On March 1 there is the statutory public meeting for applications for 3 parcels in the area south east of King Road  and Jane; except for those who are very cognizant of planning processes this can be confusing.  I think the staff report does a pretty good job in explaining what is being considered.  1.  As reviewed the parcel, called King Hill,  (which was once owned by Magna) is still zoned for a variety of low-rise, low density offices or industrial buidlings with some limited commercial uses.  And its indicated that a previous request to convert some of these lands to residential has been withdrawn.  2.  South of King Hill there is a development proposal to build a variety of residential uses including single detached, townhouses and lifestyle units geared towards Seniors.  No decisions are made at a statutory public meeting; rather, its an opportunity for the public to identify concerns concerns, ask questions.  As the meeting is being conducted virtually it is necessary to register to make a deputation; alternatively you can send an email.  To register or to email your questions and comments do so at clerks@king.ca by March 1 noon. To read the report and access the appendices see the agenda.

From calls I have received in the last couple weeks I am aware that one of the areas of concern is the words “light industrial uses and light manufacturing” in the list of permissions for the King Hill parcel.  As reviewed in the report there is further definition of “light industrial use” in the zoning bylaw:   the use of building or structure for the purpose of manufacturing, processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, packaging and incidental storage of goods and materials, provided that all activities are conducted within a wholly enclosed building, and that the operations do not involve any furnaces or machinery that emit noxious fumes or gases, discharge dirt, dust or particle matter into the air or result
in noise or vibration.  As indicated in the report there is still not clarity on what is to be built on the site.  That will be identified when the proponent makes a site plan application.  To clarify:  the permissions for King Hill are much greater than light industrial; I have only talked about it as I have been receiving questions.  The other permissions include limited commercial uses, offices, research & education, data processing; full list is in the report.

Of interest perhaps:  the zoning permissions for King Hill are the outcome of an OMB ruling almost 10 years ago.  It is true that Magna had ideas that were more consistent with what was envisioned for this parcel when the King City Community Plan was approved in 2000 but as no action occurred when magna was owner we are dealing with what was determined by the OMB.

The subdivison plan for Janeking is interesting because of the diversity of options:  170 single detached, 39 townhouses and 65 lifestyle units.  But it is disappointing, particularly the east block.  A traditional subdivision is planned a midst magnificent natural heritage of wetlands, .  And overall, there should be fewer single detached.   I hope the proponent will recognize that the eastern block is very unique because of its context; the architecture should leverage this.