Proposed Rezoning and Redevelopment (Ward 2)

Applicant: Myles-Leger Ltd.
 

  The Planning Committee met to consider the revised application submitted by Myles-Leger
  Ltd. to rezone the Belvedere Property located between Newtown Road and Bonaventure
  Avenue from the Public (P) Zone with a small area in the Open Space (O) Zone, to a mix of
  land use zones to allow for the development of the following projects:

       row-houses and semi-detached houses;

       an apartment building;
       a commercial/residential building; and
       re-use of the two existing Belvedere buildings for offices or other commercial use.

  The Planning Committee considered a memorandum dated October 10, 2000 from the
  Associate Commissioner/Director of Engineering and Planning on the proposed rezoning, a
  copy of which is attached.

  Re: Belvedere Property, Newtown Road and Bonaventure Avenue

  Proposed Rezoning and Redevelopment (Ward 2)

  Applicant: Myles-Leger Ltd.
 
 

  Upon considering and discussing the application in detail , the Committee suggests the
  following modifications to Council.
 

•        The Committee is not prepared to see the proposed apartment building site placed in the Apartment High Density (A3) Zone which would allow building heights up to a maximum of 10 storeys with a maximum building height of 37 metres. Instead, the Committee believes the only rezoning for an apartment zone for this site that should be entertained is the Apartment Low Density (A-1) Zone which permits a maximum building height of 3 storeys to a maximum height of 12 metres.
•        The Committee is of the opinion that it would be inappropriate to consider theapplicant's request to rezone a portion of the property to the Commercial Neighbourhood (CN), given the lack of street presence for the proposed CN Zone  site. The Committee notes that if the purpose of this portion of the rezoning application is to accommodate the development of a residential building with limited commercial operations on the ground floor to meet the needs of the area residents, these uses can be accommodated by considering a rezoning of this portion of the site to the Apartment Low Density (A1) Zone. The A1 Zone allows convenience stores and service shops as Conditional Uses, subject to the requirements of the St. John's Development Regulations for convenience stores and service shops in apartment buildings. Service shops include such uses as the retail sale of personal merchandise, hairdressing establishments and tailoring shops.
•     The Committee is prepared to review rezoning of that portion of the Belvedere property containing the former convent and orphanage buildings to the Commercial Office (CO) Zone, with the proviso that City staff review the possibility of restricting the building height to 3 storeys in the event that the existing buildings are demolished and new buildings constructed. The CO Zone allows offices, convenience stores and service shops as Permitted Uses. This zone also allows residential dwelling units to be located in the second and higher stories of a commercial building.

In proposing the above noted changes, it should be noted that the Planning Committee is not recommending/endorsing the proposed rezonings at this time. Instead, in reviewing the proposed rezoning as submitted by the applicant, the Committee has  determined that certain aspects are not appropriate to the location and should not be considered for approval.

  Re: Belvedere Property, Newtown Road and Bonaventure Avenue

  Proposed Rezoning and Redevelopment (Ward 2)

  Applicant: Myles-Leger Ltd.

  In the course of the Committee's discussion on the application, concern was expressed
  about the lack of provision for open space in this area, given the proximity of three public
  schools in the vicinity of the Belvedere Property. The Committee has asked staff to
  arrange a meeting with the Avalon East School Board, and the School Councils of Brother
  Rice Junior High School, Holy Heart of Mary High School and MacPherson Elementary
  School to discuss the application for rezoning of the Belvedere Property in the context of
  the need for open space for school children in this area.

  The Planning Committee has also determined that it is now appropriate to begin public
  consultation on the rezoning application and to schedule a public meeting. The public
  meeting has tentatively been scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2000; this date will be
  confirmed shortly.

  ______________________________

  Marie White

  Chair-Planning Committee

  SJMC2000-10-16/731R

  It was moved by Deputy Mayor White; seconded by Councillor Dinn: That the
  recommendations of the report be accepted.

  Discussion ensued during which Councillor Galgay requested that the radius for public
  notification be extended to 250 metres and that the notification be also provided to the
  appropriate neighbourhood groups. Councillor O'Keefe also requested that the private
  school in the area be included in the meeting being arranged with the schools.

  Council concurred with these requests.