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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-187-89FIINANMXSI� ­✓y, ­11 �, " ,, TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT File #60 Res. # By-Law # MEETING: General Purpose and Administration Committee DATE: JULY 17, 1989 REPORT #: PD-187-89 FILE #: 18T-88071 (X-REF: DEV 887,7,6) &J&ECT: APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION APPROVAL AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT NOR-ARM DEVELOPMENTS PART LOT 9, CONCESSION 1, BOWMANVILLE FILE: 18T-88071 (X-REF: DEV 88-7,61 qb-- RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PD-187-89 be received; 2. THAT the application to amend the Town of Newcastle Comprehensive Zoning By-law 84-63, as amended, submitted by G. M. Sernas and Associates on behalf of Nor-Arm Developments be denied; 3. THAT the Region of Durham be advised that the Town of Newcastle recommend DENIAL of the draft plan of Subdivision 18T-88071, date revised June 1989; and 4. THAT a copy of this Report be forwarded to the Region of Durham and all interested parties attached hereto be notified of Council's decision. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 On September 7, 1988, the Town of Newcastle Planning and Development Department received an application to amend the Town of Newcastle Comprehensive Zoning By-law 84-63, as amended. The application was ...2 1 n 9 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- submitted by G.M. Sernas and Associates on behalf of Marotta Holdings Limited. The applications proposed the development of 96 townhouse units and a commercial block on a 7.82 ha (19.32 acre) parcel of land, north of Highway No. 2, west of Mearns Avenue and east of Vincent Massey Public School. 1.2 Staff would note for the Committee's information that, pursuant to Council's resolution of July 26, 1982, and the requirements of the Planning Act, the appropriate signage acknowledging the application was installed on the subject lands and, surrounding property owners were advised of the proposal. The Public Meeting was held on Monday, December 12, 1988. 1.3 A number of residents appeared before Committee at the Public Meeting voicing concern or opposition to the subject applications. The objections were primarily related to the impact of the proposal on the Environmentally Protected lands; other concerns noted noise and traffic. Committee decided to amend the application by recommending to Council that the lots intruding on the environmentally protected zone not be considered, but that the remainder of the application be referred back to Staff (GPA-775-88). Council, at their meeting of December 19, 1988, upheld General Purpose and Administration Committee recommendation. In the week between the Committee Meeting and the Council Meeting, Planning Staff was presented with a petition against the development of the lands zoned 'Environmental Protection'. The petition was signed by residents of Orchard Park Drive and Peach Tree Crescent. 1.4 In April of 1989, Staff was advised of new ownership of the property and received revisions to the proposal which essentially eliminated one (1) lot and proposed minor revisions to the design of the Plan. Staff informed the applicant's agent that any review of the revisions would be consistent with Council's position as noted above. A representative from G. M. Sernas and Associates appeared as a delegation at the May 8, 1989, 3 PAGE 3 Council Meeting and requested Council to rescind their previous resolution as it pertains to the subject lands. Council Resolution C- 341 -89 acknowledged the delegation and referred 18T -88071 to Planning Staff for further review and subsequent report. 1.5 Further revisions have since been submitted in an attempt to satisfy various agency concerns. To that end, the Plan design presently before Committee /Council proposes 79, 6 metre minimum frontage street townhouse lots; 8, 18 metre minimum frontage semi- detached /link lots (16 units), for a total of 95 units and a 0.18 ha (0.45 acre) commercial block. 2. SURROUNDING LAND USES 2.1 Surrounding land uses are primarily residential in nature; to the south is the Strathaven Nursing Home and an apartment building across Highway # 2 is the Bowmanville Mall; to the west is vacant land which has an approved Site Plan for a townhouse complex; further north still, on the west side is Vincent Massey Public School and Bowmanville High School. To the north and east is existing and proposed residential development in the form of Plans of Subdivision. The lands to the east include other lands owned by the applicant subject to Subdivision approval (18T- 88076). 2.2 The site itself has approximately 56 metres of frontage and extends north approximately 500m. The site is heavily treed and has a creek traversing from the north to the south east corner. The property has some depression and is more steeply sloped at the south then the north. 3. OFFICIAL PLAN CONFORMITY 3.1 In the Durham Regional Official Plan, the subject property is designated 'Residential', the proposed residential and convenience commercial uses are permitted. However, there also appears to be an indication of ...4 � � � F- 'Hazard Lands' and 'Environmentally Sensitive Areas' on the subject site. The Regional Plan describes 'Environmentally Sensitive' and 'Hazard Lands' as follows: "Environmentally sensitive areas refer to those natural landscapes including those lands and/or waters of inherent biological sensitivity, such as those areas containing aquifer recharges, headwaters, unique plants, wildlife, breeding or over-wintering habitats, vital ecological functions, rare or endangered species, or other combinations of habitat and landform which could be essential for scientific research or conservation education." "Hazard Lands refer to lands having physical characteristics such as poor drainage, swamps, organic soils., flood and erosion susceptibility, steep slopes, instability or any other physical condition which could cause property damage, loss of life or damage to the environment if developed upon." 3.2 The Durham Plan further notes that the extent and the exact location of such environmentally sensitive areas shall be determined at- the tifrte of dev(---loT,x-(ie-nt- application. It further notes that Council shall endeavour to retain in a natural ,--,tate, wherever possible, the areas identified as environmentally sensitive. Provisions within the Durham Plan allow development in environmentally sensitive areas, to the extent that the type and magnitude is compatible with environmental conditions. Section 1.3.9 of the Region's Plan requires a study be undertaken by the local Council prior to approving any development applications within the environmental sensitive area. The study, in cooperation with the Conservation authority, should satisfy Council and the Region with regards to the following issues: NNW" REPORT NO.: PD- 187 -89 PAGE 5 a) the type and degree of sensitivity of the environmental conditions; b) the compatibility of the proposed development with the environmentally sensitive area(s); c) the need for and the definition of mitigating measures to cope with the sensitivity of the environmental conditions; d) the location, amount and type of development; and e) the location and extent of those sensitive area(s) which should be preserved. In addition, the Regional Plan provides policies by which to assess applications for the erection of buildings or the placement or removal of fill of any kind on Hazard Lands (Section 1.3.4). 3.3 In the Town of Newcastle Official Plan (Bowmanville Major Urban Area), the subject property is designated 'Main Central Area' and Low Density Residential' with indications of 'Hazard Lands' (Schedule 7 -1). The lands within the 'Main Central Area' designation are further defined as 'Medium and High Density Residential' on Schedule 7 -2. Development within the 'Medium and High Density Residential' designation shall exceed 30 units per ha. The 'Low Density' designation allows for a maximum of 301 units per net residential ha. Schedule 7 -3 identifies a small portion of the subject site as being environmentally sensitive. The Town's Plan requires any development proposal within lands identified as being environmentally sensitive be examined through the preparation of an Environmental Impact Analysis, to be conducted by or under the direction of the Town. The analysis shall be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.2.4.2(ii) and shall be to the satisfaction of the Town, the Region, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources. ...6 PAGE 6 3.4 The Town of Newcastle Official Plan allows for development or redevelopment of 'Hazard Lands' subject to the regulations of Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and the Durham Regional Official Plan. (It should be noted that the Conservation Authority's regulations for 'cut and fill' does not apply to the subject lands). However, the Plan further states that 'Hazard Lands' shall be primarily for the preservation and conservation of the natural land and /or environment. It also notes that the extent and exact location of such lands shall be identified in the Zoning By -law in consultation with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority. The Town of Newcastle Comprehensive Zoning By -law 84 -63, as amended, recognized the majority of the subject property as being within the Environmental Protection (EP) zone. 3.5 The application proposes an overall density of 39.8 units per net ha. This density would appear to comply with the 'Medium -High density' designation, but would not be in conformity with the 'Low density' provisions. In addition the proposal must comply with the neighbourhood 11C' population target of 2800 people. Staff have calculated a maximum 14.3 units per gross ha to be the maximum number of units accepted per proposal based on the population target and land area in the neighbourhood. This application proposes 14.91 units per net ha. This would be slightly above permissible level. 3.6 The question of compliance to the density provision (Medium -High as opposed to Low) is further determined by the zoning schedule. The 'Main Central Area' on Schedule 7 -1 is bounded by the Low Density and Hazard Land to the east. The extent of the Hazard Lands are further defined by the 'Environmental Protection' zoning in the Towns' Comprehensive Zoning By -law 84 -63, as amended. As the majority of the site, save and except a portion zoned "(H)R3' is zoned 'Environmental Protection (EP)', it is determined the site is within the 'Low Density' designation. In consideration of the above, the proposal does not conform to the Offical Plan provisions as the density equals 39.85 units per net ha. well in excess of the maximum permitted 30 units per net residential ha. ...7 121- c 4. CIRCULATED AGENCIES The original application was circulated by Staff at the Region to various agencies and departments for comments. The Town of Newcastle Planning Staff, in turn undertook an internal circulation to departments within the Town. Regional Planning Staff undertook a limited circulation of the revised application. Agencies included the Town of Newcastle, Regional Public Works, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, and Ministry of Natural Resources. Town Planning Staff also completed a revised circulation to internal departments. The following agencies noted no objection to the proposal - Ministry of Transportation - Separate School Board - Public School Board - Newcastle Hydro - Regional Health Department - Ministry of Agriculture and Food Ministry of Environment has yet to comment. 4.2 The Town of Newcastle Public Works Department Staff noted no objection in principle to the application, subject to various conditions of approval. The applicant is required to conform to any storm water management requirements imposed by the Public Works Department; that the proposed Court 'B' right -of -way be located completely outside of the established flood plain; and that all standard requirements apply. 4.3 The Community Services Department review of the application also received no objection subject to conditions. The applicant will be required to extend the Open Space (Block 89) to include a maximum area from the top of the bank; that Block 89 as adjusted be dedicated to the Town gratuitously as Open Space; that the portion of Block 89 between lots 68 and 69 be developed to provide a safe and usable access point for vehicles to enter the ravine; and that the 5 percent land dedication requirement be accepted as cash -in -lieu. ...8 REPORT No.: PD-187-89 PAGE 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.4 The Town of Newcastle Fire Department noted the application represents an approximate increase in population of 285 persons and although the site falls within the recognized response area of Station #1, Bowmanville, it should be noted that this site along with the continued growth in the Bowmanville area will, in time, have an effect on the level of service this station is able to maintain. They further noted compliance to the Fire and Building Codes should be adhered to prior to any building permit being issued. 4.5 Regional Planning Staff's comments on the rezoning application noted the subject property is designated 'Residential' in the Durham Regional Official Plan which permits residential and convenience commercial uses. They also noted there exists indications of Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Hazard Lands on the subject site, and noted Section 1.3.9 requires the preparation of a study prior to the approval of development applications in Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The Comments further noted the designations of the site in terms of the Towns's official Plan, that being 'Low Density Residential' and 'Main Central Area - Medium and High Density Residential'. Again there are indications of 'Hazard Lands and Environmental Sensitivity,. Further reference was made to the requirements of an environmental impact analysis. 4.6 Regional Public Works Staff's review of the application noted no objection in principle, noting full municipal services are available. Conditions of approval include the granting of a 12 metre easement between Street 'A' and Royal Pines Court (18T-88076), effectively eliminating lots 43 and 44. 4.7 The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Staff have provided comments on the most recent revisions and note the plan is acceptable subject to conditions of approval. The comments review the changes which have been proposed noting which lots still intrude below the regional storm flood line. They note that it may be possible to raise these levels by filling to an elevation above that of the flood line. However, it should be noted that the existing flood line abutts several proposed lots, across the valley, in 18T-88076. therefore InX �i ,11ing would be permitted to create only negligible increases. 1-� 1() K ?15 . 0 �� i ;• PAGE 9 4.8 The Ministry of Natural Resources comments reflect the revisions dated April 1989. However, their comments have remained unchanged, that is they object to the plan in its current form. Written Comments on the most recent revision were not available at the writing of this report. However, verbal comments indicate that the proposed revisions, narrower street and lot depth, do not satisfy their concerns and they still object to approval of the proposal. The subject site is traversed by a tributary of Soper Creek. The main branch provides a migration route and habitat for a number of fish species. Therefore, the tributary should be protected from sedimentation from development activities. Ministry of Natural Resources Staff feel the existing protective designation and zoning should remain in place. The comments also identified all the 'problem' lots. Those extending beyond the top of bank into the valleylands and those lots on steeply sloping ground. They further noted that due to the number of concerns, they do not feel mitigative measures will resolve their concern. 5. STAFF COMMENTS 5.1 Upon reviewing the application, the agency comments and the proposal's conformity with both the Region the Local Official Plans, Staff have identified several concerns with the applications as presented. The design of the proposal, although providing the maximum use of the subject parcel for the applicant, creates concerns for Staff in terms of the design. The proposed Street 'A' is a dead -end street greater than 450 metres in length, with approximately 75 units fronting on it and has no provision for an emergency or secondary access. 5.2 Staff noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources objected to the proposal. Staff are aware that these comments are not based on the most recent revision, and written comments on the revised Plan were not available at the time of writing this report. However, verbal comments from the Ministry of Natural Resources Staff indicated that the revised plan, dated June 1989, would also appear not satisfactory in terms of their concerns as outlined in the previous comments. Zn addition, the Planning Act, the Durham Regional Official Plan and the Town of Newcastle Official Plan all note that when reviewing development applications regard shall be had for matters of a provincial interest. 12 17 / 7 P 0 0 * ----------- ------ - - - --- -------------------------------------------------------- 5.3 It is further noted that in a June 1978, Environmental Sensitivity Mapping Project prepared for the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, by Gartner Lee and Associates depicts this tributary of the Soper Creek, in relation to the proposal, as being of 'High Sensitivity' at the south end, and the 'Modeate Sensitivity' as you proceed north up to Concession St. The report details the importance of the 'High Sensitivity' area, and notes alteration of one part of the environmental system may negatively influence others. It further states in most highly sensitive areas, detailed site-specific study will be required to better define the physical and biological factors and interrelationship among them. Generally, intensive land uses or uses with a high potential of environmental impact could be incompatible. 5.4 In terms of the official Plan, the proposal would not appear to be in compliance with the 'Low Density' provision of a maximum 30 units per net residential ha. In addition the lands have been identified as being 'Hazard Lands' and having some 'Environmentally Sensitive Areas' in both the Durham Regional official Plan and the Town of Newcastle Official Plan. Both Plans contain provisions requiring a study (Environmental Impact Analysis) be undertaken to determine the extent and exact location of the 'Environmentally Sensitive' lands. Such a study has not been produced to support the subject application. 5.5 Both Plans also contain policies which state that 'Hazard Lands' shall be primarily for the preservation and conservation of the natural land and/or environment. The Gartner Lee study referenced previously echoes the same thoughts, as does the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, the lands being zoned 'Environmental Protection (EP)I, which prohibits structures except for flood protection. 5.6 In conclusion, given all the above-noted concerns with non-conformity to the Town and Regional official Plans, and the Ministry of Natural Resources objection to the proposal, Staff would recommend the application be denied. 0 U REPORT NO.: ----------------------- Respectfully submitted, Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P. Director of Planning & Development CP*FW*lp *Attach. *July 7, 1989 PAGE 11 Recommended for presentation to the Committee ------------------ Lawren c Kotseff I I Chief d inistrative Officer INTERESTED PARTIES TO BE NOTIFIED OF COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL'S DECISION Nor-Arm Developments 1110 Sheppard Ave. E. Suite 500 Willowdale, Ontario M2K 2W2 Hendry Investments 252 King St® E. Apt® 601 Bowmanville, Ontario LlC 1R1 Joane Draper 15 Peachtree Cres® Bowmanville, Ontario Linda and Barry Draper 23 Orchard Park Drive Bowmanville, Ontario R. Bourke 21 Orchard Park Drive Bowmanville, Ontario LIC 3K8 Mrs. Sophie Pirdie 19 Orchard Park Drive Bowmanville, Ontario LlC 3S8 Mr. M. Nimigan 280 King Street East Bowmanville, Ontario LlC 1P9 LlC 4K9 Mrs. Joan Butlers Admimistration Strathaven Nursing Home 264 King Street East Bowmanville, Ontario LlC IP9 LlC 4B1 G.M. Sernas and Associates 110 Scotia Court, Unit 41 Whitby, Ontario LIN 8Y7 1219 -91 Pam .+��� Ro, V F4 02!L ;���� �4ri,r0ou'l �A•. . , Ausaskias s: IS gig s�saM� SL wn 0.4 IRA taftZ1*9i4t. �*q �ccAs �x � :FAQ �i�wil.. F %N,, N6 �� LOT 10 LOT LOT -. _ ..................... . . . -. . �Y.:i• ' t :•:::'::• ::•'• t. 1'. .J• : ; ` :. }: :f !, : �y popu laSion :. :n } v c: N s ! 2 0 0 v S u f v' : !X• W Nover r . , SUBJECT SITE HWY N2 ♦�`'r , U) _ ar 7 1 may. -+ •r �'J C"� t) ,� ...ism n, Q L j y 'rm _) X• U v C�..G('��f i T� x • t�� c- t M• f c t `m t _ r u J � Y a c 3 3 •ITT t+ < j f ' C3. °`i.�,.> population ;.r;� ��ti� y •��.�. O ��`�• ;, *fit M i�� t Ic �, / , .� � �►'iCi�'t - tL�..� r �� �� �i r1tjG BASELINE ROAD 0 100 200 300m KEY MAP 100 i A 9;�- Dev. 8.8�96 12 2-2 ,"W"C'