MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

2008-02-19 - 7:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 1

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti (8:10 PM) 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 (8:10 PM) Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik (8:10 PM) Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services R. Blake, Manager, West District S. Bordone, Planner R. Kendall, Manager, Central District S. Muradali, Planner V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design D. Miller, Senior Project Coordinator, Zoning & Special Projects A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Public Meeting convened at the hour of 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. ALDERLAND GROUP
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
TO REZONE 201 HOOD ROAD TO PERMIT
FOUR MIXED-USE BUILDINGS CONTAINING
RESTAURANTS, DAY CARE CENTRES, PRIVATE
AND COMMERCIAL SCHOOLS, RETAIL, OFFICE,
RECREATIONAL AND OTHER USES ZA 07 131772
(10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the purpose of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a Zoning by-law amendment application submitted by Alderland Group to permit four mixed-used buildings containing restaurants, day care centres, private and commercial schools, retail, office, recreational and other uses located at 201 Hood Road.

The Committee Clerk advised that 58 notices were mailed on January 30, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on January 19, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

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

Mr. Alfred Szeto, Szeto Architect, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application for 201 Hood Road advising he is the architect representing the Alderland Group. He advised that although the proposed building design is anticipated to be energy sufficient, they are not working toward LEED certification. The building’s glass will be reflective and they will further review “Bird Friendly Guidelines.” Mr. Szeto also advised they are planning for a green roof on the 4 storey building and anticipates storing some of the storm water run off in the underground parking structure.

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

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

That the Development Services Commission report dated January 15th, 2008, entitled “Preliminary Report Alderland Group. Zoning By-law amendment application to permit four mixed-use buildings containing restaurants, day care centres, private and commercial schools, retail, office, recreational and other uses” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on February 19^th, 2008 with respect to the proposed amendment to By-law 108-81, be received; and further,

That the application by Alderland Group to amend By-law 108-81 be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

2. APPLICATIONS BY 1691126 ONTARIO INC.
FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
TO PERMIT HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, RETAIL,
AND OFFICE COMMERCIAL USES AT
7161 AND 7171 YONGE STREET, NORTHEAST CORNER
OF YONGE STREET AND MEADOWVIEW AVENUE
OP 06 127138 AND ZA 06 127273
(10.3,10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by 1691126 Ontario Inc. for Official Plan and Zoning by-law amendment to permit high density residential uses, at grade retail, and office commercial uses at 7161 and 7171 Yonge Street, northeast corner of Yonge Street and Meadowview Avenue (OP 06 127138 and ZA 06 127237).

The Committee Clerk advised that 322 notices were mailed on January 30, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on January 27, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a detailed presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing buildings and redevelop the site with a mixed use development consisting of high density residential uses, hotel uses, retail uses and office spaces. Some of the outstanding issues include: no additional servicing or stormwater capacity available in the local system, Region wide residential servicing constraints, outstanding technical studies and the applicant has appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board in December 2007 but, continues to work together with Town staff. Staff advised the pre-hearing conference has not yet been scheduled.

Ms. Susan Rosenthal, Davies Howe Partners, on behalf of 1691126 Ontario Inc.(Liberty Developments), presented the Committee with three basic conceptual diagrams. She advised the first drawing was formally submitted to the Town in 2006 and has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. Ms. Rosenthal advised the first proposal was designed to meet both Provincial and Municipal growth plans and to support the anticipated future transit systems. The applicant tried to create a live, work and play environment and, understands the Town and resident’s desire for lower building heights. As a result, the second diagram has taken into consideration some of the concerns raised by the Town and residents but, has not been formally submitted to the Town. This second proposal shows a reduction in height for the four proposed point towers; most of the above ground parking has been eliminated and green space has been included as well as green roofs. Ms. Rosenthal advised that Liberty Development has not committed to the third drawings either. She explained the third proposal would have an even further reduction in the height of the point towers and significant changes to the proposed park spaces including one fronting on Doncaster Road and a component of urban parking and green space coming in from Yonge Street. Ms. Rosenthal also explained this diagram has the hotel being constructed over the proposed office space. She indicated that the third plan meets many of the key objectives.

Mr. Sam Assadpour, addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the proposed mixed use Liberty Development.

Ms. Evelin Ellison, representing the Ward One Thornhill Residents Inc., addressed the Committee with respect to Liberty Development’s proposal stating she is pleased that the applicant continues to work with staff on the outstanding issues. She spoke of some areas of concern such as, problems with the current infrastructure in Thornhill and maintaining a unique look that is consistent with the current Thornhill community.

Ms. Marilyn Ginsburg, representing the Grandview Area Residents Association, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposal. She stated the community appreciates Liberty’s attempts to keep residents involved as well as all the amendments Liberty has incorporated in their new proposal. Ms. Ginsburg stated the following concerns remain for Liberty Development to consider: useable greenspace that the current community can use, not having intimidating large buildings, current and future traffic congestion, capacity of current schools in the community.

Mr. Nikitas Tzembelicos, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Liberty Development stating he is in support of the development and the proposed extension of the subway line.

Mr. Mohammad Hesamzadeh, addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the Liberty Development’s proposed mixed use site.

The Committee thanked the residents for coming out to voice their opinions and Liberty Developments for the elements already incorporated into their proposed design and for continuing to work with Town staff. The Committee suggested Liberty Developments further investigate the following areas of concern:

• Storm water management
• Sewer Capacity
• Integration with existing community
• Distinctive building designs
• Current and future School capacity
• Appropriate transition from single to high density residential

Staff advised they are awaiting submissions on a number of required studies. Staff will further examine the grading issues and site topography.

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

That the report from the Development Services Commission dated November 21, 2006, entitled “Preliminary Report: a) Application by 1691126 Ontario Inc. for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit high density residential uses, at grade retail, and office commercial uses at 7161 and 7171 Yonge Street, northeast corner of Yonge Street and Meadowview Avenue, Thornhill (File Numbers OP-06 127138 and ZA 06-127237) and b) Yonge-Steeles Corridor Study recommended by the Planning and Urban Design Department” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on February 19, 2008, with respect to the proposed amendment to the Town of Markham’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law 2237, as amended, be received; and further,

That the applications be referred back to staff for a report evaluating the proposal.

CARRIED

3. CAT RESCUE SHELTER
205 LANGSTAFF ROAD EAST
(10.5)

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application for a temporary Zoning by-law amendment to permit a Cat Rescue Shelter for a three year period located at 205 Langstaff Road East.

The Committee Clerk advised that 26 notices were mailed on January 30, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on January 29, 2008. One written submission was received regarding this proposal.

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

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by E. Shapero

That the correspondence received from Robert E. Jarvis Q.C., 105 Confederation Way, Thornhill, ON, be received; and,

That the Legal Department staff be authorized to request the Ontario Municipal Board to include the permission for a Cat Rescue Shelter in the proposed comprehensive temporary use By-law.

CARRIED

4. TOWN INITIATED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
TO SET OUT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETE
OFFICIAL PLAN, ZONING BY-LAW, SUBDIVISION
AND CONSENT APPLICATIONS SUBMISSIONS, AND
CONSULTATION BY-LAW REQUIREMENTS FOR
OFFICIAL PLAN, ZONING BY-LAW, PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
AND SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS
(OP.07-131262) (10.3, 10.5, 10.6 & 10.7)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a Town Initiated proposal to amend the Official Plan (Revised 1987), as amended, to set out requirements for complete Official Plan amendment, Zoning By-law amendment, Plan of Subdivision and Consent applications (OP 07 131262).

The Committee Clerk advised that 18 notices were mailed out on January 30, 2008, and that the notice was e-mailed to all Developer’s Roundtable members and faxed/mailed to those without email. The notice was also published in the Markham Economist and Sun, Markham Page on January 31, 2008. One written submission was received regarding this proposal.

Dave Miller, Senior Project Coordinator, Zoning & Special Projects delivered a presentation regarding Complete Applications and Consultation provisions. He distributed a flow chart outlining the process and targets.

Staff advised the timeframe targets will not be included in the Official Plan Amendment.

Ms. Nupur Malaniya, Davies Howe Partners, on behalf of Liberty Development Corporation, Dorsay Development Corporation, Conservatory Group and Bayview Summit Development Limited, addressed the Committee with respect to the Town initiated Official Plan Amendment (OPA) to set out the requirements for complete application and consultation provisions. Ms. Malaniya is in objection to the proposed OPA because she feels it is unclear and ambiguous in many respects that in turn, creates uncertainty for the applicant and/or stakeholder. She has submitted letters for each client listing the policy numbers they object to.

Mr. Sal Crimi, S. C. Land Management, addressed the Committee with respect to the Town initiated Official Plan Amendment to set out the requirements for complete application and consultation provisions. He is unclear with draft plan of subdivisions submitted prior to this proposal that have not been approved and if have to be re-submitted under the new procedures.

Staff advised these new procedures will not be imposed on applications already submitted to the Town. Staff also advised that they are prepared to meet with both speakers to discuss their concerns.

Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

That the correspondence received from Davies Howe Partners on behalf of Liberty Development Corporation, Dorsay Development Corporation, Conservatory Group and Bayview Summit Development Limited be received; and,

That the correspondence from Glen Baron & P. Doherty, Tricia Lou Developments be received; and

That the Development Services Commission report dated November 20, 2007 entitled “Town Initiated Official Plan Amendment to Set Out the Requirements for Complete Official Plan, Zoning By-Law, Subdivision and Consent Applications Submissions, and Consultation By-Law Requirements for Official Plan, Zoning By-Law, Plan of Subdivision and Site Plan Applications (OP.07-131262)” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on February 19, 2008, with respect to the proposed amendment to the Official Plan be received; and,

That the Town Initiated Official Plan amendment, to add requirements for Complete Applications, be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation; and further,

That the Town Initiated Consultation By-law be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:20 PM.