Plans for new subdivision have residents concerned
Tue Feb 05, 2008   News Advertise

PICKERING -- A new subdivision in a community with limited road access will cause traffic havoc, says a longtime resident.

Norma Chittenden was one of many Rosebank community residents that packed a planning information meeting on Monday regarding plans for a proposed subdivision located west of Rosebank Road, east of Oakwood Drive and south of Maitland Drive. The plan proposes 23 lots for detached dwellings, with frontages ranging from 13.45 to 15.2 metres. The City-owned Milton Road and two additional roads extending north and south of the new street will be constructed if the plan goes ahead as is.

The community has a long history and has been given special acknowledgement in the Pickering Official Plan, allowing for only 17 units per net hectare; the plan requests 17.3 units per net hectare.

Don Drummond was one of a number of residents who had problems with the frontage size.

"I'd like council to really take a look at that neighbourhood and make sure these homes are going to fit in with it, and I'd like them to stay with the minimum requirement of 50-foot (15-metre) frontages if that's possible," he said. He added his lot is 50-x-200 feet (15-x-60 metres), and most are that size or larger.

Mr. Drummond is concerned about the wildlife and asked whether an environmental assessment has taken place on the land. Lynda Taylor, the City's manager of development review, explained since it's designated as a residential area, it isn't required, but did note a need for a tree preservation program.

Traffic concerns came from parents whose children attend Rosebank Road Public School, saying traffic is already an issue, wondering what will happen with even more cars on the road.
Lorelei Jones, of Lorelei Jones&Associates, representing the developer, said the developer is prepared to undertake an arborist's report and would like to look at the traffic concerns. She indicated she or the developer would be willing to attend a public meeting on the subdivision.

"They don't plan to be a faceless developer," she said.

Ms. Chittenden, and others thought the development should be considered with another subdivision plan on the east side of Rosebank Road, between Cowan Circle and Gillmoss Road (which will connect the subdivisions and add 35 to 40 homes) that will be discussed next month.
"The community wants to be examined in its entirety, not piecemeal," Maurice Brenner said at the meeting.

Ms. Chittenden had distributed flyers informing residents about Monday's public meeting since she found insufficient notice from the City. Staff said the notice was posted at the site, and delivered to homes within a 150-metre radius.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley said councillors only receive notices the same time as residents, and wants that changed so they can decide if the notification radius should be extended or if community meetings are needed before it comes to the public information meeting.

The meeting was for information only, and Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell said a public meeting on the subdivision will probably take place before it comes to the planning and development committee.