OMB hearing on height limits on Brant St and Old Lakeshore Road
Begins Nov. 28, 10am, Rm 247, City Hall
A local developer (Carnicelli) has taken the city to the Ontario Municipal Board to challenge height limits on Brant Street, and on the eastern edge of Old Lakeshore Road.
Brant Street: Carnicelli is challenging the new Official Plan rules for a lot at the corner of Brant and James. To view an aerial photo of the area click here. The city's old Official Plan allowed buildings up to 8 storeys on Brant Street. The most recent plan changed that height limit to 4 storeys, with allowance to go to 8 storeys with provision of community benefits under Section 37 of the Planning Act.
Community benefits are normally a cash contribution to community projects, mutually agreed to by the city and the developer.The amount of community benefits is calculated by an independent land appraiser who determines the increase in land value from the extra height allowed; 50% of that cash value is then negotiated with the developer as contributions to such items as parks, public art, parking, or landscaping. I spearheaded a process, with the help of another councillor, to review Section 37 benefits, which is currently underway.
Old Lakeshore Road: Carnicelli is challenging the new Official Plan rules for the east end of the Old Lakeshore Rd area. To view an aerial photo of the area click here.The old Official Plan for the eastern-most portion of Old Lakeshore Road at the intersection of Lakeshore Road allowed roughly 6-7 storeys. The new plan allows buildings up to 6 storeys, with allowance to go to 8 storeys with provision of community benefits, preservation or relocation of heritage buildings, sun shadow and other studies, and realignment of Old Lakeshore Road to intersect with Lakeshore Road at Martha Street.My Take: I'm supportive of the height limits on Brant and Old Lakeshore Road, and remain concerned about the use of Section 37 to trade up. We need to cast a vision for downtown Burlington and the waterfront, and stick to it.Please let me know your thoughts by commenting below or emailing me at meedwardm@burlington.ca.
Old Lakeshore Road: Carnicelli is challenging the new Official Plan rules for the east end of the Old Lakeshore Rd area. To view an aerial photo of the area click here.The old Official Plan for the eastern-most portion of Old Lakeshore Road at the intersection of Lakeshore Road allowed roughly 6-7 storeys. The new plan allows buildings up to 6 storeys, with allowance to go to 8 storeys with provision of community benefits, preservation or relocation of heritage buildings, sun shadow and other studies, and realignment of Old Lakeshore Road to intersect with Lakeshore Road at Martha Street.My Take: I'm supportive of the height limits on Brant and Old Lakeshore Road, and remain concerned about the use of Section 37 to trade up. We need to cast a vision for downtown Burlington and the waterfront, and stick to it.Please let me know your thoughts by commenting below or emailing me at meedwardm@burlington.ca.