City of Kingston

Holly Crawford, Agent for the Applicant, conducted a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Zoning By-Law amendment for 181-183 Union Street. A copy of this presentation is available upon request through the City Clerk's Department. 

Sarah Blacker, 173 Union Street, stated that there is a no stopping zone and a no parking zone on Union Street, with a major bus route and bicycle lane. She further noted that tenants from 181-183 Union Street park in front of the property, blocking both the bicycle lane and bus stop. She expressed concern for adding more than double the number of bedrooms to the property. She inquired how the owners will enforce the use of parking. She expressed concern for garbage and recycling management. She asked how the owners will address the serious flooding that occurs after heavy rainfall. She stated that there is a large tree on her property that is next to the proposed construction site and inquired about the arborists consideration for the tree. 

In response to public comments, Ms. Wartman stated that the improved parking lot should encourage current and future tenants to park in the appropriate lot. She explained that additional signage can be added to address further parking concerns. Ms. Wartman added that the proposed development would improve the flooding situation. Ms. Crawford stated that a stormwater management report had been submitted with the application and is under technical review with the City. She noted that the tree on the neighboring property would be preserved. 

Councillor Osanic inquired about garbage disposal for the 16 new units. She asked whether the parking lot can be accessed on Collingwood Street. She asked if 181-183 Union Street could be fenced off to prevent tenants from using the parking lot at 175 Union Street. She encouraged the applicant to retain as many of the 13 existing trees on the property as possible. Ms. Crawford stated that there would be a dedicated waste storage area and that further opportunity for waste storage is being reviewed. She confirmed that the parking lot would be accessible by the laneway on Collingwood Street. She added that the new parking lot would be an improvement from the current one which provides only four spaces. Ms. Wartman clarified that there are 11 units proposed in the application, not 16. She noted that 181-183 Union Street does not have a driveway at the front of the property and therefore delivery services may use the driveway next door at 195 Union Street. 

Holly Newitt, Agent for the Applicant, conducted a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment at 1519 Shira Drive. A copy of this presentation is available upon request through the City Clerk's Department. 

Sophie Zajaczkiwisky, 1616 Tenley Drive, asked if there is a timeframe associated with this project. She further asked if the trees behind her property would be preserved. 

In response to public comments, Youko Leclerc, Agent for the Applicant, explained that the residential lot would be along Shira Drive and Holden Street, He added that the commercial block would be positioned separating that block from the houses that currently front onto Tenley Drive. He noted that the intention for this application is to move the designation over to allow for the residential lots to be built. He stated that the residential lots are already cleared and ready for building. He added that there is no immediate development proposed on the commercial land and in order for that land to be developed in the future the applicant would require a site plan control application that would requires service integrating, tree inventory, and opportunity for public consultation. 

Councillor Chaves asked if this was the second proposed reallocation of the block. He asked what is preventing the applicant from making a third request. Mr. Leclerc provided a detailed explanation on the background of the land in this area and the original master plan. He added that the applicant's intention in relocating the block is to bring residential lots online sooner. He noted that additional residences are needed to justify the commercial block that the applicant would also like to build in the area. 

Councillor Chaves highlighted the need for a commercial area with a market in this neighborhood. He inquired whether the applicant seriously intends to develop a commercial unit in the area. Mr. Leclerc confirmed that the applicant is committed to exploring a commercial development and they have committed resources to exploring the opportunity. He noted that there are not enough units in the area to meet the threshold for the number of tenants needed to justify the commercial development. 

Councillor Chaves asked if Cataraqui West or Woodhaven was included in the number of residents for meeting the threshold. Mr. Leclerc stated that the official plan only applies to Cataraqui West but added that commercial entities would include the entirety of the existing residential communities in the surrounding area. 

Councillor Osanic expressed concern for the clear cutting that would occur for a large commercial area. She added that a store where residents can buy milk and bread until their next grocery day would suffice and building homes should be prioritized. 

Kelsey Jones, Agent for the Applicant, conducted a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Minor Zoning By-Law Amendment at 73 Sydenham Street. A copy of this presentation is available upon request through the City Clerk's Department. 

Hannah Skrzynski, 88 Sydenham Street, expressed support for the proposal because the business has already been operating for years and there has not been congestion in the area as there is designated parking. She added that the physical structure of the Secret Garden Inn fits in well with the neighborhood. 

Councillor Oosterhof echoed the comments made by the member of the public and expressed support for the proposal.