March 16, 1998

 To:North York Community Council

 From:Bryan Tuckey

Acting Commissioner of Planning

 Subject:PRELIMINARY REPORT

OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION

John Waldie

860 York Mills Road

Part of Lot 11, Conc. 3, W.Y.S.

 Ward 11 - Don Parkway

UDOZ-98-02

 Purpose:

 This is a preliminary evaluation of an application to permit an increase in the retail and service commercial component of a new one storey commercial building.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that the application be referred to the Planning Department to be received as discussed in this report and processed in the following manner:

 (a)staff, in consultation with the local Councillors, conduct Community Consultation; and,

 (b)staff prepare a final report evaluating the proposal and provide notice of the Statutory Public Meeting at the appropriate time.

 Proposal:

 The applicant proposes to construct a one storey commercial building (refer to schedule AC@). A statistical breakdown of the proposal is set out below.

 Official Plan:Industrial (IND) by Official Plan Amendment 443 and forms part of the Wrentham Estates Business Park (schedule AA@). Retail and service commercial uses in the Business Park are limited to 20% of the ground gross floor area (or largest floor) of a building. The applicant=s proposal to allow an increase in the retail store component of the building requires an official plan amendment.

 Zoning:Office Industrial Exception Zone (MO(6)) by Zoning By-law 7625, which primarily permits employment uses (schedule AB@). The zoning of the property implements the restrictions of the official plan for retail uses. An amendment to the zoning by-law is required given the applicant wants the flexibility to occupy 75% of the building for retail stores.

 Discussion:

 In principle, the proposal meets the intent of OPA 443 by providing commercial uses along the major arterial road which are supportive and compatible with the surrounding employment uses of the Business Park. The property is located on a major arterial road (York Mills Road) and is a good location to provide for a range of retail and service commercial uses. Similar applications have been approved along the edge of York Mills Road. The issues to determine the appropriateness of this development are a review of the following:

 (1)Zoning By-law

 Ensure the technical requirements of the zoning by-law are met to protect and promote the prestige nature of the Business Park as a high quality employment area.

 (2)Urban Design

 The proposed building location is particularly desirable given it is situated close to and fronting both York Mills Road and Lesmill Road, providing for a fitting entrance into the Business Park. Details such as the landscape treatment and building design will be reviewed to ensure the animation of this employment area is preserved.

    (3)Site Conditions

 The lands were previously occupied by a gas station. An environmental site assessment should be conducted in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Guideline for Use at Contaminated Sites in Ontario. The suitability of the site conditions to accommodate the proposed building should be verified by the submission of a record of site condition.

 (4)City Wide Issues - None.

 Conclusions:

 A final report will be prepared for the Community Council upon further review of the application for a new commercial building at 860 York Mills Road.

 Contact Name:

 Anthony Rossi, Planner

Phone: 395-7114Fax: 395-7155

   Bryan Tuckey

Acting Commissioner of Planning

 Schedules:

 A. Official Plan designations.

B. Zoning By-law categories.

C. Site Plan.

D. Elevations.