Hesham Mohamed, Planner, Humphries Planning Group Inc., outlined the location, size and existing use of the subject property and outlined that the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications seek to amend the Official Plan to re-designate the lands from "Service Commercial" to "Neighbourhood Commercial" in order to permit residential uses on the subject lands and to amend the Zoning By-law from Service Commercial (C3) with Special Provision 24.126 to "Neighbourhood Commercial Zone" (C2) with site specific provisions to allow for ground oriented residential dwelling units.
Councillor Andrews questioned the extent of modifications being considered relating to the traffic volume at the intersection.
Mr. Ward indicated that a traffic study has been completed and that this section of the roadway is the responsibility of the County.
Councillor Andrews questioned the style of the proposed units.
Mr. Mohamed indicated that it is contemplated that they will be townhouse style units and that the site plan is still under review.
Councillor Sherwood questioned the children's play area between the two townhouse units and wondered if there would be some sort of play structure included.
Mr. Mohamed indicated that they are still open to discussion on the matter of the play area and there is no formal plan in place relating to the play area at this time.
Mayor Brown questioned the extent of the lot coverage on the property and asked if there is a way to reduce that.
Mr. Mohamed indicated that an urban design brief was submitted with the application and indicated that they are seeking technical comments on the built form of the proposed development.
Councillor Post questioned the number of residential pieces that could be placed on the property with the current zoning and Official Plan in place.
Mr. Mohamed advised that current zoning would impede the building height of the allowable build. He indicated that the correspondence included on the agenda sighted privacy as an issue and he advised that an urban design brief was submitted and that there is a significant grade change which would mitigate privacy concerns.
Councillor Peters asked for the rationale for moving away from service commercial.
Mr. Ward indicated that the applicant saw the lands as under-utilized and that there is a need for residential dwellings.
The Chair asked for questions from the public. David Webb, Paula Court resident asked how the development came around so quickly and if there will be any new guidelines put into place.
Mr. Ward indicated that the existing development referred to as Paula Court is unrelated to these applications and that no will be made tonight on these applications.
The Chair asked if there were any additional questions and there were none.