Council considered Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/002/J/BB, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/002/JBB, 135-161 Jackson Avenue and 136 Brentwood Avenue, Sanjiv Shukla (1000190771 ONTARIO INC.), DSD-2024-061, listed as item 8.8.1. In addition, Council was in receipt of written submissions from J. von Westerholt, MHBC Planning, A. McLaughlin and A. Kheir.
Juliane von Westerholt, MHBC Planning, addressed Council in support of the subject applications and outlined the issued identified at the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee and revisions to the applications made, as applicable, including the existing brick fence, revised building height, revised site plan, setbacks, and rental replacement provisions proposed to be provided to existing tenants. J. von Westerholt then responded to questions from Council regarding the natural lighting of basement units, tree preservation, waste management turning circles, reduced ceiling heights, proposed property fencing and parking requirements.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time and Councillor S. Davey assumed the Chair.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic returned to the meeting at this time and assumed the Chair.
Melanie Cameron, addressed Council regarding repurposing the parcel at 136 Brentwood Drive for a laneway highlighting sanitary and stormwater requirements of the application, fire access to the site, parking on the proposed laneway, sloping of the proposed laneway and shadow impacts reporting concerns with the arborists study and noise study.
Andy Kheir, delegated in opposition to the subject applications, referencing the Residential Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods Study (RIENS) report stating in their opinion the development is not compatible with the existing neighbourhood and is not required to address what is commonly referred to as the “missing middle” housing need, indicating the adequacy of townhouse stock currently available for sale within the City. A. Kheir expressed further concern with the parking requirements, lack of amenity and green space, and impacts to mature trees.
Dennis Gibson, addressed Council in opposition to the proposed application noting concerns with the proposed laneway for fire access purposes.
Members of Council asked questions of staff regarding servicing access through Brentwood Drive due to the elevation of Jackson Avenue, requirements for secondary access for emergency services, definitions of mid-rise and floor space ratio and grading, natural lighting requirements, revised planning instruments, use of the proposed laneway for waste receptacles, missing middle definition, requirements for amenity space, recourse should council refuse the application, and received responses from B. Bateman and G. Stevenson.
Councillor P. Singh left the meeting and returned to the meeting at this time.