The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-061, dated March 22, 2024, recommending adoption of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/002/J/BB and Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/002/J/BB for the properties municipally addressed as 135-161 Jackson Avenue and 135 Brentwood Avenue.
B. Bateman provided an overview of the report and staff recommendation. It was noted 136 Brentwood Avenue is proposed to be demolished to facilitate an access route for emergency services. G. Stevenson and T. Malone-Wright were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
J. von Westerholt, MBHC Planning provided a presentation in support of the staff recommendation. In response to questions from the Committee, J. von Westerholt noted the proposed development is intended to provide attainable housing. J. von Westerholt also noted, the proposed building heights and setbacks were selected with the intention of minimizing impacts on surrounding properties. In response to further questions from the Committee regarding the possibility of reducing the proposed buildings' heights, J. von Westerholt noted this matter will be raised with the applicant for consideration. Further, J. von Westerholt noted 136 Brentwood Drive is proposed to be demolished to facilitate servicing and to provide secondary access to the site which will disperse traffic in the subject area. It was also noted the proposed roadway at 136 Brentwood Drive will provide an access route for emergency services. L. Ingram was also in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee regarding the proposed location of fire hydrants and sanitary and stormwater services.
J. Laturney, A. McLaughlin and A. Kheir provided comments in opposition of the staff recommendation noting the proposed building height, setbacks and Floor Space Ratio (FSR) are incompatible with the neighbourhood design characteristics. Concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed development to the expressway, the potential for parking overflow, increased traffic, the destruction of tree canopy, and noise and light pollution were also raised.
Councillor D. Chapman left the meeting at this time and re-entered.
Councillor M. Johnston left the meeting at this time and re-entered.
B. Maslanko and J. Hamalainen provided comments in opposition to the staff recommendation noting potential safety concerns with the roadway proposed to replace the dwelling located at 136 Brentwood Avenue. B. Maslanko also noted a petition has been signed by community members opposed to the proposed roadway. B. Maslanko also highlighted existing infrastructure and flooding issues along Montgomery Road.
S. Patten provided comments in opposition to the staff recommendation noting the proposed development disrupts the sense of community and belonging in the Eastwood neighbourhood. S. Patten also highlighted the removal of trees required to facilitate the proposed development and cited the environmental consequences of tree loss. S. Patten noted the applicant could consider reducing the number of proposed units in order to maintain a greater portion of the tree canopy.
Councillor J. Deneault brought forward a motion to refer the matter to the April 29, 2024 Council meeting to allow the applicant additional time to consider feedback provided by the Committee related to the proposed building heights and setbacks, emergency vehicle and waste management vehicle access, the location of fire hydrants, a potential reduction in the proposed number of units, information regarding the number of tenants that will be displaced to facilitate the proposed development, relocation assistance for existing tenants, rental replacement provisions, and potential parkland dedication.
Councillor C. Michaud left the meeting at this time and re-entered.