HomeMy WebLinkAbout74-55REPOhT NO, 7
PROPOSED CO1I14ERC IAL NEEDS STUDY
10 Current Proposals:
We are currently in receipt of formal applications or have been
approached informally about shopping centre or other major
commercial developments in the following locations:
(1) SW Corner, Waverly and Baseline Roads, Bowmanville
Regional Shopping Centre,
(2) SE Corner, Waverly and Baseline Roads, Bowmanville
Regional Shopping Centre.
(3) SE Corner,King and Simpson Streets, Bowmanville - Regional
or Community Shopping Centre.
(4) NE Corner, King Street and Martin Road, Bowmanville
Regional or Community Shopping Centre,
(5) NE Corner Waverly Road and Quinn Drive, Bowmanville--Commun-
ity or Neighbourhood Shopping Centre,
(6) King Street East, Old Bus Station, Bowmanville ® Cor_imercialy
Office and Residential Complex.
(7) Highway #115, Orono m Community Shopping Centre,
(8) Hampton, unspecified location, Community Shopping Centre,
2, Problem:
As members will be aware, the existing Official Plans do not
provide for any significant commercial development outside the
central areas of existing comitunities. The work program for the
District Official Plan provides for a Commercial Needs Study
but only after the Interim District Plan has been completed.
- 2 - REPORT NO. �/
2. Problems (cont'd .... )
In my opinion it will not be possible to postpone decisions
that long. The Regional Planning Department appears to be
willing at the moment to leave the primary initiative on this
issue to the local municipality, so long as the proposed
shopping centres serve mainly areas within the Town's boundaries.
However, they note that the Region will have to act on applica-
tions within a reasonable time after their receipt. So, if we
do not want the initiative to pass out of our hands, I thank
the best time is now to act on this issue - in advance of a
decision being forced by one or another of the prospective
developers. If we act now we have a chance to ensure that new
developments are not permitted to undermine the viability of
existing commercial areas.
3. Recommendations:
I have contacted Larry Smith Research Limited, who are perhaps
the leading firm in this field and have been informed:
i) they could undertake a commercial need study for us.
ii) the cost would be approximately VOOO.
iii) tae time needed to complete the study would be approx-
imately 6 to 8 weeks following receipt of population
projections from the consultants doing our overall
Official Plan.
Larry Smith have undertaken to produce a proposed study outline
at their own expense, which I hope will be available to be
discussed with this report. Based on my discussion with
® 3 - REPORT NO, �'
3 . Hacorimend a t ions i 4 coat `d ..... )
H. Kircher, President of Larry Smith research Limited, l am
reco?nmendi.ng that they be authorized to undertake a Commercial
f7eeds Study under terms to be subsequently agreed and in consul-
tation with myself and Municipal Planning Consultants. The cost
of the study should be charged to prospective cot.imercral devel-
opers on the basis of benefit derived. That would consist of a
charge for square footage approved as a result of the study.
This cost would be collected at the time of rezoning or approval
of site plans. Both of the two largest proponents have verbally
expressed a willingness to absorb a share of the cost of such a
study.
Respectfully submitted,
George F. Howden,
Planning Director.