Report
to/Rapport au :
Planning
and Environment Committee
Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement
and Council / et au Conseil
16 April 2009 / le 16 avril 2009
Submitted by/Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager
Directrice municipale adjointe,
Infrastructure
Services and Community Sustainability
Services d’infrastructure et Viabilité des collectivités
Contact
Person/Personne-ressource : John Smit, Manager/Gestionnaire, Development
Review-Urban Services/Examen des projets d'aménagement-Services urbains,
Planning and Growth Management/Urbanisme et Gestion de la croissance
(613) 580-2424,
13866 John.Smit@ottawa.ca
SUBJECT: |
Zoning – 131, 135
AND 137 Holland Avenue (FILE NO. D02-02-08-0133) |
|
|
OBJET : |
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning and Environment Committee recommend
Council approve an amendment to the Zoning By-law 2008-250 to change the zoning
of 131, 135 and 137 Holland Avenue as shown in Document 1 from “GM[130]
F(3.0) H(19) and GM[130] F(1.5) H(11) – General Mixed-Use Zone" to a new
GM [xxxx] F(3.86) Sxx – General Mixed-Use Zone with exceptions and a schedule
as detailed in Document 2 and Document 3.
RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT
Que le Comité de
l’urbanisme et de l’environnement recommande au Conseil d’approuver une
modification au Règlement de zonage 2008-250 visant à faire passer la désignation
de zonage des propriétés situées aux 131, 135 et 137, avenue Holland, qui sont
illustrées au document 1, de « GM[130] F(3.0) H(19) et GM[130] F(1.5)
H(11) – Zone d’utilisations polyvalente générale » à « GM [xxxx]
F(3.86) Sxx – Zone d’utilisations polyvalentes générale assortie d’exceptions
et d’une annexe », comme le précisent les documents 2 et 3.
BACKGROUND
The subject properties, 131, 135
and 137 Holland Avenue, are located on the east side of Holland Avenue
just south of Wellington Street. The
property has an area of 1,545.3 square metres with a frontage of 48.7 metres
along Holland Avenue and a depth of 31.70 metres. The portion of the site known as 131 Holland Avenue is currently
used as a 35-space commercial parking lot.
At 135 Holland Avenue, there is a one-storey concrete block building
used as a retail business, and at 137 Holland Avenue, there is a 1½-storey
brick dwelling.
The surrounding
lands comprise of two and three-storey residential and commercial use buildings
along Holland Avenue to the south, two and three-storey residential buildings
to the east and west, and a mix of commercial and residential buildings along
Wellington Street to the north. Along
Wellington Street, the existing buildings range from one to two-storeys on the
south side, and from five to 11-storeys on the north side.
The
applicant proposes to redevelop the site with an eight-storey (24.8 metre) high
apartment building fronting on Holland Avenue having 67 dwelling units, 66
underground parking spaces, four visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR parking
spaces located within the ground floor garage.
In addition to the residential component, there will be 214 square
metres of ground floor commercial space situated on the north side of the
apartment entrance (main lobby). The
building height will vary (see Proposed Height Schedule – Document 3) to
provide a transition to the surrounding residential neighbourhood to the south
and east.
The property at 131 Holland Avenue is currently zoned GM [130] F(3.0) H(19), a General Mixed-Use Zone which permits a broad range of residential, commercial, mixed-use and institutional uses. Residential uses include apartment dwelling (low rise and mid-high rise), multiple attached dwelling, planned unit development, retirement homes, and stacked dwelling. Commercial uses include animal hospital, convenience store, day care, drive-through facility, funeral home, medical facility, office, personal service business, service and repair shop, and training centre. Exception zone [130] prohibits the following uses: bank, catering establishment, place of assembly, recreational and athletic facility, restaurant, retail store, and retail food store. This zone also contains provisions in regard to setbacks for yards, lot area, lot width, and establishing a maximum building height of 19 metres and a floor space index of 3.0.
The properties at 135 and 137 Holland Avenue are currently zoned GM [130] F(1.5) H(11). The only difference is that the maximum building height permitted is 11 metres and the floor space index is 1.5.
The Committee of Adjustment on September 15, 2005 granted minor variances to allow the development of an eight-storey, 42-unit apartment building at 131-135 Holland Avenue. The variances approved included: increase in building height from 19.0 to 24.8 metres and increase in floor space index from 3.0 to 4.4 for the property at 131 Holland Avenue; increase in building height from 10.7 to 12.90 metres and increase in floor space index from 1.5 to 2.5 for the property at 135 Holland Avenue; and a reduced front yard from 3.0 to 0 metres.
The lands abutting the subject site to the north and along Wellington Street are zoned TM H(19) – Traditional Mainstreet Zone, while to the east is an R4H – Residential Fourth Density Zone and, to the west is an R3I – Residential Third Density Zone. The lands abutting the subject site to the south and ending at Tyndall Street are zoned the same as 135 and 137 Holland Avenue - GM [130] F(1.5) H(11) – General Mixed-Use Zone.
In order to redevelop the site as proposed, the applicant would like to amend the Zoning By-law to change the zoning of the property from GM[130] F(3.0) H(19) and GM[130] F(1.5) H(11) – General Mixed-Use Zone to a new GM [xxxx] F(3.86) Sxx – General Mixed‑Use Zone with exceptions and a schedule.
Exceptions to the standard
provisions are required to permit the proposed development. These pertain to the following:
·
allowing
a maximum building height of 24.8 metres from 19.0 metres for 131 and
135 Holland Avenue and a maximum building height of 12.8 metres from 11.0
metres for 137 Holland Avenue (see Document 3)
·
reducing
the front yard setback from the required 3.0 metres to 0.4 metres
·
reducing
the minimum width of landscaped area abutting a street from the required
3.0 metres to 0.4 metres
·
reducing
the minimum required number of parking spaces for a retail store from five to 0
·
reducing
the required visitor parking spaces from 11 spaces to four
·
limiting
non-residential uses to the ground floor with an area not exceeding 214 square
metres of total cumulative gross floor area
·
prohibiting
the following non-residential uses; bank, catering establishment, place of
assembly, recreational and athletic facility, and restaurant as a primary use.
Other minor exceptions are requested for the underground garage. They pertain to some driveways, aisles and parking sizes.
In support of the Zoning
By-law amendment application, the applicant has submitted various materials,
including: a planning rationale report, a Sun Shade Study, and, briefs
regarding traffic generation and parking.
An application for Site Plan Control was submitted on December 24, 2008,
which includes detailed development plans for servicing, stormwater management,
noise, landscaping, building elevations, perspectives, and plans.
Site Plan
The Site Plan submitted in
support of the application (see Document 4), illustrates the extent of the
proposed development. The proposed
eight-storey apartment building will be fronting on Holland Avenue and will
have a central pedestrian entrance on the street. The building will
have a total of 67 dwelling units, 66 underground parking spaces, four
visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR parking spaces located within the ground
floor garage. Vehicular
access will be from Holland Avenue.
In addition to the residential component, there will be 214 square metres of ground floor commercial space situated on the north side of the apartment entrance. New landscaping is proposed throughout the site. Bicycle parking comprised of 34 spaces will be accommodated on-site and within the parking garage.
DISCUSSION
The Strategic Directions Section of the Official Plan advocates creating liveable communities by providing a full range and choice of housing types. The Strategic Directions also call for intensifying within existing development areas to accommodate the City’s projected population growth. Within the Greenbelt, it is expected that at least 40 per cent of new housing development will be in the form of townhouses or apartments.
The Official Plan designates the subject property as General Urban Area. Lands with this designation are to contain a full range of housing types and tenures to meet the needs of the population, along with conveniently located commercial uses. The policies for the General Urban Area indicate that when considering a proposal for residential intensification, it is important to recognize the new development in relation to the existing built form and planned function for areas and to consider its contribution to the maintenance and achievement of a balance of housing types and tenures to provide a full range of housing for a variety of demographic profiles throughout the General Urban Area. The current development concept for an eight-storey apartment building along Holland Avenue and on the outer edge of an inner urban community is seen to implement the overall strategic direction of the Official Plan as it relates to lands designated General Urban Area.
Section 2.5.1 of the Official Plan recognizes that introducing new development in existing areas requires a sensitive approach to differences between the new development and the established area and that allowing for some flexibility and variation that complements the character of existing communities is central to successful intensification. Section 2.5.1 further recognizes that compatible development does not necessarily mean the same or similar to existing development, but that compatible development can be achieved that enhances an established community and co-exists without causing undue adverse impact. The design objectives and criteria set out in Section 2.5.1 make reference to Annex 3, which while not part of the Plan, sets out a number of design considerations that support providing for development that fits and works well.
Staff have reviewed the proposal in the context
of the design objectives and principles set out in Section 2.5.1 and are
satisfied that the proposal does fit and work well in its urban context. It will provide a compatible intensified
form of development on the edge of an existing residential neighbourhood and
abutting commercial and mixed-use zoned lands along Holland Avenue and
Wellington Street without any appreciable adverse impacts to the existing
community.
Allowing denser residential development close to the nearby office
development at Tunney’s Pasture government complex and the Holland Cross
commercial/office complex, will provide opportunities for employees to live
within walking distance of their place of employment. It also provides
opportunities for use of public transit, due to the site’s proximity to the
east/west transit corridor along Scott Street. The redevelopment of the site,
now used predominately as a parking lot with a commercial use building and one
dwelling unit, for intensified residential purposes will extend the residential
community closer to Wellington Street and create a stronger link between the
neighbourhood and the commercial area.
The high quality design of the project will enhance the area and add to the high level of design, which is characteristic of the mixed-use development in the area. Landscaping on the site, and the creation of an outdoor amenity area at the rear of the building, will create a more residential character to this part of the neighbourhood.
Section 4.11, in setting out the more traditional planning considerations to be assessed in reviewing development proposals, provides a context for the policies that are to be considered. Of particular note is the recognition that intensification can occur anywhere and achieve the Plan’s strategic directions. Zoning for areas adjacent to major roads, at the periphery of neighbourhoods or around transit stations, may allow for more intense development that is permitted by the current zoning, subject to the compatibility of the proposed development being considered as set out under Section 4.11.
Section 4.11 further notes that the measures of compatibility will vary depending on the use and planning context for a proposed development and that in any given situation, certain criteria may not apply and/or may be weighted differently on the basis of site circumstances.
The
subject site is an ideal location for intensification. It is located along a major collector
(Holland Avenue), abut properties adjacent to a major road and Traditional
Mainstreet (Wellington Street), is at
the periphery of the existing residential neighbourhood located to the east,
and is within walking distance to a transit station (approximately 500 metres
to the Tunney’s Pasture transit station). Holland Avenue exhibits a vibrant retail mix
north of Wellington Street and serves as a functional pedestrian link to this
station.
The site has direct pedestrian access via the municipal sidewalk along
Holland Avenue to the nearby transit station on Scott Street and transit stops
along Holland Avenue and Wellington Street.
Landscaped open space will be provided at the rear of the site and new
fencing will be installed to create privacy for the existing residential
properties to the east. The area
between the front of the building and the City sidewalk will be landscaped with
a mixture of trees, shrubs and grass.
The
Site Plan (see Document 4) proposes a logical and orderly development of the
subject lands. The Site Plan Control
application consists of detailed site development, building,
landscaping, engineering and servicing information.
Schedule ‘B’ of the Official Plan, shows that the commercial buildings to the north of the site adjacent to Wellington Street are designated "Traditional Mainstreets" and the area north of Wellington Street, between Holland Avenue and Parkdale Avenue, is designated “Mixed Use Centre". Lands designated “Mainstreets” are intended to become linear mixed-use focal areas allowing for a more dense and urban form of development, while building sensitively on existing neighbourhoods and supporting pedestrian activity. The subject development serves to provide an appropriate transition between the low-profile residential neighbourhood and Wellington Street, and help support existing and future commercial development along Wellington Street and provide an appropriate context for future mixed-use developments along the east side of Holland Avenue and south to Tyndall Street.
In summary, the rezoning and the development proposed
serves to advance achieving the development concept called for by the Official
Plan. It is a highly accessible
location with all day, high frequency public transit along Holland Avenue and
Wellington Street, and close to a transitway (within 500 metres). The development proposed will provide a
residential use of a form and profile that will provide for the scale and
intensity of development contemplated while achieving the transition objectives
called for between the proposed development and existing Low Profile
Residential areas to the east and west.
Sun Shadow Study
The modifications requested to the current
zoning include allowing for an increased height for the proposed apartment
building to a maximum height of 24.8 metres from 19.0 metres for 131 and
135 Holland Avenue and a maximum height of 12.8 metres from 11.0 metres for
137 Holland Avenue (see Document 3).
The applicant has undertaken a Sun Shadow Study in support of the
application. The Sun Shadow Study is a
compilation of illustrations of the subject lands and neighbouring area showing
the impact of shadows cast by the proposed buildings throughout the year. The illustrations submitted in support of
the application offer a seasonal perspective of shadows cast by the proposed
buildings three times a year, the sampling coincident with the winter and
summer solstice and the fall equinox.
For each of the three dates, the period of the day illustrated in the
study is 9:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The only significant impact is the shadowing in the late afternoon on the existing neighbourhood to the east. To lessen this impact, the proposed mid-rise apartment building is strategically positioned closer to Holland Avenue and the rear elevation of the building has been stepped down in order to minimize the visual and shadow impact. A separation distance of 7.5 metres between the closest edge of the proposed eight-storey apartment building and the rear lot line of housing along Hinton Avenue, and a separation of approximately 22 metres between the eight-storey apartment building and the rear wall of existing houses along Hinton Avenue will be provided. In addition, the applicant indicates that a flat roof will be utilized on the building with the top floor elevator shaft being receded from the edge.
The measures noted above of building location, design, and orientation will mitigate the impact of the building shadows. Further, the Department is satisfied that any additional impact resulting from the proposed building height increase for the proposed apartment building will not significantly add to the off-site impacts that would result from the current building heights allowed by the current zoning.
Traffic and Parking
Schedule ‘D’ ‑ Primary Transit Network and Schedule
‘E’ ‑ Urban Road Network of the Official Plan designate Holland Avenue as
an existing Major Collector and Wellington Street as an Arterial Road. The subject
development will be in proximity to transit services and will help support
existing and future transit service. Also, there is a Rapid Transit Station
situated at Scott Street and Holland Avenue within 500 metres of the site.
The Transportation Overview submitted with the application, concludes that the adjacent road network is adequate to accommodate the proposed density. Staff have reviewed the Transportation Overview and have determined that the additional traffic that would be generated by the proposed development would be insignificant to traffic operations in the area.
Also, a Parking Survey was requested by staff to assess the parking reduction requested by the applicant. The findings of the study concluded that the parking supply in this area can accommodate the proposed density. Staff have reviewed the Parking Survey and have determined that the loss of parking would be insignificant to the existing parking supply in the area. Also, the proposed eight-storey, 67-unit apartment building will provide 66 underground parking spaces, four visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR parking spaces. The four visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR parking spaces are to be located within the ground floor garage level. Visitors will have easy access to the four parking spaces to the ground floor garage level since it does not have a controlled access door.
Servicing
The Site Services Design Brief submitted with the application, concluded that existing underground services are available to service this property and that the proposed development could be sustained by the City’s infrastructure in Holland Avenue.
Building Setbacks and Other
Exceptions
The applicant has
emphasized the minimizing of visual and shadow impact on the existing
neighbourhood to the east by strategically positioning the mid‑rise
apartment building closer to Holland Avenue and by stepping down the
rear elevation of the building, thus providing good separation distance between
the proposed rear edge of the apartment building and the rear wall of the
existing houses along Hinton Avenue. In
order to accommodate the development as proposed, some exceptions are required
to both the GM[130] F(3.0) H(19) and GM[130] F(1.5) H(11) zones such as
reductions to front yard setback, landscape area in front yard, visitor and
commercial parking, parking space size, aisle and driveway width.
The minimum building
setback and width of landscape area required abutting a street
(Holland Avenue) is three metres.
It is proposed to reduce these areas to 0.4 metres to help bring the
front wall of the building closer to Holland Avenue thus helping to reduce the
shadowing on the rear of existing houses located along Hinton Avenue. Notwithstanding, a four metre wide
landscaped area will be provided utilizing the existing boulevard between the
new building and the municipal sidewalk.
Some of
the exceptions are required due to structural or mechanical requirements of the
building’s three-level below grade parking garage. The
exceptions pertaining to driveways, aisle widths, and parking sizes located
within the underground garage are considered to be minor.
As for the proposed
reduction of visitor parking spaces from 11 spaces to four, the applicant has
indicated that visitor parking is best utilized if it is situated in surface
parking areas where they can be more easily accessible. The ground level parking area accommodates
four visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR spaces. It is also proposed to not provide any commercial parking spaces
since the existing on-street parking in the area can accommodate any deficiency
if needed, as concluded in the Parking Study provided with this
application. Five parking spaces would
normally be required for the retail use proposed on the ground floor of the
building.
The Department is satisfied that the proposed exceptions are
appropriate and will help achieve a proper development for the site.
A Phase I Environmental Site Analysis and a Noise Assessment and Control report have been submitted in conjunction with the related Site Plan Control application. The conclusions of both reports indicate that there are no issues with the proposed development.
CONSULTATION
Notice of this application was carried out in accordance with the City's Public Notification and Consultation Policy. The Ward Councillor is aware of this application and the staff recommendation.
Numerous comments have been received from the public. The issues can be summarized as follows: building height and massing, shadowing, design, front yard setback, and parking. Details of the notification and consultation process are highlighted in Document 6.
If this matter were to come before the Ontario Municipal Board with professional evidence both in support of the application and in support of less development, it estimated that the hearing would be of five days duration. If the City had to retain outside consultants, the cost is estimated to be in the range of $25,000 to $40,000.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The application was not processed by the "On Time Decision Date" established for the processing of Zoning By-law amendments due to the delay by the applicant in submitting a Parking Study.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Document 1 Location Map
Document 2 Details of Recommended Zoning
Document 3 Building Height Schedule
Document 4 Site Plan
Document 5 Building Perspective
Document 6 Consultation Details
City Clerk and Legal Services Branch, Legislative Services to notify the owner, 1763257 Ontario Inc., 371A Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON, K2A 0E7, applicant, J.E. Ironside Consulting, 127 Lakeside Drive, RR#2, Carleton Place, ON, K7C 3P2, OttawaScene.com, 174 Colonnade Road, Unit #33, Ottawa, ON K2E 7J5, Ghislain Lamarche, Program Manager, Assessment, Financial Services Branch (Mail Code: 26-76) of City Council’s decision.
Planning and Growth Management Department to prepare the implementing by-law, forward to Legal Services and undertake the statutory notification.
Legal Services to forward the implementing by-law to City Council.
DETAILS OF RECOMMENDED ZONING DOCUMENT 2
The properties
known municipally as 131, 135 and 137 Holland Avenue shown on Document 1 will
be rezoned from GM[130] F(3.0) H(19) and GM[130] F(1.5) H(11) to GM[XXX]
F(3.86) S(XX).
Document 3
will be added to Part 17 as Schedule XX and will set out the maximum permitted
building heights for 131, 135 and 137 Holland Avenue.
A new
exception, GM[XXX] F(3.86) S(XX), will be added to Section 239 – Urban
Exceptions and will include the following:
1.
Non-residential
uses are only permitted on the ground floor and the total cumulative gross
floor area of all non-residential uses cannot exceed 214 square metres.
2.
The following uses
are prohibited: bank, catering establishment, place of assembly, recreational
and athletic facility, and restaurant established as a principle use. A restaurant accessory or ancillary to a
permitted commercial use is permitted.
3.
Despite clause
187(3)(c), the minimum front yard setback is 0.4 metres.
4.
Despite
Section 101 and Table 101(cp), the minimum required number of parking spaces for a retail
store is 0.
5.
Despite
Section 102 and Table 102(a), the minimum required number of visitor parking spaces
is 4.
6. Despite
clause 106(1)(b), 1 of the parking spaces below grade can have a reduced
minimum required length of 4.2 metres.
7. Despite
clause 107(1)(c) and Table 107(d), the minimum required aisle width can be reduced to:
a. 5.8
metres for a combined distance of 40.0 metres, which may be broken up into
separate lengths throughout the parking garage,
b. 4.7 metres where abutting
the most westerly facing exterior wall of the elevator lobby, and
c. 5.5 metres along ramps
providing access between all levels of the parking garage.
8. Despite
subsection 106(4), where a parking space is located abutting or near a wall,
column or other similar surface that obstructs the opening of the doors of a
parked vehicle or limits access to a parking space, the minimum required width
of 6 such parking spaces can be reduced to 2.4 metres.
9. Despite subclause 187(3)(h)(i), the minimum
width of a landscaped area abutting a street is 0.4 metres.
BUILDING HEIGHT SCHEDULE DOCUMENT
3
SITE PLAN DOCUMENT
4
BUILDING PERSPECTIVE DOCUMENT
5
Holland Avenue – West and South elevation
Holland Avenue – North and
West elevations
CONSULTATION DETAILS DOCUMENT
6
NOTIFICATION AND CONSULTATION PROCESS
Notification
and public consultation was undertaken in accordance with the Public
Notification and Public Consultation Policy approved by City Council for Zoning
By-law amendments. Two public meetings
were also held in the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ten responses were received from the posting of the on-site sign. Two responses were in support of the proposal. A summary of public comments and staff responses are presented below.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC INPUT
1. Comment: The addition of yet another tall building in the vicinity will likely have a negative effect on the neighbourhood’s character. The character of our neighbourhood that has made it a desirable place to live is eroded with each zoning bylaw height exemption. Please don’t take my objections to imply that I’m totally against the City of Ottawa’s stated goal of intensifying urban development. I strongly feel that the building height of 19 metres, as currently zoned, adequately meets the City’s stated intensification goal.
Response: The existing zoning designation for the subject property does permit a maximum height of 19.0 metres. The Committee of Adjustment on September 15, 2005 granted minor variances to allow the development of an eight-storey, 42-unit apartment building at 131‑135 Holland Avenue. The most significant variances approved were: increase in building height from 19.0 to 24.8 metres and increase in floor space index from 3.0 to 4.4 for the property at 131 Holland Avenue; increase in building height from 10.7 to 12.90 metres and increase in floor space index from 1.5 to 2.5 for the property at 135 Holland Avenue; reduced front yard from 3.0 to 0 metres. The developer has since purchased the property at 137 Holland Avenue and submitted a zoning amendment application for consideration by the City to modify the height and density increases approved by the Committee of Adjustment to extend over the additional lands purchased. The Proposed Height Schedule (see Document 3) indicates the new proposed building heights which will vary to provide a transition to the surrounding residential neighbourhood to the south and east.
Staff are satisfied that no undue adverse impact will result for the existing community and, as discussed, consider the proposal to be consistent with applicable policies in the Official Plan.
2. Comment: I am concerned with the increased shadow effect due to the height of the proposed development. Specifically I’m worried about how an exemption will reduce the amount of afternoon daylight received on my property (125 Hinton Avenue) and my neighbours’ properties and how it will negatively impact the enjoyment of our properties.
Response: The applicant has emphasized the minimizing
of visual and shadow impact on the existing neighbourhood to the east by
strategically positioning the mid‑rise apartment building closer to
Holland Avenue and by stepping down the rear elevation of the building, thus
providing good separation distance between the proposed rear edge of the
apartment building and the rear wall of the existing houses along Hinton
Avenue. Staff are satisfied that any
additional impact resulting from the proposed building height increase for the
proposed apartment building will not significantly add to the off-site impacts
that would result from the current building heights allowed by the current
zoning as modified by the Committee of Adjustment.
3. Comment: The introduction of a new building in the immediate area will exacerbate the existing parking problem by increasing the number of dwelling units and removing some of the existing parking supply provided by this property.
Response: The Parking Survey
submitted with this application concluded that the parking supply in this area
is ample to accommodate the proposed density.
Staff have reviewed the Parking Survey and
have determined that the loss of parking would be insignificant to the existing
parking supply in the area. Also, the
proposed eight-storey, 67-unit apartment building will provide 66 underground
parking spaces, four visitor parking spaces and two VRTUCAR parking spaces. The four visitor parking spaces and two
VRTUCAR parking spaces are to be located within the ground floor garage
level. Visitors will have easy access
to the four parking spaces to the ground floor garage level since it does not
have a controlled access door.
4. Comment: The proposal is also seeking to reduce the front yard setback from 3.0 to 0.4 metres. As a pedestrian residing in the area, I do not support this reduction as the ramification is a narrowing of the sidewalk which may force pedestrians to walk closer to traffic along a four lane arterial street (Holland Avenue).
Response: It is
proposed to bring the front wall of building closer to the Holland Avenue
right-of-way in order to help reduce the shadowing on the rear yards of
existing houses located along Hinton Avenue.
Given the width of the boulevard, a landscaped area of four metres will
remain between the building and sidewalk.
The existing sidewalk located along Hinton Avenue is presently safe and
will not change as a result of this development.
COUNCILLOR’S COMMENTS
Councillor Christine Leadman is aware of this application.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION COMMENTS
The Hintonburg Community Association have indicated that in general it does not object to the proposal, however have the following issues:
Height
135 Holland Ave.
This is the portion which was previously varied from 3 to 4 stories. It is now proposed that it be 8 stories at Holland and 6 stories at the rear, matching the 131-133 Holland section.
Recommend that this section be reduced to 6 stories in total.
137 Holland
Avenue: This is the newly acquired
property where the height is to be increased from 3 stories to 4 stories.
Response: The Committee of Adjustment on September 15, 2005 granted minor variances to allow the development of an eight-storey, 42-unit apartment building at 131-135 Holland Avenue. The Proposed Height Schedule (see Document 3) indicates the new proposed building heights which will vary to provide a transition to the surrounding residential neighbourhood to the south and east. Staff are satisfied that no undue adverse impact will result for the existing community and, as discussed, consider the proposal to be consistent with applicable policies in the Official Plan.
Massing on Holland Ave.
The building is now longer than before and more frontage is occupied by 8 stories without any setbacks. It is not clear from the massing studies if there is to be any articulation on this façade, although the use of varied materials was mentioned as a way to mitigate the visual impact.
Recommend that you consider articulation (eg to
accentuate the entrance) or set back(s) at upper levels to reduce the impact of
the building.
Response: The high quality design of the project will enhance the area and add to the high level of design, which is characteristic of the mixed-use development in the area (ie. GCTC). The proposed west elevation is articulated with some changes in massing by the use of vertical bands, variations in materials, balconies and windows.
Transition from medium to low profile
The transition between your building and lower profile development to the south could be improved.
Recommend that the change from 8 to 6 to 4 stories as
suggested above would ease the transition.
The owners of 139 Holland expressed a concern that the view of their commercial building will be obstructed from the north and that the only window that allows light to the second floor will be shadowed by the proposed building. The separation between 137 and 139 Holland is very narrow since the driveway for 139 Holland is on the south side of the building.
Recommend that the front yard set-back be increased at
137 Holland to more closely match that of 139 Holland and buildings to the
south, and that the side yard set-back at the lot line with 139 Holland be
increased from the minimum in order to allow light to reach the windows on the
north wall.
Response: The building transition to the lower profile development to the south is appropriate. The building not only steps back to four storeys but cuts-in at-grade to provide an angular view of the building to the immediate south (see Document 5). The zoning of the lands south of the subject site also permits new buildings to have up to four storeys in height.
Tree at 137 Holland
Has any thought been given to preserving the tree at 137 Holland, near the lot line with 139?
Response: The tree in front of 137 Holland Avenue will be preserved.
The West Wellington Community
Association has provided the following comment: “WWCA feels that
the HCA zoning committee has done a very thorough review of the proposal
and concurs with their analysis. Domicile
is proceeding on the assumption that it is appropriate to
extend zoning relief (minor variances on height and density) which had been
previously granted to the northern part of the site across the
newly acquired portions of the site to the south, which in fact have
significantly lower height and density provisions under current zoning.
The sustainability measures and architectural composition challenges to the developer contained in the HCA letter are also sensible. There is no setback on the way up the building so what remains is a rather severe 8 storey building face. Given the extent of zoning relief requested, WWCA challenges the developer and design team to come back with a more sympathetic response to the context.”
Response: As indicated above, the high quality design of the project will enhance the area and add to the high level of design, which is characteristic of the mixed-use development in the area (ie. GCTC). The proposed west elevation is articulated with some changes in massing by the use of vertical bands, variations in materials, balconies and windows.