6:23 p.m. Brandon Flewwelling, Senior Planner GSP Group Inc. introduced himself, Montana Wilson of MTE Consultants Inc. and John Minen, developer. Mr. Flewwelling advised that Phase 1 is the primary focus and presented a powerpoint presentation outlining details and scope of the proposed development. He outlined the requirements for a Class EA process.
Council had no comments at this time. Mayor Finch asked for comments from the public in attendance and gave a reminder to sign the Public Registries.
Laurie Pozniak asked whether the proposed units will be purchased or are rentals. She further asked whether they would be geared to income housing included in the project.
Mr. Flewwelling answered that the units will be purchased and priced according to market conditions.
6:35 p.m. Charles Miner of 41 Simcoe Street advised that his property is adjacent to the proposed development and expressed concerns about the very tight property lines and whether there was enough room for public access into the project. He noted concerns with his loss of privacy, snow removal difficulties because of the space issue and poor sighlines for vehicle entering and exiting the units.
Mr. Miner said that the property for the proposed development is higher than his and he is concerned with drainage issues if that property is made more impervious to water. He noted that the proposal looks at 1 1/2 parking spaces per unit and that most people have two cars which could create a spill over to adjacent properties.
Mr. Flewwelling advised that what has been provided is conceptual at this time and drainage will be taken into consideration. He said that when the detailed designs are complete they will be reviewed by the municipality and drainage will be a part of those detailed plans.
6:41 p.m. Vicki Gower of 95 Simcoe Street said that she has concerns about how three dwellings will fit in that area. She noted drainage concerns as there is a creek that has overflowed into her back yard. She also noted concerns that there is no greenspace for the dwellings in the proposed plan.
Montana Wilson of MTE Consultants Inc. outlined the proposed dry ponds and said that if there are storm events, excess water will go into ponds and slowly drain.
Ms. Gower expressed further concerns about set backs and three dwellings fitting on the property. She noted that the area is currently used by neighbours as green space.
Mr. Flewwelling advised that in the applications, they have requested slightly smaller dwelling sizes than currently are permitted and are efficiently using the land. He noted that this privately owned property is in an area of town where development is expected to occur.
Ms. Gower asked whether a fence between the development and neighbouring properties would be part of the plan. Mr. Flewwelling responded that the intent is to separate the area but that it is just discussion at this point.
6:46 p.m. Larry Markle the owner of 71 and 73 Simcoe has concerns about the entrance into the development and he says that Albert Street sits on his driveway. He is concerned about room for snow removal and sewers encroaching on his land.
Mr. Flewwelling answered that the road design will meet full requirements for a municipal road and that snow removal requirements will met. The proposed design has looked at sewers and water and noted that there is sufficient room and that the property has been recently surveyed. He said that if there is a concern, they will have extra stakes put in.
Mr. Markle expressed further concern about encroachment on his property for sidewalks. Mr. Flewwelling advised the developer Mr. Meinen was here and could speak directly as that is not part of this subdivision application.
John Meinen introduced himself as the developer for the proposed project and a builder from Stratford Ontario. He thanked the public for their concerns. He said that he has been in business since 1998 and has been a part of different Homebuilders Associations and has buidlings in Mitchell and Bayfield. He advised that housing affordability is out of reach and one of the reasons is lack of housing supply. He invited anyone who has a concern with the proposed development to speak to him.