There are multiple complex projects in the ward that are keeping us busy. We're trying to maintain an updated list of those here.
A reminder that for any project that has an application before the City, including many already approved, you can visit the City's development applications site to view more information. Clicking on the highlighted address for most of the applications below will take you to the City's development site to view the full applications.
This week, the 9-storey development for Scott Street was approved. The vote was unanimous, including with my support. This was a highly contentious proposal, and some residents are very upset that I voted in favour of it with my colleagues.
I want to take this opportunity to explain why I voted for this development, and how I considered the multiple comments on the proposal that I’ve heard for months. This post won’t change any minds, but I do strive to communicate how I approach the various votes I take, and to be transparent in my work here at City Hall.
Parking
The development was opposed by many (and supported by many) since it has relatively little parking. There will be 13 spots, including 4 for visitors. The visitor parking for the 49 units meets the number required by the zoning by-law. The required parking for residential units was reduced, from 19 required spots to 9.
I want to thank the 60 or so residents who took the time to attend the open house last Wednesday to explore the proposed re-zoning to allow some development in Rochester Field (pictured), a part of the "100-day solution" that allows the City to put LRT under the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. I found it extremely useful in helping shape my own thinking on the subject, and there were some excellent perspectives and ideas shared.
There is a lot of context to this discussion. In short, as part of the deal struck to use the NCC's land for LRT, the City and NCC have agreed to settle an outstanding Ontario Municipal Board dispute by allowing the feds to develop 1/3 of the parcel. That agreement was part of the overall 100-day solution package that was approved by Council (including with my support) in 2015 after significant consultation and debate.
On Friday, residents read an article in the media about the developer of a property on Hopewell Avenue who, it was asserted, has put many more units into the building than he had led stakeholders to believe was his intent. The same developer has zoning permission at 404 Eden to build a multi-unit apartment building, and residents are concerned that they might see the same thing here.
Yesterday afternoon, I "lifted" delegated authority for the 404 Eden site plan from staff so that it will be required to go to a vote of Planning Committee and Council rather than be approved simply at the staff level. I believe this will give us more time to understand what protections our community can expect against an unexpected increase in units, as well as give the developer a chance to make commitments to the community in a public forum and in front of elected officials.
My thanks to staff for responding quickly to an inquiry about infill statistics I made recently. I've posted that here for quick access by residents. Click on the .pdf below.
On October 5, I held a Facebook Live session looking at infill in Kitchissippi. I'm not sure this is a format I'd use exactly again, but I do hope it was helpful for those who tuned in. The slide deck I used is available by clicking on the .pdf below.
