The Chair requested staff to advise on the manner of giving notice for the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment. He also asked staff to briefly describe the proposal and summarize the correspondence, if any, received to date.
Mr. Harding confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 120 metres, and that two signs were posted on the subject property. He summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to permit an 11 storey approximately 207 unit apartment building with ground floor commercial uses and establish applicable development standards. The building is proposed to be a 207-unit apartment building, with commercial uses on the first floor. The apartments are proposed to be marketed to seniors and retirees. The apartment units are proposed on storeys 2-10, and will range in size from 41 to 57 square metres (441-613 square feet). The 11th storey is proposed to contain indoor and outdoor amenity space along with the mechanical room. The 1st floor proposes 331 square metres of retail space and 157 square metres of restaurant space, to be used by the general public as well as building residents. A combination of surface and underground parking is proposed off a driveway entrance on William Street North. Review of the application for consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement and conformity to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Lindsay Official Plan is ongoing. Mr. Harding summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in his report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional comments were received from Building Division with no concerns, nearby resident Sandra Hood who had raised concerns, and that the applicant had submitted the required Heritage Impact Assessment as required by the Heritage Planning Officer. Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff for until such time as all comments and concerns have been addressed. He responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Kent Randall of EcoVue Consulting spoke as applicant on behalf of the owner J Eighteen Corp (who was represented by Tom Zhou at the meeting). He stated that this proposal is the culmination of years of work, and is unlike anything ever brought forward to the City for approval. He noted that the location is within the proximity of the downtown area, without being in the heritage district. He stated that the Heritage Impact Assessment and the Shadow Study showed no negative effects on the surrounding properties, and that modern planning standards have been applied to the proposal. He verified that this project meets requirements for intensification in urban areas, and meets demand for residential rental units. Overall he concluded that he hopes this can be a landmark the community can be proud of. He responded to questions form Committee members.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
The Chair and Recording Secretary noted that Sandra Hood was participating electronically in the meeting, however due to technical difficulties, was unable to speak. It was noted that Ms. Hood submitted correspondence opposed to the development that was circulated to the members of the committee. A copy of her correspondence is attached to the minutes.
No other persons spoke to the application.