Attendance:

• Ferguson (out 3x for 91 min; left at 1:15);
• Pearson (out 1x for 8 min);
• Merulla (out 4x for 37 min; left at 1:38);
• Bratina (out 3x for 17 min);
• Mitchell (out 2x for 11 min);
• McHattie (out 3x for 14 min);
• Kelly (in 10:51 out 10:58). Note that Kelly had knee replacement surgery two weeks ago.

Others:

• Collins ( 9:40 to 12:17 ; out 2 x for 46 min).

Media:

• McGuinness (Spectator),
• Mann (CHML)

CATCH: Don

8.1 Application for Change in Zoning for Lands Located at 79 and 85 Lovers Lane (Ancaster) (PD05035) (Ward 12) (Deferred for 2 weeks by Committee on February 15, 05)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05035.pdf

This item was moved to the start of the agenda on a motion by Ferguson . He acknowledged opposition from the community and said it would be "more politically expedient to support the neighbours" but "that would be irresponsible." Questions from McHattie, but motion was carried with no debate.

5. CONSENT ITEMS

5.1 Enterprise Zone Municipal Realty Tax Incentive Grant Program - Application EZ04/08, 250 Main Street East (PD05044) (Ward 2)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05044.pdf

5.2 Dundas Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) Revised Board of Management (PD05056) (Ward 13)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05056.pdf

5.3 Waterdown Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) Proposed Budget and Schedule of Payment for 2005 (PD05058) (Ward 15)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05058.pdf

All consent items adopted without debate.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND DELEGATIONS

6.1 Application for a Change in Zoning for the Properties Located at 340 Leaside Avenue and 467 Barton Street (Stoney Creek) (PD05052) (Ward 10)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05052.pdf
"to permit a 3 storey addition and parking lot expansion to Mohawk College, . The expansion would consist of a 3 storey addition to the west side of the existing college building, an expanded parking lot at 340 Leaside Avenue, and a reconfigured entranceway on Barton Street (see Appendix "C").

Approved with minimal discussion.

6.2 Application for Approval of a Draft Plan of Subdivision, "Duncairn Forest" and Change in Zoning for Lands Known Municipally as 81 Duncairn Crescent (Hamilton) (PD05053) (Ward 8)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05053.pdf
"change in zoning from "AA" (Agricultural) District to "C" (Urban Protected Residential, etc.) District to permit 28 single detached dwellings" Near Garth and Stone Church . Owner: 1639142 Ontario Inc. (Tony Di Silvestro); Applicant: Adisco Limited; Agent: Urbex Engineering Limited. " This site is beyond a 400 metre walk to transit service along Garth Street ." Many city trees adjacent in Gourley Park " Although any construction in close proximity to these trees can have detrimental effects, other options may not be viable." "Several concerns were raised in the letters, including the following: traffic issues; construction impacts; the future of an existing public walkway; and tree preservation." "The proposed development would involve closing an existing walkway, from Glenview Place , located to the west of the subject lands, which is currently used predominately by children as a route to James MacDonald Public School located to the east. Most residents at the community meeting indicated that they would like to see the walkway remain open and expanded onto the subject lands as it is a frequently used pedestrian linkage in the neighbourhood. At least one resident noted that if the walkway is to be closed, then the bussing of school children to existing schools in the area could be required. . The proposal is to close the existing walkway because there is no school being proposed on the site." "The owner noted that the proposed dwelling units are two-storey single detached dwellings with a minimum price of $250,000."

Three members of the public spoke on this, two generally opposed and one generally in favour. One argued that building higher value homes would raise MPAC assessment and taxes. Mitchell picked up on this, and Merulla and McHattie pushed through a motion to get a staff report on this problem. McHattie pursued concerns about closure of walkway, access to HSR and impact on city trees. Proponent said they will protect "as many trees as possible". Bratina denounced the project as violating all the principles of Vision 2020. He was alone in voting against it.

6.3 Applications for an Amendment to the Official Plan and a Change in Zoning for Lands Located at 50 Hatt Street (Dundas) (PD05054) (Ward 13)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05054.pdf
Owner/Applicant : (1186468 Ontario Inc.), Richard Liebtag "to permit a retirement home for a maximum of 151 residents, an apartment building 970 units), street oriented commercial uses" Dundas BIA has concerns related to traffic congestion and parking on Hatt Street.

One member of public opposed this. McHattie pursued impact on Spencer Creek trail system and provision of outdoor amenity space. Recommendations adopted.

7. PRESENTATIONS

7.1 Our Downtowns and BIAs - 2004 Annual Report (PD05055) (City Wide)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05055.pdf
"Report PD05055 summarizes events, programs, incentives, undertakings and developments that occurred during 2004 in our City's downtowns, in the City's 11 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) as well as work by the Hamilton Municipal Parking System.

Bratina, McHattie and others strongly praised the achievements. Ron Marini says the urban development bank is now the top priority for downtown redevelopment. He suggested a loan program for commercial improvements, and noted the imminent arrival of ERASE incentives.

7.2 City of Hamilton Street Naming , Renaming, and Addressing Guidelines and Policies (PD05059) (City Wide)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05059.pdf

Carried with minimal discussion.

8.2 Application for a Change in Zoning for Lands Located at 1038 Beach Boulevard (Hamilton) (PD05018) (Ward 5) (Deferred for one month by Committee on February 1, 05)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05018.pdf

8.3 Application for a Change in Zoning for Lands Located at 1014 Beach Boulevard (Hamilton) (PD05021) (Ward 5) (Deferred for one month by Committee on February 1, 05)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05021.pdf

Collins asked that 8.2 and 8.3 be bumped up on the agenda. He spoke in favour of the staff report that recommended denial of both applications. Carried

7.3 Update on the City of Hamilton New Comprehensive Zoning By-law (No copy) Extensive presentation by Tim McCabe and Al Fletcher. No decisions required on this item.

8. DISCUSSION ITEMS

8.4 Recommendation to Designate 71 Main Street West (Hamilton City Hall Civic Complex), Hamilton , Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (PD05036) (Ward 2)
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Mar01/PD05036.pdf

Sharp division on this issue. Staff recommended deferral. McHattie and Pearson and Bratina opposed this and sought designation of city hall. McHattie said failure to do so would be seen as double standard. Deferral was adopted 4-3 with Whitehead, Ferguson , Merulla and Mitchell supporting.

8.5 Update on Graffiti By-law (Outstanding Business List)( No copy.) Discussion. No decision required.