Vaughan townhouses allowed
NRU
Feb. 17, 2016
In a January 27 decision, board member Helen Jackson allowed an appeal by City Park Homes against the City of Vaughan’s failure to make a decision on its zoning by-law amendment and site plan approval applications for 8204 and 8210 Pine Valley Road. City Park sought permission to build 24 freehold townhouses and four freehold semi-detached units on a private condominium road.
Prior to the hearing a settlement was reached among City Park, the city and York Region. The settlement requires City Park to undertake a phase 1 environmental site analysis to ensure the property is free from contamination or pollution and imposes other conditions such as road access, traffic management and noise abatement.
Planner John Zipay (Weston Consulting) provided evidence on behalf of City Park and in support of the settlement. He testified the proposal is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms to the Growth Plan as well as the regional and city official plans. He stated the proposal represents a desirable form of infill development that will provide a diversity of housing and foster affordability.
Engineering technologist Kim Nystrom (Cole Engineering) provided evidence on behalf of City Park. He testified the proposed development will have a minimal traffic impact on Pine Valley Road and that the one access point proposed is sufficient.
Residents Tania Tomassini, Andrew Fahel and Lilian Iocobelli appeared at the hearing in opposition to the appeal. They expressed concerns related to traffic and pedestrian safety, overdevelopment, noise and lighting from the proposed visitor parking area and children’s playground.
The board agreed with Zipay and Nystrom’s evidence, allowing the appeal with the conditions set out in the settlement, pending finalization of the zoning by-law amendment and site plan agreement.
