8-unit stacked townhome on Forward Ave: site plan open for comments

This is the proposal for a new 8-unit stacked townhome building with 5 parking spots at 190-192 Forward Avenue (near Lyndale) in Mechanicsville. The building is allowed under the existing zoning, and I haven't identified any particular concerns with it. The proposal is open for comment on the site plan - the details of how the building is designed, serviced, landscaped etc. Please let me know what you think!

Full proposal details are available here and the public are invited to provide comments to the planner. Use that link to find a comments form, which includes asking for updates on any public meetings, and a copy of the final decision. Please also consider copying your comments to me (jeff.leiper@ottawa.ca) and to the Mechanicsville Community Association (mechanicsvilleca@gmail.com). The same web page has all the reports. Most residents will probably just want to consult the Design Brief which is attached to this post below or at https://kitchissippiward.ca/sites/default/files/forwardbrief.PDF.

This is the first of what we can anticipate will be many site plan approval comment opportunities in the next four years, and a good chance to look at what this process is - and isn't. Site plan is a technical process; I've copied the City's description below. Unlike a re-zoning, the approval is generally not something Councillors will vote on. It's delegated to staff to determine whether the technical requirements are met. Councillors can ask that site plans ultimately be put to a vote (called "lifting delegated authority"), but it's rare. Ultimately, it's not a good tool to oppose a proposed development, but to ensure that within the zoning rules it's designed as well as possible. It can be refused, and I'm willing to work to refuse bad site plans. But, the elements that residents are most concerned about - height, density, number of parking spots, etc. - are determined by zoning, not by site plan. This process is a chance to improve some key elements - such as how garbage is picked up or parking spots are laid out. It's good to know that, though, that if the technical requirements of the site plan can't be met, even a development that fits within the zoning won't be able to proceed.

Here's how the City describes site plan, with more info at http://ottawa.ca/en/development-application-review-process-0/site-plan-control

...The site plan control process allows the City to influence land development so that it is safe, functional and orderly. It is also used to ensure that the development standards approved by the City and other agencies are implemented and maintained.  

To determine if a proposal qualifies for site plan control approval, staff complete a comprehensive review of plans and studies submitted with the site plan control application. Technical agencies, ward councillors and the public all inform staff’s decision to approve, modify or refuse an application for site plan control. 

Building location, landscape treatment, pedestrian access, drainage control and parking layout are a few of the items addressed during review...