Rezoning Approved!
There is major news to report regarding my Killarney property located at 2001 33 st. The rezoning application from RC2 to RCG was passed 13-1 by City Council. This means I can now prepare the detailed design of a three unit row-house project. Before rezoning, the site could only support a single house because it is 12.7 m wide. A City development bylaw does not allow a side by side project on sites less than 12.8 m in width. My speciality in building is small townhouse projects, so building a single detached home on the site was not an appealing prospect.
The Mayor and numerous Councillors strongly advocated for the approval of the rezoning application. I recall the Mayor said something to the effect that the City spent a billion dollars building a train and then didn't have any process to allow new houses to be built 300 m away from the station. Our local Councillor supported my application, even though this meant he voted against the view of his own community association. I recognize that took some courage, and I appreciate it.
Council Critique of Consultation Efforts
I was told at the hearing that my community development committee consultation could have been improved. I will make greater efforts next time. It is not exactly clear where I went wrong, but the one thing will not change is my commitment to building in Killarney.
My first action was to hand out written material in a radius around the 33 St property. I knocked on doors and introduced myself to the neighbours immediately adjacent. We had detailed discussions by phone on how the building would look, and I had a series of emails with the owner across the street. This resulted in both of these neighbours supporting my rezoning application in writing, to the city staff. There were 11 written replies to council opposing the application. The Killarney development committee (committee) had a written submission also opposing the application, it made a presentation at the hearing as well containing similar material.
I did not have similar success consulting with the committee as I did with my neighbours. I actually joined this committee earlier this year, to learn more about developing Killarney and to provide input on new applications. Yes, this means a builder is on the committee, but I believe I can evaluate the applications of other builders in an impartial manner. I am a fairly new resident of Killarney, my family moved in and were settled by late 2014, so my time with the committee/community is still very fresh.
I have not had much success in even discussing the 33 st rezoning application with the committee. The last two meetings were cancelled so the committee hasn't really met since August, and it hasn't discussed my application during an official meeting where I was provided an opportunity to present. The former chairperson and I had diverging views on this application, particularly noticeable over email. I requested a correction regarding public statements on my project that I felt were technically incorrect, and was declined. This led to her banning me and another member from the committee until the Council decision. I am hoping to rejoin the committee now, because I no longer have a pending application at any stage in the development process. However, I soon will have a DP pending for the 33 St project - this would require me to recuse myself when details of my project are being considered by the committee.
Post-Hearing Reflections
After a major milestone such as this public hearing, it offers me a chance for some introspection on my actions/performance. I believe I made a substantial effort at engaging the neighbours who could be impacted by my project, and brought the two closest property owners on board. This has to be viewed as a success. Next time I will door knock more neighbours and consider their input when preparing my application.
What were my failings in dealing with the development committee? It had formed a principled stance against this type of project long before I had joined the committee. This meant it had a consensus to oppose any such applications unless they were on 37 St (a major road, not a great place to build and sell homes). It is not easy to engage in meaningful dialogue with a group that already has a well established opposing view. My request to have the committee meet and actually go over my application was unsuccessful. Discussing it over email with the Chairperson was the only communication available. I was surprised when the last two meetings were cancelled due to lack of business, surely my project was a relevant matter?
Another option would have been to bring in my professional design team to meet with the development committee. Perhaps this could have allowed the focus of the application to be on the real issues. I will try this next time.
Our local councillor mentioned he thought my relationship with the committee could be improved. I will take this as constructive criticism from someone who does community work every day. I look forward to the next meeting and working with the committee.
Next Steps
To wrap this up, I am excited to begin the second phase of my row housing project as I believe my application for an RCG project permit may be the first one for Killarney. Inertia has promised to prepare the drawings in a short order. My website will be updated frequently (www.integerhomes.com), and information will be posted once we have a DP submission ready. Once the DP is submitted, I plan to meet with the committee and work to understand how this project can reflect our community's vision and values. My intention is to build a row house project that will enhance the 19 Ave streetscape and welcome new neighbours into Killarney.