1. 12:10 p.m. - COA 10-18 - Thorner, 246 Snyders Ave., Belmont

Background: The applicant is proposing to construct a new deck on the back of the existing residential dwelling, the proposed deck will be setback 6.91 meters from the rear lot line, whereas the Zoning By-law requires a deck to be setback 9 meters from the rear lot line.

Correspondence was received from the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority indicating that they had no objections.

The Requested Variance was granted.

1. 12:20 p.m. - ZBA - 145 William Street - Mike & Margo Karda

Background: - The subject lands are located on the east side of William Street, north of its intersection with Edith Cavell Boulevard, in the Community of Port Stanley. They may be legally described as Lots 11 & 12, Plan 176, Geographic Village of Port Stanley, now Municipality of Central Elgin.

The applicants are proposing to rezone the lands to a B1 standard in support of the current restaurant use and apply the B1 parking standard. The current OS3 parking standard requires more parking on the site than can physically be provided.

The subject lands are currently zoned Open Space Zone 3 (OS3) as set out in the Village of Port Stanley By-Law 1507. The purpose and effect of the proposed zoning by-law amendment is to rezone the lands to a B1 standard which requires less parking spaces.

Several submissions were received concerning parking and congestion issues in the area, and the lack of parking on the property. Additional issues concerning noise, traffic safety, accessing and exiting the available parking were also mentioned. Mr. McCoomb commented that the Open Space Zone 3 requires 10 parking spaces per 100 square feet of restaurant area, and this property now requires 20.4 spaces versus 3 parking spaces for the restaurant and one space for the second floor apartment if it was zoned B1. Additionally with a B1 zoned property there is no front yard setback which allows a patio deck to be built right at the lot line.

Discussions continued regarding the Liquor Licence and a proposed patio in the front of the property which would block access to the parking. Local residents say that most people that park on that property have to back out of the parking area because there is insufficient room to turn around without hitting the building. By-law issues concerning the noise that currently goes on in the area around the Pierside sometimes to 2:30 am with fighting and carrying on in the streets. You call the police and they don't do anything about it. The Public Meeting was then concluded, and the actions of Council on the Proposed Zoning Amendment will be considered at a future meeting of Council.

1. 12:30 p.m. - ZBA & Draft Plan of Subdivision - Red Lion (Spriet), Belmont

The subject lands for the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision are located between Kettle Creek Drive and West Street, south of Seventh Avenue in the Community of Belmont. The proposed development encompasses 3.305 hectares (8.17 acres) of land and provides for the development of 32 lots for single-detached dwellings. One new street (Street "A") is proposed, as well as one block for pedestrian walkway (Block 33).

The subject lands are designated for Residential use in the Municipality of Central Elgin Official Plan, and are currently zoned Neighbourhood Development (ND) and Residential Zone 2 (R2) as set out in the Village of Belmont Zoning By-Law 91-21.

The Municipality of Central Elgin has received an application for a concurrent Zoning By-law Amendment (File No. B2-01-18) for the same subject lands, in support of the proposed development.

Questions from local residents about another possible road, will the walkway be lighted, will existing trees be damaged or removed that are close to the lot lines where the proposed drainage areas are to be located, and traffic problems arising from only one exit for the subdivision. Answers included only one road in and out of the area. Walkway will include lights at the entrance and exit of the walkway only. Trees located close to the lot line may be damaged and have to removed. Water and Sewage services for the area will be provided by recently upgraded Municipal services.

An owner of a 1/2 acre parcel of land adjacent to the proposed development commented that flooding has been occurring on his property for quite awhile due to damage caused to the existing drainage network by area developers. Because his property is the lowest property in the area all changes to the drainage in the new development could adversely effect his property and is looking for safeguards to stop this from occurring. Safety concerns for children, privacy, damage to other properties, trespassing, devaluation of property, green spaces being destroyed, existing green belt and old drainage plans being lost. More concerns with elevation, noise, lighting, taxes, and who is paying for what. Concerns about notice is for owners only, nothing to renters. Growth pays for growth, developer pays for all things in the development. Damage to existing property by developers clearing lands. Spokesperson for the developer indicated that minor adjustments can be made to solve minor issues.

Lloyd Perrin commented that the Environmental Issue Scope Report was undertaken indicating that there are no species at risk that was identified, tree cutting on properties over half an acre require a permit from the County, but this woodlot is too small for the tree by-law to apply. Thirty years of experience has indicated that it's very difficult to develop an area and preserve all the trees because of the drainage requirements of the area. Trees are required by the Municipality to be planted on the boulevard only.

The Public Meeting was then concluded, and the actions of Council on the proposed Plan of Subdivision will be considered at a future meeting of Council.