Welcome by chair Sue Bazely
Welcome by Williamsville Councilor Jim Neill: great turn-out, hopes for more meetings, and encouraged those present to invite a neighbour.
Main Street Study Recommendation – Shirley Bailey, Sr. Planner, City of Kingston
Ms Bailey gave a brief summary of the study highlights and noted that emphasis on culture and heritage has been noted and will be incorporated, and invited input into Study. The streets will have wide sidewalks for pedestrians and parking on both sides.
Comments from attendees: cyclist noted “sharrows’ don’t work; Councilor Neill noted sharrows are a work in progress; Ms Bailey indicated Williamsville Study Recommendations will take time to happen. The area needs developers, but with brownfields in area, is it reasonable to expect to attract developers? Ms Bailey noted that Yes, enquiries have come from afar, there is interest and developers’ applications will be dealt with as they come in. Councilor Neill commented on tax advantages for brownfield development (some brownfields could be abandoned by owners who do not have mean to clean up properties).
Podium Developments Presentation – Bernard Luttmer
Mr Luttmer outlined the Salvation Army site development and Albert Street development, and apologized for the noise. Mr Luttmer went on to show designs for Mack Street, fronting on Victoria Park and requested comments and suggestions.
Comments from attendees: what type of buildings and how large? Mr. Luttmer indicated the intent for campus residents, but cannot be restricted to students; 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms + den, 2 buildings, 15 units each. Query on size of den, and does it have a closet? Mr Luttmer commented that it is usual to have a den with a 3 bedroom unit. There was general praise for the Podium developments.
Property Standards – Terry Willing, Director of Building and Licensing, City of Kingston
Property standards enforcement is mainly complaint driven, with some blitzes, and intent to focus particular attention to the gateways to Kingston. Mr Willing gave a summary of the process.
Comments from attendees: complaints fall into black hole, what could be done? Mr Willing noted that communication is not so good, staff are very busy, and requested that people call back to check. It was suggested that people to take photos of situation and Mr Willing agreed this was a great idea, and to send photos by e-mail. There are chronic offenders, what process could work here? Mr Willing noted there should be bigger fines for repeat offenders. An example from Waterloo was given where students get a fine right away, but it usually takes 3 weeks for students to pay attention to property standards by-laws. Snow removal, are there any guidelines? What about homeowners shoveling snow out to the street? Snow banks on Princess Street are a problem. Mr Willing noted property owners need to pay for snow removal or call for by-law enforcement if needed.
Near Campus Neighbourhoods Advisory Committee – John Grenville, Williamsville rep
A powerpoint presentation with background was provided along with examples of issues and concerns. Mr Grenville would like feedback to take to the Committee. Summary information and contact information will be posted on the website.
Business Improvement Area (BIA) – Fawn Bradfield, KEDCO
A powerpoint presentation on the advantages and benefits of a BIA was presented by Ms Bradfield, a representative of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. This provided a better understanding to business owners and residents.
Services and Lifestyle Guide – Sue Bazely
The first draft of the Guide which lists services in Williamsville was presented. The objective is to promote local services. Ms Bazely encouraged input and additional listings.
Other Business
Farmers’ Market at Memorial Centre – is a proposed pilot project that needs support from the community. Attendees were asked to email councilors. This proposed Market is in keeping with the community garden proposed for the Memorial Centre and is an element of Kingston as a Sustainable Community. Help is needed in working on this.
Potential school closures - there is information that some schools in the area could close. It is necessary to attend meetings and watch for the review now being conducted. Schools are an essential part of a neighbourhood.
Messages – Bryon Springer sends congratulations on improvements to the Memorial Centre, encourages incentives for developers, and is reviewing their proposal for the property at old Keg site. Bruce Stewart (Toyota property) noted that the area needs revitalization and that there is probably a brownfield issue. City leadership is needed.
In addition, there were messages from Ronda Candy (Martha’s Table) and John McTavish (HIV Aids) expressing interest in the Williamsville Community Association.
Thanks to all who attended, our presenters, and everyone who assisted in the planning and presentation of this meeting.
The Kingston North Program and Accommodation Review Committee of the Limestone District School Board is holding its second public meeting for Central PS, First Avenue PS, Frontenac PS, JG Simcoe PS and Rideau Heights PS on:
November 22, 2011
6:30 pm
at Rideau Heights PS 77 MacCauley Street
Although these schools are not in Williamsville, several are close to our district boarders and closure of any will have an adverse impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods. There is an opportunity for public input. For more information see the Accommodation section at www.limestone.on.ca
Monday October 17 - 7-9 pm at the Memorial Centre Rotunda
Agenda
1. Welcome & introduction to meeting
2. Welcome by District Councillor Jim Neill
3. Main Street Study Recommendations
4. Current & Future Development in Williamsville by Podium Developments
5. Property Standards, by-law enforcement & waste management
6. Near Campus Neighbourhoods Advisory Committee
7. Business Improvement Area (BIA) Information
8. Service & Lifestyle Guide
9. General Comments from District Councillor Jim Neill
10. Other Business – proposed farmers’ market, community garden, potential school closures
11. General Questions
There will be an opportunity for questions after each item in addition to the general question session at the end.
Several important meetings and events are coming up in October that concern Williamsville.
October 3 – Open House: Williamsville Main Street Revitalization
At St. Luke’s Church Hall, 236 Nelson Street – An open house will run from 4:00 to 8:00 pm with a presentation on the draft guidelines at 6:00 pm. You can see the report and can make comments on-line until Friday October 21 at www.City ofKingston.ca/williamsville
October 12 – Memorial Centre Advisory Committee
In the Loyalist Room at City Hall at 5:00 pm. This meeting is open to the public and has a variety of items on the agenda concerning the Memorial Centre, including the proposed farmers’ market in one of the barns.
October 17 – Williamsville Community Association General Meeting
Our next general meeting takes place at the Memorial Centre, Rotunda from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. This is your opportunity to find out what has been going on and have your say. More details to follow.
We offer a belated congratulations to Dong Nai Restaurant, first place in Best Environmentally Friendly Garden, Kingston Blooms, 2010.
More information can be found at the City of Kingston website.
Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation
March 30 “Cycling in A Sustainable Kingston” 1:30 – 4:00
Queen’s KHS Building rm 101 28 Division at Clergy and
7:00-9:00 Memorial Hall, City Hall.
Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation – March 30 “Cycling in A Sustainable Kingston”
