On Nov 5th 2008 there will be a public hearing which might allow the owner of the lots across the street from 383 Cumberland to build a 4 storey (14.8 metre) condo. This would break the current zoning (bylaw 1998) that permits only 10.8 metre building high limit.
The variances proposed, although minor, directly effects my standard of living. Upon purchase of my Condo I was informed there were bylaws in place to prevent the building of a structure across the street that would both block my view, and enable others to see more clearly into my condo.
As a owner who is directly effected by this I am wondering if I am alone in my discontentment of this. I will be sending a letter to the Committee of Adjustment in opposition of this variance, and would hope that others will also speak out against it.
what is the right way to contact the Committee of Adjustment to oppose the bylaw amendment? what is your email address winters?
Below is the letter I am/was going to send, however due to medical reasons I will be unable to attend the hearing. Since I won't be able to attend the hearing I am sure the letter will be disregarded.
Michael Winters 503-383 Cumberland St Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1J7 Ph: 613-####### michael.winters@international.gc.ca
October 27, 2008
Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment 101 Centrepointe Drive Ottawa ON K2G 5K7 Ph: 613-580-2436 Fax: 613-580-2425 Email: cofa@ottawa.ca
RE: D08-02-08/A-00352 – 356,358,364 Cumberland St.
To the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment,
Please accept this letter as my written submission to contest the above-mentioned Permission Application for Minor Variance. As the hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2008, I am submitting this five days prior to the hearing as requested. I will be in attendance on the day of the hearing. Additionally, this letter serves as my written request to receive a copy of the decision.
The proposed building of a new, 4-story Condominium building in the location described necessitates a variety of “minor variances†to the zoning bylaws, most importantly a variance to bylaw 1998 & 2008-250 which currently permits only 10.8 metre building height limitations. The variances proposed, should they be permitted, will directly affect my standard of living. Upon purchase of my unit, I was informed there were bylaws in place to protect my rights as a property owner. The building of a structure of these specifications, in the location described, would impede my view, and invade my privacy as such a building will enable others to see clearly into my unit. Furthermore, the property value of all the units at 383 Cumberland would diminish.
I would therefore like to better understand my rights as a property owner of a neighbouring property, as I would like to contest this application. Can someone please contact me at the above coordinates as soon as possible?
Sincerely,
Michael Winters
It is important to note that if the current development project as proposed does not receive the required variances from the Committee of Adjustments that the three properties in question will once again be available for development.
Regardless of what the current zoning bylaws are now, they are easily changed and it is highly likely that a much taller building likely in the range of 8 stories would be built which would have a much greater and negative impact on all East Market owners who have properties overlooking Cumberland Street.
The development project as currently proposed will be no taller than the existing building at the corner of George and Cumberland known as Options Bytowne which is four stories in height.
I personally support and endorse this development proceeding. I believe it is in the best interests of the East Market Community as a whole and that this is a positive step towards addressing many of the challenges that our neighbourhood faces.
For additional information about the project and some preliminary sketches of the proposed development, refer to the following link: http://theeastmarket.ca/bulletins/cumberland-development/
I encourage you to write in support of the project; I have included my letter to the committee below. You may email your response to: madeleine.albert@ottawa.ca
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rebecca Bingeman <rebecca@theeastmarket.ca> Date: Thu, Oct 30, 2008 at 12:01 AM Subject: Proposed Development on Cumberland Street To: madeleine.albert@ottawa.ca
Ms. Albert.
Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the public hearing which is scheduled for November 5th to discuss the proposed development of the low-rise condominium on the west-side of Cumberland Street adjacent to Options Bytowne. I am writing to express my full-hearted support for the proposed project.
I currently own two units in 383 Cumberland Street (units 804 and 908), a 99 unit condominium building which is phase 2 of the three phase condo development located on the streets of York – Cumberland – and George, collectively known as the East Market Condos in the Byward Market (www.theeastmarket.ca). In addition, I have served on the Board of Directors of OCSCC 676 (phase 2) for the past 2.5 years as President.
The proposed project is exactly what the Cumberland Street corridor desperately needs; a revitalized streetscape, a building which complements its surroundings with modern architecture and demonstrates best practices through sustainable green design. This is exactly the type of development that the City of Ottawa should promote and encourage: sustainability; revitalization of the downtown core; affordable quality developments which many people are increasingly seeking.
The Cumberland Street area east to King Edward and north to St. Patrick are faced with many challenges that will require cooperative, persistent and creative solutions to address. It will take time to overcome these challenges; however, revitalization projects which boast a strong emphasis on residential development have perhaps the most significant impact by bringing new people and a fresh perspective to the neighbourhood.
I trust that the Committee of Adjustments and the City of Ottawa will see the value and merit of this specific project, and will grant the necessary easements to permit this project to proceed.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely, Rebecca Bingeman 908-383 Cumberland Street
4, 8 or 20 stories... all the same to me.
I agree the lots across the street should be developed, but would argue they should be developed with in the existing bylaws.
I guess as long as the variances don't effect those who own property on the 8th or 9th floor, then they are ok variances...
By those rationales as long as the busses don't stop in front of My condo, I should not help in the fight to stop the STO busses from parking on George. We should allow them to stop on George because it could be worse, they could be stopping on all three Streets.
Hi all - Just a quick note to let you know that the City of Ottawa Committee of Adjustments has now granted their approval for the Minor Variances requested by the developer of this building.
In my impression, the meeting was a very positive and open one, and the views of all present, as well as views expressed in all letters received, were listened to and taken into account by the committee. There were letters and individuals present in support of the project as well as letters and individuals present expressing concerns about the project.
It was encouraging to see that the committee asked a lot of good questions of the architect and developer. The committee focussed on ensuring that they had a proper understanding of the impact the variances would have on neighbors, as well as how the project would contribute to the neighborhood overall.
The information provided at the public meeting served to underscore that the requested variances not withstanding, this is clearly going to be a very high quality project that will bring much needed revitalization to Cumberland Street.
