Councillor P. Singh resumed Chair at this time.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-375, dated August 19, 2024, recommending adoption of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/008/K/ES, and adoption of Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/014/K/ES, for the property municipally addressed as 2980 King Street East.
E. Schneider, Senior Planner, presented the report. G. Stevenson, Director, Development and Housing Approvals, was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
A. Sinclair, MHBC Planning, was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation.
In response to questions from the Committee regarding traffic concerns, E. Schneider noted while Fairway Road North experiences a high volume of traffic, the proposed application includes transit supportive elements, such as unbundled parking (less than one parking space provided per unit and sold/leased separately from unit cost), provision of Class A bicycle parking in excess of the minimum zoning standards, and the site’s location along an existing transit corridor. E. Schneider also stated the Region of Waterloo intends to expand River Road, which will alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
In response to questions regarding the potential to include affordable housing units, E. Schneider noted the applicant is currently seeking zoning permissions, and an alternative developer will likely be responsible for building and rental aspects. E. Schneider also noted the Region of Waterloo provided comments indicating that while the applicant has not proposed affordable housing through this development, there is no objection to the application.