Carolyne McNabney, Resident, appeared before the Committee and stated that the Public Meeting in March 2019 was well attended and that residents expressed various concerns and numerous inquiries about the proposed development. Ms. McNabney advised that she only became aware of the recommendation report being presented at this meeting a week ago. She stated that she understood that following the Public Meeting further meetings would take place between residents and the developer to discuss and respond to the various inquiries. She noted that there have not been any further discussions and the concerns and questions have not been answered. She stated that the proposed change to zoning to permit an increase in the building height from three to four storeys was not consistent with the Town's Official Plan or the existing neighbourhood. She inquired about the type of proposed housing, i.e., affordable, seniors or rental, where children from the proposed development would attend school, whether a civil infrastructure impact study was undertaken, and the sanitary sewer capacity for the proposed development. She noted that an environmental assessment should have been undertaken by a neutral third party assessor. Ms. McNabney raised concerns about shadowing, privacy, the increased traffic and traffic congestion, providing adequate parking, the proposed chain-link fence, and the grading of the site and potential water drainage/flooding of existing properties. She expressed concerns about the proposed garbage and snow storage area and asked whether it would be enclosed and/or relocated to prevent snow melt and garbage from migrating onto the existing residential properties. Ms. McNabney inquired about the timeline for the commencement and completion of construction, noting the impact of the construction noise for existing residents and pets.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Ms. McNabney regarding:
- whether there has been any communication between the existing residents and the proponent since the Public Meeting in 2019;
- whether there were any changes to the proposed development between 2019 and present; and,
- how the delegate was notified about the Committee of the Whole meeting and whether the notice indicated the rationale for the change in the height of the building from three to four storeys, and whether the delegate was aware of whether other neighbours were notified of the meeting.