Council approves Laurier proposal
By Bill Rea

Not all the concerns have been sorted out, but enough progress had been made for King councillors to give their okay to the development proposal put forth by Laurier Homes (27) Ltd.

Councillors Monday night accepted the staff recommendation to support the Official Plan and zoning amendments required to allow the planned subdivision at the southwest corner of Highways 9 and 27 to progress. They had delayed making a decision two weeks ago in order to let staff and concerned residents get together with representatives of the developer to try and sort out some of the concerns.

Township planners reported the result of the consultations was a revised plan that was submitted by Laurier.

The changes to the plan have resulted in an expanded park. Despite that, the number of proposed units remains at 230. As well, they said the applicant had agreed to add a private open space block to adjacent public lands.

In addition, Laurier has agreed to contribute $15,000 toward the Dufferin Marsh Public Open Space Management Plan, as well as an additional $450 per unit ($103,500 in total) to go toward parks and recreation in the area.

The status of existing lots on the east side of Main Street that are slated to back onto the development has been a concern for many. There had been calls for increased separation between the properties, but planners concluded it wasn't necessary, stating a combination of fencing and plantings would be appropriate. They added the proposed draft plan of the subdivision did not create a significant impact to the views from the public areas on Main Street.

There had also been concerns expressed about 10 lots slated to go on the west side of a road running north off of Dr. Kay Drive, adjacent to the Dufferin Marsh. There had been suggestions that the road be shifted, but planners have resisted that, pointing out it's going to be opposite one of the access points to the Brownsville Junction parking lot, which they think is desirable.

Planners also recommended that the applicants carry their share of the cost of planned improvements to the intersection of Dr. Kay and Highway 27.

Main Street resident Anni Bretschneider expressed appreciation for being included in the consultations, although she wasn't completely pleased with the results. She maintained there should be more of a buffer between the properties on Main Street and those that will be backing onto them. A public path along that stretch was mentioned, as she pointed out there are similar facilities in other developments in the village.

Bretschneider told Councillor Cleve Mortelliti she had spoken to a number of residents of main Street, and they would prefer a path or natural buffer behind their homes, as opposed to fences.

She again stated the road running north from Dr. Kay should be shifted to the west.

"Sometimes, you just need to live in a place to appreciate it," Bretschneider remarked.

She added the Schomberg Community Plan calls for strengthening of the community structure. She said the village is an area of cultural heritage significance, including such features as Main Street, Church Street and the Dufferin Marsh. These heritage resources need to be protected, and Bretschneider didn't think the development proposal does that.

She also wondered if the Township ever looked at the Heritage Act when it was doing its planning.

Bretschneider said the planners aren't experts in heritage matters, and she called for a cultural heritage evaluation of the subject and surrounding lands, to be conducted by a third party acceptable to the local heritage committee and the Township, with the developer expected to modify the plans accordingly.

"We all want the absolute best for Schomberg," local resident Henry Verbruggen declared, adding he was pleased to see the $103,500 contribution from Laurier. Where people play is an important part of a community too, he observed.

Main Street resident Vivian Perry pointed out there have been developments over the years that have impacted on the character of the community. She said there were bungalows built in the 1940s that would have contrasted with the houses already there, adding some of the houses on historic Main Street now have aluminum siding and painted brick.

Planning Director Stephen Kitchen defended the staff recommendations, observing they normally require buffers between conflicting land uses, not residential against residential. He added it will be up to the people living on Main Street and those with lots backing onto those properties to decide if they want to erect fences of their own, whether it's for more privacy or to keep their dogs from running.

Councillor Jack Rupke complimented staff for addressing so many of the concerns.

He also recalled there

An Evening were a number of people years ago who had problems with plans to open Dr. Kay, but the comments he hears now indicate it's been a benefit.

"Change is very difficult," Councillor Bill cober observed, adding he's seen a lot of it in the years he's lived in Schomberg, except in the character of the community. "The character is the content of the people of Schomberg."

He also said houses can be hard for a community to absorbed, but pointed out Schomberg has been able to do it over the years. "Schomberg will remain the great place that it is," he remarked.

Councillor Jeff Laidlaw was still concerned about the 10 houses slated for the street running north from Dr. Kay.

"To me, they appear to be orphans," he declared, adding he could see no reason for having them there, apart fro developing the maximum number of lots. "They take away from the whole hillside."