You questions have been forwarded to me for response from the Ward 4 meeting last week.

Please see the responses below:

1. We requested the FSI for each phase of the project and still have not received it.

Response 

The Slesser property is within the Yonge-Davis Provincial Urban Growth Centre in the Town’s Official Plan and within the Regional Growth Centre in the Regional Plan.  The Regional Plan establishes a minimum FSI for the Regional Centre of 2.5 FSI per development block.  In view of the fact that some development will need to be at  lower densities adjacent to the existing stable residential areas  and therefore generally a lower FSI; and a higher FSI next to Yonge and Davis to meet the minimum requirement of the Regional Plan, it is inappropriate to calculate the FSI on the basis of individual phases. 

We disagree that requesting the FSI on the basis of individual phases is inappropriate as the FSI for the Slessor project is being compared to the Davis and George condos where we have FSI's for the individual buildings. We don't feel that the comparison is apples to apples. Combining the towers FSI to those adjacent to existing stable residential areas is not appropriate. How do we know if the towers fronting Yonge St meet the requirements of the Regional Plan? As well, has there not been an application to subdivide the lot? As residents we request the FSI's for the individual towers and if the Slessor Group is not willing to provide it, then we request that the Town provide us with the calculations.

2.  We requested an 8 PM shadow study for the summer solstice and have not yet received it.

Response:

The Town may request studies that it considers necessary in accordance with the provisions of its Official Plan.  This request has been provided to the proponent and is being explored further by the Town staff.    

If the Slessor Group is not willing to provide an 8pm shadow study, then we are requesting it, as residents, that this study be provided by the town.

3.  We have requested a 5 PM traffic study north along Yonge Street and have not yet received it.

Response:

The proponent is in the process of completing a revised traffic impact study to address increased connectivity through the site as requested by the Town and Region, e.g., a  street along the southern end of the Slessor property that will ultimately  connect Yonge and  George, vehicular access through the centre of the  site to George, ability to connect to the north, central to the property.  The September 2011 Traffic Analysis addressed both AM and PM peak traffic impacts at  key intersections including Kingston Road and Yonge and is to be updated based on the revised concept.

Your response raises a multitude of questions and concerns. If there is a street created on the southern end of the Slessor property to connect Yonge and George, as well as vehicular access through the centre of the site to George St, how can you produce a traffic study on something that hasn't been built yet? One concern would be that any residents east of George St that use either Cardinal Cres exit to make a left hand turn onto George St would not be able to do so without a 4 way stop which would make a gridlock with 2 additional stop signs on such a short street. 

4.  Although the Slessor Group did present a plan to lower height, 16 storeys, we have not heard anything on the request to reduce density.

Response

The applicant to date has not agreed  to reduce the density.  The current concept has increased the density from the original proposal of 3.85 FSI and  has increase the height to 20 storeys from the proposed 16 storey concept and a reduction from the Zoning By-law application filed with the Town  at 29 storeys).

Can you please clarify this answer? What is the FSI for the increased density and has the Slessor Group changed their zoning by law application from 29 to 20 stories?

5.  What updates can you give us on the OMB Prehearing and has the Slessor Group approached the OMB with the original application of 26 and 29 storeys?

Response

The Board has advised us that the Prehearing has been Scheduled for November 30, 2012. 

The proponent is required to give notice 35 days in advance of the prehearing and notice will be provided to those that have provided written or  oral submissions to the Town as well as to all property owners within 120 m.

The purpose of the prehearing conference is to:

·         Identify parties that wish to participate fully in the hearing

·         Identify participants who wish to make a submission, but not participate fully (e.g., cannot cross-examine witnesses)

·         Identify the issues

·         Determine if the parties wish to enter into mediation with the assistance of the Board to settle issues

·         Determine the start date of a hearing and or mediation

·         Determine the estimated duration of a hearing

I believe you will  find the following link to the OMB Guidelines helpful in this regard.  

http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/english/OMBInformation/OMB_case_before_board_FAQs.html

In response to the second part of your question, the proponent has appealed their original application to the OMB,  which was for a maximum height of 29 storeys fronting on Yonge Street and 8 storeys fronting on George.  They did not propose a maximum floor space Index.  

Can you please clarify this response. What does it mean that the Slessor Group has not proposed a maximum floor space Index? As well, it is confusing that the Slessor Group has proposed a concept to the Town of 20 stories, but have submitted their original application of a maximum of 29 stories to the OMB?

6) Mr Gordon Prentice requested at the Ward 4 meeting, the View Shed Analysis. This has been a previous resident request. Our answer was that as it was not a requirement of the Town when the Slessor Group submitted their application. As residents we are requesting this analysis be provided by the Town, if the Slessor Group is not willing to do so.

7) Dr Bahlieda also brought up the question of overhead wires.  We would like clarification as to why overhead wires are being installed along Davis Drive instead of underground as this has a huge visual impact on the streetscape.

I hope this assists, and Town staff continue to review the proposal to address the outstanding issues.