MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

2008-06-17 - 7:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 7

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

R. Blake, Manager, West District S. Bordone, Planner G. Day, Planner B. Karumanchery, Manager, East District R. Kendall, Manager, Central District M. Wouters, Senior Project Coordinator, Policy and Growth Management V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design N. Surti, Planner A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Committee convened at 7:05 PM in the Councillor Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. APPLICATION FOR DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
11160 WOODBINE AVENUE LIMITED
11160 WOODBINE AVENUE
WEST SIDE OF WOODBINE AVENUE
NORTH OF ELGIN MILLS ROAD
HIGHWAY 404 NORTH PLANNING DISTRICT (EMPLOYMENT LANDS)
FILE NOS. SU 07 128278 AND ZA 07 128288 (10.7, 10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider applications submitted by Rice Commercial Group for a proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands municipally known as 11160 Woodbine Avenue (SU 07 128278 and ZA 07 128288).

The Committee Clerk advised that 36 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 27, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues.

Mr. Peter Maleganovski, Gatzios Planning, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application at 11160 Woodbine Avenue advising that there are no end users currently under contract and that they are interested in pursuing LEED certification.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by Councllor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the Development Services Commission report dated April 8, 2008, entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT - Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment 11160 Woodbine Avenue Limited 11160 Woodbine Avenue West side of Woodbine Avenue, north of Elgin Mills Road Highway 404 North Planning District (Employment Lands) File Nos. SU 07 128278 and ZA 07 128288 ” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to the applications by Rice Commercial Group for draft plan of subdivision approval and Zoning by-law Amendment (SU 07 128278 and ZA 07 128288) be received; and further,

That the applications by Rice Commercial Group for draft plan of subdivision approval and zoning by-law amendment be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

2. RULAND PROPERTIES INC.
DOWNTOWN MARKHAM – PHASE 1
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
WEST SIDE OF THE BIRCHMOUNT ROAD EXTENSION
PLAN 19TM01012
MARKHAM CENTRE
(ZA 08 110137) (10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Ruland Properties Inc. to amend the Town's Markham Centre Zoning By-law

(ZA 08-110137).

The Committee Clerk advised that 71 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 15, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal and indicated that a site plan application has not been submitted to date.

The Committee suggested staff discuss with the applicant the future window displays of the proposed retail. The Committee enquired what affect this proposal may have on future applications within Markham Centre. Staff advised that they have initiated a height and density review for the Markham Centre and that it is important to continue with a good variety of building heights.

The Committee discussed the possibility of increasing the building heights further. Staff advised that although the Secondary Plan does allow Council a great degree of flexibility with respect to building heights there is the issue of lack of servicing allocation.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the record of the Public meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to the proposed zoning by-law amendment be received; and,

That the application by Ruland Properties Inc. to amend By-law 2004-196 as amended, to permit a 2.71 metres increase in the maximum height of Building (F) to 33.71 metres, and an increase of 14.91 metres to 45.91 metres, for Building (E) be approved; and further,

That the proposed amendment to By-law 2004-196, as amended, be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

3. ESTEE LAUDER COSMETICS
80 ALDEN ROAD
OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
APPLICATIONS TO PERMIT A PARKING LOT
WITHIN THE HYDRO CORRIDOR
(OP 08 112499 & ZA 08 112500) (10.3, 10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Estee Lauder Cosmetics to amend the Official Plan (Revised 1987) and Zoning

By-law 108-81, as amended, for lands located in the Hydro Corridor, municipally known as 80 Alden Road (OP 08 112499 and ZA 08 112500).

The Committee Clerk advised that 35 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 23, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses, advising the site plan has been designed in consultation with Hydro One, Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC), and the Town of Markham.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to “Estee Lauder Cosmetics, 80 Alden Road, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to permit a parking lot within the Hydro Corridor (File Nos. OP 08 112499 & ZA 08 112500 ),” be received; and,

That the Official Plan Amendment application (OP 08 112499) submitted by Estee Lauder Cosmetics to permit a parking lot at 80 Alden Road within the Hydro Corridor, be approved and the draft Official Plan Amendment be finalized and adopted; and,

That staff be authorized to review materials used in the construction of the parking lot, including permeable pavers, in order to mitigate any potential run-off issues; and futher,

That the Zoning By-law Amendment application (ZA 08 112500) to amend Zoning By-law 108-81, as amended, submitted by Estee Lauder Cosmetics to permit a parking lot at 80 Alden Road within the Hydro Corridor, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law Amendment be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

4. LASSETER DEVELOPMENT INC.
APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
AND DRAFT PLAN OF CONDOMINIUM APPROVAL
TO PERMIT A 277 UNIT TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
AND MCCOWAN ROAD WITHIN THE
BERCZY VILLAGE SECONDARY PLAN AREA
(ZA 08 107108 & CU 08 107106) (10.5, 10.20)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Lasseter Development Inc. for a Zoning By-law amendment and Draft Plan of Condominium approval to permit a 277 unit townhouse development at the southwest corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and McCown Road within the Berczy Village Secondary Plan Area

(ZA 08 107108 and CU 08 107107).

The Committee Clerk advised that 151 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and two Public Meeting signs were posted on May 28, 2008. One written submission was received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location and surrounding uses. Staff advised that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have verified an appropriate buffer area for this site. Matters that continue to be resolved with staff include: servicing allocation, appropriate sustainability, further refinement to the proposed development concept plan and the submission of a site plan application is required.

The Committee suggested the applicant consider a variety of residential dwellings in place of the proposed townhouses. The Committee expressed concerns with the proposal showing only one access. The applicant advised the Committee that the site is bordered by two Regional Roads therefore limiting their requests for access into the site.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the correspondence from Ano Choi and Daisy Yan Choi, be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the report dated May 20, 2008, entitled “Preliminary Report, Applications for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Condominium Approval to permit a 277 unit townhouse development at the southwest corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and McCowan Road within the Berczy Village Secondary Plan Area, ZA 08 107108 & CU 08 107106” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to the rezoning application submitted by Lasseter Development Inc. to amend By-law 304-87 and By-law 177-96, as amended, be received; and further,

That the application be referred back to staff for further review and a report evaluating the proposal.

CARRIED

5. GREAT WEST DEVELOPMENTS
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT A MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT ON CONDOMINIUM ROADS AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF MARKHAM ROAD AND ELSON STREET
(ZA 08 110695) (10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a Zoning By-law Amendment application submitted by Great West Developments to permit a medium density residential development on condominium roads (ZA 08 110695).

The Committee Clerk advised that 123 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 23, 2008. One written submission was received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal and advised that there are no outstanding issues.

Mr. Roger Mathialagan, Markham resident, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for Great West Developments advising he is not in support. He is concerned with the potential increase of traffic, noise and garbage. Mr. Mathialagan indicated that this proposal will change the design of the area. He stated that the neighbourhood needs a Community Centre not this proposed development.

Staff advised that this site was never contemplated for a Community Centre.

The Committee discussed issues relating to visitor parking, garbage pick up and snow storage. Staff advised that the private road standards have been designed to accommodate garbage trucks and will work with the applicant to try and increase the proposed amount of visitor parking. Staff also advised that snow storage has been considered with this application. The Committee suggested that staff work with the applicant to further enhance the building treatments, landscape and streetscape.

Mr. Jim Kotsopoulos, Great West Developments, addressed the Committee with respect to this proposed application advising that they will continue to work with Town staff to address issues raised tonight. He also advised that this application is mainly of a technical nature that will change the form of ownership for the condominium development.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the correspondence from 73 Monique Court (on behalf of the neighborhood) be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to “Great West Developments, Application for Zoning By-law Amendment (ZA 08 110695) to permit a medium density residential development on condominium roads at the southeast corner of Markham Road and Elson Street” be received; and,

That the Zoning By-law Amendment application (ZA 08 110695) to amend By-law 90-81, as amended, submitted Great West Developments, to permit a medium density residential development on condominium roads at the southeast corner of Markham Road and Elson Street, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law Amendment be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

6. FOREST BAY HOMES
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
APPLICATION TO PERMIT TWO
SEMI-DETACHED RESIDENTIAL LOTS
ON MONIQUE COURT
(ZA 08 107567) (10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Forest Bay Homes for a Zoning By-law amendment to permit two semi-detached residential lots on Monique Court (ZA 08 107567).

The Committee Clerk advised that 164 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 2, 2008. One written submission was received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, and surrounding uses. There are no outstanding issues. Staff advised that the Heritage House on this site is intended to be used as a residential building.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the correspondence from 73 Monique Court (on behalf of the neighborhood) be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong

That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 17, 2008, with respect to “Forest Bay Homes. Zoning By-law Amendment application (ZA 08 107567) to permit two semi-detached residential lots on Monique Court”, be received; and,

That the Zoning By-law Amendment application (ZA 08 107567) to amend By-law 90-81, as amended, submitted by Forest Bay Homes to permit two semi-detached residential lots on Monique Court, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law Amendment be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

7. PROPOSED POLICIES TO PROVIDE FOR
NON LANE-BASED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
IN THE CORNELL COMMUNITY (10.0)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider proposed Secondary Plan policies to provide for non lane-based residential development in the Cornell Community

(OP 06 114028).

The Committee Clerk advised that 57 notices were mailed on May 28, 2008, and a Public Meeting notice was published in the Economist & Sun and Thornhill Liberal on May 29, June 5 and June 12, 2008. Four written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff advised that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to receive input on the potential policies for the non lane-based residential development in the Cornell Community.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal that included background information, potential policies for the proposed Secondary Plan, architectural control guidelines and potential areas in Cornell, that might accommodate front-load product.

Mr. Gary Muller, Markham resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed non lane-based residential development stating he is not in support. He indicated that non lane-based development will take away from the pedestrian experience that exists in the Cornell community. Mr. Muller believes that the proposed amendment will result in a development that is out of place within the existing community. He enquired what is the percentage of future units that will be non lane-based?

Mr. Dan Leeming, The Planning Partnership, presented to the Committee some site plan designs and individual house plan designs proposed by Mattamy Homes.

Ms. Frances DiGuiseppe, Mattamy Homes, demonstrated to the Committee how front drive homes would be laid out. She advised that the intention is to bring the architecture closer to the street, have large porches and provide a diversity of homes for the Community.

Mr. Geoff Magder, Markham resident, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed non lane-based residential development stating he is not in support. He indicated that non lane-based homes do not fit in with the existing Cornell community. Mr. Magder, suggested that the Town should preserve the uniqueness of Cornell.

Mr. Haafid Rahman, Markham resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed non lane-based residential development stating he is not in support. He indicated that the unique characteristics of the current community should be maintained. Mr. Rahman is concerned that the non lane-based residential development will take away from the existing pedestrian experience and suggested that the proposal be re-evaluated.

Mr. Eric Ball, Markham resident, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed non lane-based residential development. He suggested that the proposal is not meeting the needs of the existing community but the needs of the developer. Mr. Ball believes that Cornell should remain as a friendly and safe pedestrian based community.

Ms. Renee Torrington, Markham resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed non lane-based residential development stating her support for larger lots. She indicated that the following guidelines should be maintained if front drive homes are implemented: minimum depth of 25 m and minimum frontage of 15.2 m.

Mr. Andrew Keyes, Cornell Advisory Group member and ratepayers association president addressed the Committee regarding the proposed non lane-based residential development stating the Cornell residents are not in support. He indicated that this proposal is threatening to the unique pedestrian friendly character within the Cornell community. Mr. Keyes advised that Cornell already includes a diverse mix of housing types. He also advised that this proposal does not meet the strict conditions that were put forward in 2003.

Staff advised that if the 600 proposed non lane-based units were built it would represent approximately 37 % of future development and 15% in total.

The Committee discussed whether the Duany agreement/guidelines were reached unanimously.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the correspondence from Mike Homuk, Gene & Maureen Lew and Glen River, be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the Development Services Commission Report entitled “Preliminary Report. Proposed policies to provide for non lane-based residential development in the Cornell Community”, dated October 16, 2007, be received; and,

That the record of the Public Meeting of June 17, 2008 with respect to the proposed Secondary Plan policies be received; and further,

And further that consideration of the proposed Secondary Plan policies be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at the hour of 10:00 PM