Richmond Hill councillors spar over ‘insulting’ village project
Heated exchanges as Muench, Beros urge talks with developer
Yorkregion.com
May 25, 2016
By Kim Zarzour
Two local councillors were at loggerheads with the rest of council this week over how to proceed with controversial plans for the village core.
Robert Salna Holdings and Pennytech Inc. propose to build an eight-storey, mixed use residential/commercial structure on the east side of Yonge between Centre and Dunlop streets.
Town staff, however, recommended a variety of changes to make the proposal fit better with the unique heritage characteristics of the downtown core.
In January, the developer filed an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.
But at Monday’s council meeting, Ward 2 Councillor Tom Muench, supported by Ward 1 Councillor Greg Beros, appealed to fellow councillors to continue negotiating with the developer.
A strained, hour-long debate ensued, as Muench argued it was “grossly unfair” that, just because the developer filed an OMB appeal, the town wouldn’t work with him to negotiate a settlement.
While discussions can continue through mediation, the town’s CAO Neil Garbe said, the negotiation process has been “hijacked” now that developer has gone to directly to the provincial OMB.
The properties in question - located in Muench’s ward at 10217 and 10225 Yonge St. - hold buildings listed in the town’s Inventory of Buildings of Architectural and Historical Importance.
In September 2014, Salna Holdings submitted a zoning bylaw amendment application to the town, seeking approval to permit a 72,000 square-foot building with 81 units.
It would be an appropriate and much-needed kickstart for revitalization in the village core and mirrors the height of the Tridel condo to the south, the developer’s planner, Michael Manett, told council Monday night.
But council and residents have identified a lengthy list of concerns surrounding the Salna proposal including parking, traffic, protection of trees, preservation of heritage buildings, excessive height, density and scale and incompatibility with the character of the town’s downtown and impact on the nearby United Church steeple.
The proposed development does not conform with either the town’s old or new official plan, according to a staff report. It does not address concerns raised by staff, doesn’t comply with the village district height limit of five storeys, nor does it provide for a linked system of courtyards and mews, as required by the new official plan.
The developer appealed to the OMB and a pre-hearing conference is set for May 31.
In March, the developer’s planner was invited to a meeting with residents on revitalizing the downtown core, held by Muench, where the planner made his case for the Salna proposal.
NO PUBLIC CONCERN
At that meeting, Manett told council this week, the public showed no concern regarding an eight-storey development.
Details of the Salna proposal were not presented at that March 28 Easter Monday meeting, nor were the town’s concerns. Several residents also questioned why town planners were notably absent.
According to planning commissioner Ana Bassios, Muench did not extend them an invitation (an issue that is currently the subject of a formal code of conduct complaint filed by a Ward 2 resident).
Muench suggested to council Tuesday night that the town should focus on negotiating with the developer.
“Instead of letting a legal tribunal go forward, I’m asking can we try to find a solution amongst ourselves? ... We might be able to save the town a lot of money, we might be able to communicate we are working cooperatively.”
Bassios told Muench she would prefer the applicant had addressed the concerns earlier, rather than trigger litigation through an OMB appeal - and if the developer wants to engage in a discussion, then he should withdraw the appeal.
In the meantime, she said, staff needs direction from council in order to prepare for next week’s pre-hearing.
Manett had a different suggestion: he asked council to tell the OMB the town approves the proposal in principle and prefers to negotiate a settlement with the developer.
That idea is “ludicrous,” said Mayor Dave Barrow.
“Discussions can continue through mediation ... but we have to go to the OMB with something so we can follow the OMB process that we are driven to by the applicant.”
‘AN INSULT TO PEOPLE IN THE AREA’
As for the proposed development, Barrow said, “this application is an insult to the Town of Richmond Hill. It’s an insult to those people who live in the area of the downtown because it is nowhere in compliance with the downtown plan that we worked on with the residents.”
Muench then presented an amendment directing staff to continue discussions with the applicant - something Beros thought was reasonable.
“At least we can say we tried our best,” said Beros.
But the rest of council disagreed.
Asking staff to talk to an applicant who is suing the town is “micromanaging”, said Regional Councillor Vito Spatafora and is an insult, said Ward 3 Councillor Castro Liu.
