Mr. Alexander on behalf of S. Holness confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 500 metres, and that a sign was posted on the subject property. He noted that while an incorrect property address was posted on the circulated notice, that the legal description of the property was accurate, and requested the consent of the committee to proceed with the Public Meeting. The committee requested to proceed.
He summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to introduce a revised draft plan of subdivision that would reduce the previous draft plan subdivision known as the Harvest Moon Subdivision from 51 lots to 21 lots. To facilitate the revision, the applicant proposes to rezone portions of the land from the “Rural Residential Type Two (RR2) Zone” and “Rural Residential Type Two Exception Four (RR2-4) Zone” to the “Environmental Protection (EP) Zone”, and “Open Space Exception XX (OS-XX) Zone”. Consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement, and conformity to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Kawartha Lakes Official Plan will be determined upon full review of the technical submissions. Mr. Alexander summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in the report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report, additional comments were received from S. Ray. Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff until technical reviews have been completed. He responded to questions from members of the Committee.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Tom deBoer of TD Consulting spoke on behalf of the owner and provided an overview of the history of the proposed 21 lot subdivision. He noted that the lands currently drain generally towards the east, and the lands to the south are not developable. He noted that the proposed Stormwater Management facility will allow for drainage to the south, once the water has been captured for cleaning.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Steve Ray a resident on Riverview Road expressed concerns with the drainage in the area, and noted that water from the property often drains on to his property. He noted concerns that subdivision landscaping may cause water to flow off much more quickly, and for the aquifer and water supply. He responded to questions from the members of the committee.
Rolf Bittner a resident on Valley Road expressed concerns with the proposal stating that the lands could have remained agricultural lands. He provided an overview of the history of the various applications on the property, and stated that the current drawing is difficult to read and that due to the terrain the drainage on the lands varies seasonally. He stated that the setbacks to agricultural buildings and environmental features in the area should be reviewed, and that he does not feel there should be any housing on the property at all.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Chair permitted Mr. deBoer to respond to the issues raised. Mr. deBoer offered to meet on site and to supply requested documentation to the interested parties. He stated that drainage will directed towards the road and stormwater system, and that the original land use was established in the 1990s, however the Planning rationale is still valid. He noted the lands to the east could remain as an important bird habitat and that the MDS has been updated recently.
The Public Meeting concluded at 2:45 p.m.