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DEPUTATIONS BY THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS CONCERNING MOTION 23-G-098, CONFIDENTIAL LITIGATION MATTER - ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL APPEAL - ESSA ROAD
The following individuals provided Deputation(s) concerning motion 23-G-098, Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal - Essa Road.
1. David MacKenzie advised that he has been a resident of Barrie for 30 years and the location of his property related to the proposed development and Cityview Circle. He expressed that the neighbours are not against development on the property and were aware that the property would be developed.
Mr. MacKenzie provided an overview of the developer’s history related to 405 Essa Road. He described the first and second applications and the Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal (OLT) process in that residents raised concerns surrounding the built form and density. He further commented on the concerns related to the height of the buildings, the intensification compared to the property size, and the transition to the surrounding neighbourhoods. He acknowledged the changes in intensification associated with provincial policies and that Ontario municipalities are finding this challenging.
Mr. MacKenzie expressed gratitude to City staff and Councillor Nigussie for meeting with the concerned residents about development. He commented that the proposed development should not be approved because of the over-intensification and the transitioning to the neighbourhood. Mr. MacKenzie noted that if the development is approved, it could set a precedent for future unbalanced development proposals.
Mr. MacKenzie concluded by recommending that Council vote no and send a clear message to the Ontario Land Tribunal in support of the concerned residents.
2. Peggy Hill provided an overview of her history as a resident of Barrie and a property owner on Cityview Circle. She advised that the development is out of step, invasive, and will impact the privacy and property values of the existing homeowners in the area. She discussed concerns related to increases in traffic, parking disruptions to the surrounding streets, density, and community safety. Ms. Hill noted that the residents fundraised to hire a planner because of their concerns about the proposed development. She comments that she felt that there is a loophole in the OLT process for developers. Ms. Hill recommended that the municipality take the time to look at the plan and vote no to send a clear message to the OLT in support of the community.
Ms. Hill concluded by commenting that the proposed development is not fair to residents and homeowners should not be losing money on their properties.
3. Graeme Montgomery commented on the location of his property in relation to the proposed development. He expressed that Council should vote no to the proposed development for all Barrie residents and the future.
Mr. Montgomery advised he is representing the property owners on Essa Road. He discussed the previous OLT appeal for 405 Essa Road, and he felt the second development proposal is intrusive and lacks a fulsome response to the concerns of the 557 residents who signed a petition against the development.
Mr. Montgomery indicated that if this development is approved by the OLT, it would set a precedent for the community and future development in the City. He recommended that Council vote no to the OLT appeal and send a clear message that residents are against this development. Mr. Montgomery noted that this proposed development is pure punishment for the neighbours surrounding the development.
4. Taisha Twiss commented on her time as a resident of Barrie and the location of her property near the proposed development. She discussed concerns related to the intensification on a small parcel of land, traffic, the location of the current buildings proposed in the development, and the impact on the value of her home.
Ms. Twiss acknowledged the strength of her neighbours and their demonstrated concern for the proposed development.
5. Carl Buchheit commented on the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal for 405 Essa Road. He discussed concerns with the height of the building. He further expressed that there has been a disconnect in communication between the developer, OLT, the municipality, and residents about the proposed development and that he felt there is a loophole in OLT process that has the potential to circumvent the democratic process.
Mr. Buchheit commented that if City Council approves this development, it could set a precedent not just for Barrie, but other municipalities to allow over-intensified future developments. Mr. Buchheit recommended that City Council votes no to this development.
6. Wayne Doucette felt that the proposed development is a bad decision is against every planning guideline and he feels let down as a citizen of Barrie. He discussed concerns related to the size and density of this development. Mr. Doucette expressed that citizens should not have to shoulder the costs to hire a planner when developments are appealed to the OLT.
7. Laura Fess provided comments related to her family and the location of the proposed development of her property. She discussed concerns related to children’s safety and the development is too large for the size of the parcel of land and the neighbourhood.
Ms. Fess quoted her young daughter saying, “Mommy please tell them that this is really silly and pretty please say no thank you”. She suggested members of Council tour the neighbourhood and see for themselves the size of the proposed development is not good for the community.