MINUTES

UNIONVILLE SUB-COMMITTEE

May 26, 2008

MEETING NO. 3

 


Members

Regional Councillor T. Wong

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor C. Moretti

 

Council

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Councillor C. Moretti

 

Staff

R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

Applicant and Representative

 

Ms. Vivian Risi, owner

Ms. Kim Galway, Royal LePage

 

Others

 

Greg McCormick, Unionville BIA

Peter Wales, Unionville Villagers Association

Richard Talbot, Unionville Ratepayers Association

Tracy MacKinnon

Jeanne Ker-Hornell

 

The Unionville Sub-Committee convened at 7:05 PM with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

 

 

1.         1456924 ONTARIO INC.

            161 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE

            (OP 08 106544, ZA 08 106545) (10.5)

 

On May 13, 2008 Council referred the recommendations from the May 6, 2008 Development Services Committee Public Meeting to the Unionville Subcommittee for further deliberation and stakeholder consultation.

 

Mr. Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning, advised the Committee that he has met with the applicant to explore new options for retail space. He distributed two handouts “161 Main Street Unionville, Information Sheet” and “Option A.”  The handouts included site plan diagrams of the floor plan that demonstrate areas “A, B, C, D, E, F”; “A & B” are the front retail store, area “C” is the old kitchen tail; Area “D & E” is the new addition constructed between 2000/2001; and area “F” is the new proposed retail structure.

 

Ms. Kim Galway, Royal LePage, addressed the Committee regarding 161 Main Street, Unionville, advising that the applicant is proposing to construct an additional structure (adjacent to the porch) of approximately 140 square feet to be used as new retail space.  She also indicated that the applicant is willing to convert area “c” back to retail space.  Ms. Galway advised that the new structure could be used together with area “C” or as a fully functional separate retail space. 

 

Ms. Vivian Risi, applicant, addressed the Committee regarding 161 Main Street, Unionville,  advising that they will work together with staff and their architect to maximize the size of the proposed accessory building.

 

There was discussion regarding what type of retail businesses would be feasible in the new proposed structure.

 

Mr. Greg McCormick, Unionville BIA, Mr. Peter Wales, Unionville Villagers Association, and Mr. Richard Talbot, Unionville Ratepayers Association all agreed the proposed new structure does have merit and will add to the retail component of the streetscape.  It was suggested that the proposal be presented to their members for comments and any feedback provided to the Town of Markham prior to the June 10, 2008 Development Services Committee meeting.

 

Ms. Tracy MacKinnon, business owner on Main Street, Unionville, addressed the Committee regarding 161 Main Street Unionville, suggesting the proposed new structure be conditional that it be used for retail purposes only.  She also indicated that based on her experience at trade shows, the area “C’ (plus any new space in the accessory building) can work as a small retail store for specific businesses.

 

The Committee discussed the square footage of the proposed new retail structure and parking issues.  Staff advised that the proposed new structure would not impact on the parking if it remains less than 200 square feet. Other issues discussed included how the Town would ensure the accessory building is constructed and the need to ensure that this does not set precedent for other conversions of retail to office space.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the Unionville Subcommittee endorse in principle the re-zoning and secondary plan amendment applications to permit office use on the ground floor of 161 Main Street (areas “D” & “E”) with the following conditions:

  • That area “C” be retained in retail use; and,
  • That the new proposed accessory structure (area “F”) be for retail use and be enlarged to the maximum square footage as determined by Town staff subject to site conditions
  • That the minimum amount of ground floor retail space required to be maintained on the property be specified in the zoning by-law; and further
  • That only a real estate office use be supported for areas “D” and “E”(not other office uses)

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Unionville Sub-Committee adjourned at 8:25 PM