Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall
6911 No. 3 Road

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Cynthia Chen

Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Gail Johnson, Acting Corporate Officer

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie opened the proceedings at 7:00 p.m.

1.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8115 (RZ 05-296591)

(11991 No. 1 Road and 3931 Chatham Street; Applicant:  H. A. Berg Investments Ltd.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Memorandum dated December 12, 2006, Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development (Schedule 1)

H. A. (Tussy) Berg, H. A. Berg Investments, 3011 Richmond Street (Schedule 2)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/12-1

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8115 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

2A.

Proposed Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5443

(the area bounded by Williams Road, No. 4 Road, Steveston Highway, and Shell Road)

2B.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8128< (RZ 06-328429)

(10020 No. 4 Road; Applicant:  Les Cohen and Azim Bhimani)

2C.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8129 (RZ 06-329052)

(10120 Williams Road; Applicant:  Benn Panesar)

2D.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8131 (RZ 06-330156)

(10260 Williams Road; Applicant:  Bob Kooner)

2E.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8132 (RZ 06-330492)

(10100 Williams Road; Applicant:  Ajit Thaliwal)

2F.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8133 (RZ 06-334343)

(10600 Williams Road; Applicant:  Dhinjal Construction Ltd.)

2G.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8134 (RZ 06-340380)

(10280 Williams Road; Applicant:  Satnam Sangha)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicants advised that they were available to answer questions.

Mr. Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development provided a brief review of the proposed single family lot size policy amendment. In response to a question, Mr. Lamontagne confirmed there were no R9 applications being presented at this Public Hearing.

Written Submissions:

Juan Que, 10851 Aragon Road (Schedule 3)

Greg and Val Lea, 10231 Aintree Crescent (Schedule 4)

A 57 signature petition in support of Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5443 amendment and proposed rezonings (Schedule 5)

Greg and Grace Klemke, 10220 No. 4 Road (Schedule 6)

A 25 signature petition opposed to smaller lots (Schedule 7)

Submissions from the floor:

Larry Spouler, 10391 Dennis Crescent spoke in opposition to the proposed lot size policy, stating that he is happy with the present character of the neighbourhood, believing that additional density will place a strain on the neighbourhood and community services, and create a loss in lane access.

Linda Spouler, 10391 Dennis Crescent spoke in opposition to the proposed lot size policy, questioning the applicants’ intentions of building the homes to personally reside in them or sell them. She expressed her desire to maintain the present sense of community in the neighbourhood and stated her concern with regard to subdivision of lots.  

Mati Laane, 10428 Dennis Crescent expressed his disagreement with the logic behind the proposal, believing that the current road and lane infrastructure would not be able to accommodate additional traffic. He also said that visitors often comment about the beauty of the neighbourhood, which should be maintained.

In response to a query, Mr. Lamontagne, commented that if this proposal is approved, concerns regarding traffic related issues could be addressed by staff upon Council’s direction.

Margo Fowler, 10091 Dennis Place referring to a map, pointed out several lots that she believed would need to contribute land in order to accommodate the  right angle turn in the lane south of Williams Road. She then referred to a photograph of a newer home in the neighbourhood and spoke about the lack of green space and increase in traffic due to the number of residents accessing the alley.

Ms. Fowler also felt that the City did not make the area residents aware of the results of the  questionnaires that were filled out with regard to this proposal and concluded by stating that she is very unhappy with the proposal.

Jagjit Sandhu, 10071 Dennis Place spoke in opposition to the proposed lot size policy, noting the impact caused by previous subdivision and development of two lots behind his house. Increased density, congestion, and service fees such as garbage pick up, and parking in the alley have adversely affected him. He also stated that the new homes are blocking his view of the mountains and believed that his property will decline in value due to subdivisions.

Robert Waite, 10340 Albion Road and 11311 Williams Road spoke in support of the proposal, believing the neighbourhood will benefit from improved streetscape and pedestrian access, and from energy efficient homes that will be environmentally friendly. He felt that the general impact of one large home vs. two smaller homes is virtually the same, and that it would be a great disservice to the area property owners if this proposal is not approved. He also stated that leaving the houses as they are presently will lead to potential slum rental houses. 

Sep Pan, 10260 Williams Road stated that due to his disability, he requires a home that will serve his specific needs. Currently on a limited income,  he felt that  approval of this proposal would put him in the position to subdivide and build  such a home. He also stated that according to the City bylaws, it is illegal to park in the back lane.

Jasvir Nagra, 10200 No. 4 Road spoke in opposition to the proposal and stated that her home will be affected by the increase in traffic from Dennis Place, particularly as she is located close to the light on No. 4 Road and Williams Road, and there isn’t enough space to allow cars to pass at this intersection. She also expressed concern with regard to the size of the lots and homes being too small.

In response to a query, Mr. Lamontagne advised that No. 4 Road will have lane access; and that the two lots located north and south of this property do not meet minimum lot size requirements for R1.06 subdivision.

Kulbir Singh Kahlon, 10080 Dennis Place spoke in opposition to the lot size policy stating that single family homes and townhouse developments should not be mixed in the same area as residents that occupy both styles of housing will have different lifestyles. 

Tony Hill, 10340 Albion Road and 11311 Williams Road expressed his dissatisfaction with the increase in run down rental homes that have created drug activity in the neighbourhood. He felt that the approval of this proposal would benefit the area residents by replacing those run down homes with new heritage homes as well as reduce traffic noise from Williams Road.

In response to a query, Mr. Lamontagne  advised that the maximum height for houses in single family zoning districts is 9 metres; that the habitable space of a house has to be above road level; and that if a lot needs to be raised, there is a possibility of the  finished level of the lot to vary but the height of the house will remain at 9 metres. He further advised that raising of lots is case specific and is addressed at the building permit stage.

Several speakers addressed Council for the second time raising the following points:

·         No. 4 Road and Williams Road do not have street parking to accommodate the increase in residents;

·         subdivision of the lots will decrease space for children to play;

·         the issue of drug activity and run down homes is exaggerated;

·         the neighbourhood has bungalows that are immaculately maintained, and are more affordable for young people;

·         the area currently presents a variety of choices of design style and size of homes for potential buyers;

·         size limits should be placed on new homes.

Raman Kooner, applicant for 10260 Williams Road spoke in support of the lot size policy. He provided an example of a break and entry at a house in the neighbourhood, resulting in vandalism. The use of drug paraphernalia was evident in that case.  He further advised that the landscaping and tree bylaw will provide a remedy to the lack of green space concerns expressed by area residents. Mr. Kooner concluded by stating that he and his father take great pride in their work and will build two very beautiful and different homes on these lots.

PH06/12-02

It was moved and seconded

That Single-Family Lot Size Policy 5443 for the area bounded by Williams Road, No. 4 Road, Steveston Highway, and Shell Road, be amended to permit:

i.

properties fronting on Williams Road from No. 4 Road to Shell Road and properties fronting on No. 4 Road from Williams Road to Dennis Place to subdivide in accordance with the provisions of Single Family Housing District (R1-0.6) or Coach House District (R9) provided that vehicle accesses are to the existing rear laneway only; and

ii.

retention of the Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E) zoning for all other properties within this quarter-section including properties fronting on No. 4 Road between Dennis Place and Wilkinson Road, and properties fronting on Shell Road between Williams Road and Maddocks Road for a minimum period of five years, as per the existing 702 Lot Size Policy.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Councillors Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Sue Halsey-Brandt

Harold Steves

PH06/12-03

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaws  8128, 8129, 8131, 8132, 8133, and 8134 each be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Councillors Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Sue Halsey-Brandt

Harold Steves

PH06/12-04

It was moved and seconded

That staff study and report back on traffic flow in the area of Single Family Lot Size Policy 5443, including the lanes, with a view to making improvements to address issues related to safety, parking, and accessibility, similar to that carried out to the east for Single Family Lot Size Policy 5434. 

CARRIED

3.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8140 (RZ 04-276170)

(11351, 11391, 11411, 11431, 11471 and 11491 Steveston Hwy; Applicant:  Jacken Investments Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

Carol Day, 11631 Seahurst Road (Schedule 8)

Submissions from the floor:

A resident of 11360 Seahurst Road spoke in opposition to the proposal and stated that she liked the quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood the way it is currently, and that this development would bring strangers into her neighbourhood. 

In response to several queries, Mr. Lamontagne advised that this proposed development will share vehicle access with another development; that there will be a total of three access points from Steveston Hwy; and that no back lane access will be provided.

PH06/12-05

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8140 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

4.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8143 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8144 (RZ 04-272679)

(11731 & 11991 Steveston Highway; Applicant: Gustavson Wylie Architects)

Applicant’s Comments:

In answer to a concern raised about idling of cars and the effect on the environment, the applicants confirmed that the drive-through component of this development is integral to the design.

Written Submissions:

Carol Day, 11631 Seahurst Road (Schedule 9)

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/12-06

It was moved and seconded

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 8143 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8144  each be given second and third readings.

The question on Resolution No. PH06/12-06 was not called as the following referral motion was introduced.

PH06/12-07

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaws 8143 and 8144  be referred back to staff to negotiate with the developer, the elimination of the drive-through feature of this proposal.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED: Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Councillors Cynthia Chen

Derek Dang

Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Rob Howard

Bill McNulty

The question on Resolution No. PH06/12-06 was called and it was CARRIED with Councillors Linda Barnes, Sue Halsey-Brandt and Harold Steves opposed.

5.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8148 (RZ 06-342551)

(11491 Williams Road; Applicant:  Jasbir Grewal)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

None.

PH06/12-08

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8148 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

6.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8158 (RZ 05-296361)

(7700, 7720, 7740, and 7760 Bridge Street; Applicant:  Patrick Cotter Architect Inc.)

Applicant’s Comments:

The applicant advised that he was available to answer questions.

Written Submissions:

None.

Submissions from the floor:

Carol Stromberg, 7680 Bridge Street voiced her concerns about traffic issues related to  Bridge Street and about privacy issues related to the height of the proposed buildings. She also expressed concern about potential drainage of water onto her property from these new developments. 

Jean Lamontagne, Director of Development offered to meet with Ms. Stromberg to discuss her concerns.

PH06/12-09

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning Amendment Bylaw 8158 be given second and third readings.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

PH06/12-10

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:25 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting for Public Hearings of the City of Richmond held on Monday, December 18, 2006.

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Acting Corporate Officer,

City Clerk’s Office
(Gail Johnson)