. He discussed his concerns related to the information and the perspectives of the development provided by the Developer at the neighbourhood meetings. Mr. Montgomery expressed concern that no one had reviewed the proposed development from the perspective of Cityview Circle. He described details of the application provided by the Developer at the neighbourhood meeting related to the removal of trees and decrease in the number of units as well as the changes made to the application since the neighbourhood meeting.
Mr. Montgomery commented on Councillor Prowse’s diligence on dealing with this matter on behalf of the residents and the members of Council who attended the site and listened to their issues. He discussed the report by Mr. Malcolm Hachborn that discussed the concerns of the residents in context with the recommendations made by the Planning Services staff with respect to the application. He thanked Councillor Prowse and staff for addressing an issue related to the residents having access to the files related to the application.
Mr. Montgomery reiterated his appreciation to Councillor Prowse for his commitment to monitor this application through the Site Plan Process. He stated that Council members still had the opportunity to vote against the application. Mr. Montgomery noted that there is still an opportunity to screen the balance of site and advised that all of the residents are asking for a well planned development shielded from Cityview Circle. In closing, Mr. Montgomery commented that he wants the City to grow properly and not with applications that fly in the face of standards.
2. Ms. Frances Hachborn provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance - Sean Mason Homes (Essa Road) Inc. Ms. Hachborn commented that aesthetics were not her primary concern, but she felt that the current development doesn’t enhance or complement the streetscape and that the development would form a large barricade. She discussed her concerns related to the even greater reduction in setbacks for Phase 2 in comparison to Phase 1. She noted that her issue is not with development being built, but the degree of over intensification, and she questioned why it was important to go above and beyond in terms of density. Ms. Hachborn observed that this wasn’t just about a business opportunity, it’s about their homes. Ms. Hachborn discussed her concerns related to the number of units, possible traffic impacts, the removal of trees with few being replaced and impact on air quality. She outlined her concerns related to the proposed parking not being able to support visitors to the building and that she felt neighbouring businesses and residents as well as City staff would have to deal with these types of issues, after the Developer is gone. She commented that it has been indicated that the proposed development will promote active transportation, but she feels that the topography does not support this as there aren’t bike lanes along Essa Road and due to the existing traffic.
Ms. Hatchborn raised concerns about snow removal due to the units butting up to the neighbouring streetscape. She commented that she felt that the Developer had made no attempt to integrate or transition into the adjacent development. She indicated that she realizes that this is a new type of development and questioned why time has not been taken to get it right. Ms. Hachborn read from an article “Don’t Leave City Planning to the Planners” and noted that she believes citizens should be treated as partners and given the same status as planners. Ms. Hachborn requested that Council value the view of the citizens.
3. Mr. Malcolm Hachborn provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance - Sean Mason Homes (Essa Road) Inc. Mr. Hachborn commented that he has reviewed the City of Barrie’s policies and guidelines associated with urban design and intensification and that the City’s Official Plan provides guidance so the City’s capacity for a healthy environment is not exceeded. He discussed municipal planning and public participation as an essential component of the process. Mr. Hachborn raised concerns related to Developers being allowed to deviate from the Official Plan and he provided the number of deviations he had determined related to various Official Plan provisions. He commented on his concerns related to the reports that he reviewed that were prepared by consultants for the Developer and the objectivity of such reports. Mr. Hachborn discussed concerns related to protection of wildlife and trees as well as potential replanting of trees.
Mr. Hachborn reviewed provisions from the Urban Design Manual related to the physical environment and siting and his belief that none of the provisions have been met. He also discussed his concerns related to the compatibility of the development with the existing neighbourhood and the urban design checklist. Mr. Hachborn raised concerns identified by an architect related to the building design. He commented on the importance of identity, privacy and safety as contributors to the context of a neighbourhood.
Mr. Hachborn indicated that he does not believe the City needs to provide for the over intensification of corridors, nodes and the growth centre, as he feels that the current intensification that has been planned, will permit the City to meet established intensification targets.
In closing, Mr. Hachborn indicated that he was not opposed to development in intensification corridors, but was opposed to a major assault on the character of local neighbourhoods that will impact quality of life for years to come. He stated that the residents should be heard and have a say in what happens to their community.
4. Danielle Hachborn provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance - Sean Mason Homes (Essa Road) Inc. Ms. Hachborn noted that the decision to approve the application goes beyond the engineering, planning and zoning of the land in question, and should also be about the people. She stated that she felt that there is something wrong if their concerns are glanced over. She commented that members of Council are elected to represent the citizens and she felt that even though Planning Services staff have provided their opinion, Council should be representing the residents. She compared the phases of a development application with phases of a clinical trial and noted that if a phase of a trial proved to be unsafe, it would be stopped. Ms. Hachborn questioned why the same ideology could not be used in the development of neighbourhoods as she believes that new evidence about the proposed development since Phase 1 was approved should be taken into consideration.
Ms. Hachborn questioned why the development continues to move forward after another development on Essa Road was stopped due to density concerns. She discussed her perspective that the developer had not addressed concerns related to the proposal through the removal of the one unit. Ms. Hachborn commented about having to view the development every day, as well as the impact on wildlife and the neighbourhood. She commended City Council for no longer accepting donations from developers, but felt that potential conflicts associated with Councillors and the Developer should be disclosed as they have a duty to be transparent and accountable. In closing, Ms. Hachborn indicated that she was disappointed that the process does not provide for more engagement by residents and she stated that she felt that the efforts of neighbours and their colleagues had gone unheard.
5. Ms. Alice Sweetnam provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance. Ms. Sweetnam thanked Mr. Montgomery and the Hachborns for all their comments, time and effort on this matter. She commented that she and her family had moved to Barrie 10 years ago due to the quiet, safety and greenspace and that they had paid a fair amount as well as worked hard for their home. She noted that they liked the neighbourhood due to the pride of ownership, safety and that a number of the homes had won horticultural awards. She discussed her concerns related to the density of Phases 1 and 2 of the project and the potential Phase 3, as it would overlook her yard and pool. Ms. Sweetnam raised concerns related to parking and the impact on safety and noise in the area. In closing, she questioned how members of Council would feel if this type of development was occurring across from their home.
6. Mr. Ron Miller provided a deputation in opposition of motion 16-G-172 concerning a Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 401 Essa Road and Patterson Road Unopened Road Allowance. Mr. Miller thanked Mayor Lehman for seeking clarification from the Integrity Commissioner with respect to any potential conflicts of interest. He compared the proposed development and the existing neighbourhood with putting a square peg in a round hole and indicated that it would not work. Mr. Miller discussed his concerns related the proposed driveway lengths and provided measurements of various small cars makes and models, noting that an average size car would not be able to fit into the driveway. Mr. Miller questioned where residents would park, as the majority of residents require vehicles.
Mr. Miller discussed his concerns related to a potential Phase 3 of the project and its impacts on Cityview Circle residents. He noted that he felt that City Council was making an excuse to approve the application due to the potential of an OMB hearing and commented that sometimes you have to fight for what is right. Mr. Miller reiterated his concerns related to the potential overflow of parking onto the neighbouring streets. In closing, Mr. Miller felt that the decision should be deferred until September so that Planning can review the size of the driveway and the appropriateness of the high intensification proposed for the development.