Councillor Shad Qadri posted a note to several local Facebook groups today about the next step for Minto’s proposed Potter’s Key subdivision.
Residents packed a public meeting back in November to air their concerns about the development, particularly around the lack of direct road access to Hazeldean Road, and the impact the development would have on the Echowoods and Jackson Trails communities. City staff asked Minto to provide additional traffic data. (A map of the plan presented in November is pictured above.)
In most cases, the developer and city staff would consider public comments and work behind the scenes at this point to come up with an acceptable plan. In this case, Qadri has taken the uncommon step of pulling delegated authority away from staff, meaning whatever staff and Minto come up with will have to be approved by a majority of councillors on the Planning Committee, instead of staff alone, before it’s allowed to proceed.
Here’s Councillor Qadri’s note:
The Minto Homes proposed residential development known as Potter’s Key is tentatively scheduled to come forward to the City’s Planning Committee for approval on February 24, 2016. [Editor’s note – Planning Committee meets on Tuesday, February 23; City Councillor meets on February 24.] The developers have submitted a Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-Law Amendment application for this proposed development.
The standard process is for a Plan of Subdivision is to be approved by the General Manager of Planning and Growth Management through Delegated Authority (DA) and with the concurrence of the ward councillor. As a result of the major concerns that residents and I have with the unresolved issues with the proposal I have lifted the DA which means the proposal will go before the City’s Planning Committee for a decision. I am a member of the Planning Committee which is made up of 10 City Councillors and I have spoken with Planning Committee Chair Councillor Jan Harder at length on this issue and she is well aware of the issues surrounding the proposed development.
At this time the staff report on the Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-Law Amendment is tentatively scheduled to come to Planning Committee on February 23, 2016 to be held at 9:30am in Champlain Room at City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West. There had been previous discussions with respect to the item coming to Committee on January 26 however Chair Harder has advised it will now come forward in February. Following the Planning Committee meeting on February 23, the item will rise to City Council on February 24. The meeting agenda and staff report will be released 1 week before the committee meeting and will be located on the City’s eAgenda.
As I had advised the community earlier this month, additional traffic information had been requested to address some of the concerns raised by the community and myself. I encourage you to review the Transportation Update that I have posted on my website.
It will be very important to have the community well represented by residents attending the Planning Committee meeting. I can assure all residents that I will continue to represent the interest of Stittsville residents and advocate for our community with the members of Planning Committee.
Further updates will also be provided in my e-column in the New Year.