i) Report of R. Brown, Manager of Planning and Development Services, dated July 4, 2017
ii) Proposed Zoning By-law 76-2017, being a By-law to amend By-law 1-2014, the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville (150 Heritage Road)
Comments from Council:
Councillor Neufeld asked what happens if the Town does not provide affordable housing in the ratios recommended. Mr. Brown indicated that nothing would happen in that event.
Councillor Patterson asked if the roads planned in this area becomes Town roads in twenty years does this area have to go through a subdivision application process?
Councillor Gaffan commented that the Town has a need for this type of housing, but suggested that the Town consider blending areas rather than having a large block of homes identified as affordable housing.
Mayor Santos asked if a specified block could be identified as traditional semis, and another specific block or area be allocated for affordable housing. Mayor Santos also cited servicing concerns (i.e. how does the Town identify that the servicing standards would be put in place now; and how can the Town ensure sidewalks would be installed prior to the Town taking ownership).
Comments from the Applicant:
Walter Branco (President, 1552843 Ontario Ltd.) stated that he wants to provide a variety of opportunities to provide individuals with a sense of home ownership and that he does not intend to devalue anyone's current home values. He indicated that he will only be able to potentially obtain grant funding, if any, for a portion of the units (10-20 units for example).
Comments from the Audience:
Roxanne Pratt, 221 James, asked about garbage pick-up and indicated she appreciated Councillor Gaffan's previous comments.
Mr. Branco stated he would pay the costs of garbage pick-up, snow removal, and landscaping.
Deana Hurley, Allen Court, asked about exterior maintenance.
Mr. Branco stated that he is responsible to maintain the exterior for a minimum of twenty years.
Joe Prout, 148 Heritage, commented that this proposal will bring neighbourhood property values down. He asked if his property taxes would go down as well.
Mayor Santos stated that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assesses properties and assessment rates.
Mr. Branco clarified that the units are not totally funded. He also stated that funding may not be available and Mr. Branco may have to fund all of the development on his own.
Joe Prout suggested that the Town consider constructing affordable homes closer to the Town where residents can walk to stores.
Dale Cook, 2005 Dieppe commented that he appreciated the Town for recognizing low water pressure in Dieppe area and hopes they look at that.
Mr. Branco described the size and style of the proposed semi-detached units.
Rene Everaert, 233 Owenwood, stated that this plan is different from a proposal put forward in 2015 and he is not in favour of this proposal. He stated that he concurs with Councillor Gaffan's comments to blend in the homes in the Town (4 here; 4 there; not all in one region).
Matt Marthino, 33 Normandy, asked why he is seeing this revised plan only today? He indicated that as stated at the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held on June 20, 2017 there are several issues and concerns.
Mayor Santos clarified that zoning is being looked at today; that the plan is not being adopted at this time. The concept plan will come up for review at a future meeting.
Scott Groh, 41 Normandy, indicated that while he agrees with affordable housing because all communities need that, he does not want to see it all in one spot. He likes the idea of spreading it out.
Phil Fraser, 225 James commented that the Prospect St. area affordable housing units do not have as many neighbours; that there are no neighbours to the back of the properties. He wanted to make the point that this area will involve 20-30 neighbouring properties.
Mr. Malott indicated he is not in favour of the proposal and the densities proposed.
Mr. Brown clarified that the current zoning on the subject property does permit a mix of housing styles including single detached, semi-detached and townhouses.
Cathy Fox, 132 Train Court stated she lived north of the Prospect development and is impressed with its design and style. She stated that in the newspaper advertisement the design shows as semi detached units with garages out front. She wondered if the garages could be pushed back with part of the house coming out into the back yard so that police could address security issues. Mr. Brown explained that this meeting is specifically to address zoning.
Tm Dobson, 35 Normandy, asked that Council take a look at this again and "maybe find a way to make it work but that it needs more time", that "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" and stated concerns about the future of the area and potential problems with the tenants. He asked Council to allow some time to review this further.
There were no other comments from anyone in attendance in the audience.
Comments from Council:
Deputy Mayor Queen commented that the existing Strategic Plan states in part "The Town of Kingsville values the beautiful environment of its small town culture inhabitants and strives to ensure a healthy legacy for current and future generations". He indicated that to prepare for the future "we need to consider the past" and cited past examples of how housing needs were determined then including The Belleview Apartment building, Augustine Villas, two apartment buildings on Division St. North. and various Windsor Essex Housing Authority multi-unit buildings. He indicated that the Planning Advisory Committee did not approve or support the application or subdivision design. He reminded that it is Council, not an advisory committee that has authority to approve or reject the Recommendation and that it is Council that is elected to represent the community. He expressed concerns regarding the width of the proposed road and densities. He referred to the Development Manual which requires sidewalks be located on both sides of roads. He suggested that perhaps the Town is moving too fast in the consideration of this proposal and asked Council to preserve its standard terms of development.
A recorded vote was requested.