Jeff Healey of the Planning and Regulatory Services Department provided an overview of the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to permit the construction of an eight storey mixed use residential/commercial building on the subject lands. Mr. Healey advised that staff’s recommendation was that the staff report be received for information purposes only and all comments be referred back to staff.
Chris Perreira, M. Behar Planning and Design Inc., agent for the applicant, advised that the development applications were submitted on November 27, 2018, deemed complete on December 6, 2018 and that a residents’ meeting hosted by the local Councillor was held on April 8, 2019. Mr. Perreira provided an overview of the development application and advised that the policy framework for the proposal came from the Downtown Local Centre Secondary Plan. He noted that they were aware of the repeal of the Plan and will monitor the situation. Mr. Perreira concluded by advising that the proposed development was consistent with Provincial policy framework as it provided compact, efficient, transit-supportive development; contributed to the appropriate amount of residential density required to sustain existing public transit infrastructure along the Yonge Street corridor; and was in keeping with similar heights and densities approved along the corridor.
Victor Ponte, 171 and 175 Church Street South, shared his concern with the proposed 3.75 Floor Space Index and the zero offset to the houses to the north. He expressed concerns with traffic and questioned whether the 45 degree angular view plane was being respected.
Christine Conrad, 9955 Yonge Street, expressed concerns with the lack of parking on Yonge Street and questioned the amount of parking that would be available for the residents and visitors of the proposed development.
Edmund Kuncewicz, 185 Church Street South, expressed concern with the size of the development, and the lack of transition to the residential neighbourhood. He advised that he would like to see good planning and development occur simultaneously along the entire block instead of development progressing in smaller sections.
Vladimir Arkhangeliskiy, 237 Church Street South, shared his opinion that the proposed building height was too high and recommended that it be reduced to six storeys in order to increase its visual appeal. He shared concerns with the impact the development would have on traffic and expressed his disappointment with the removal of trees in the area.
Rick Crawford, 180 Church Street South, shared his opinion that development of the property be postponed for a few years in order to better assess the traffic in the area which would be impacted by development that was scheduled to begin on Church Street in the near future. He also shared concerns with the building height and privacy, as the proposed building would overlook the rear of his home and neighbouring dwellings.