October 26, 1999

To: North York Community Council

From: Rob Dolan, Director, Community Planning, North District

Subject: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT REPORT

ZONING AMENDMENT APPLICATION

SUBDIVISION APPLICATION

Weston Consulting Group Inc for Metrodome Properties Inc.

5365 Leslie Street

Ward 12 - Seneca Heights

UDZ-99-29 and UDSB-1243

Purpose:

This is a preliminary evaluation report of an application to amend the Zoning By-law and a draft plan of subdivision to permit the redevelopment of the former McDougald Estate on the east side of Leslie Street, south of Finch Avenue East, with 77 single family detached lots including a lot for the existing historic house, as well as a new public road, public park and walkway.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

All of the costs associated with the processing of this application are included within the 1999 Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) staff, in consultation with the local Councillors, schedule a community consultation meeting with area residents; and

(2) staff prepare a Final Report evaluating the proposal and provide Notice of the Statutory Public Meeting at the appropriate time.

Background:

Proposal:

The property at 5365 Leslie Street, the former McDougald Estate, currently contains an existing 2-storey historic main house, known as "Green Meadows", as well as accessory frame dwellings, a horse barn and stables, garages, kennels, a gatehouse, pump house, pool shed and swimming pool. The property was severed in 1969 from the 210 acres of the McDougald farm.

The applicant proposes an amendment to the Zoning By-law and subdivision of the lands to create 77 single family residential lots, a new public park and walkway. Green Meadows would be maintained on one of the new lots.

The subdivision is proposed to have a single access from Leslie Street, and a new public road with a short cul-de-sac providing access for the Green Meadows house. There would no vehicular access to the adjacent streets. The proposed walkway would allow pedestrian access to the neighbourhood to the east via the City-owned "Block C" on the west side of Seneca Hill Drive.

A public park equal to 5% of the site would be located adjacent to the historic house. The park and the access from Leslie Street are strategically located to maintain the existing view of the main house from the arterial road.

The pertinent statistics of the proposal are listed below: