The Public Record | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site (https://www.thepublicrecord.ca/archives/hamilton-city-hall-city-council/city-hall-news/planning-and-development/page/2/)
The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly known as the Ontario Municipal Board) continues its pre-hearing into the appeals by Parrish & Heimbecker, Bunge Canada, and Harbour West Neighbours against the City’s zoning changes for the Pier 8 lands to enable the City’s planned residential redevelopment of the lands on Hamilton’s West Harbour.
The property is presently designated to be zoned Mixed Use Medium (C5) with a height limit of 22 metre, but close to a GO Station, and on a major arterial road. There are existing 14 and 21 storey buildings across the street from the property.
Keesmaat is looking for her first project, the City is looking for a partner, $9.51-million is already on the table – plus the value of the land – as the municipal contribution, planning approvals are effectively guaranteed, the City already has policies in place to waive application and development charge fees.
Lime Ridge Mall owner Cadillac Fairview wants to create a restaurant district as part of their redevelopment of the former Sears store that anchored the north side of Hamilton’s largest indoor shopping centre.
McMaster’s appeal is one of over a dozen in Hamilton by development applicants seeking to protect their interests under the more developer friendly OMB rules rather than risk having to appeal under the new LPAT rules.
The planning file for the proposal shows it is in early stages, and SmartCentres is conducting market research to determine if there will be ground level commercial in the buildings, and determining the state of the residential market before finalizing their application.
The Public Record dives into the limited information released by the City, providing you a summary of what the bidders plan for Pier 8.
Hamilton’s Chief Librarian says the Hamilton Public Library is interested in discussing a new library branch with West Harbour developers seeking to win right to buy Pier 8 lands from City.
“The Board does have a public interest function”, Swinkin asserted to the objection of the City’s lawyer. “You may say they [the public] are not here and not appellants, but the Board will serve its public interest function and look out for those interests”.
The City of Hamilton is negotiating with over 20 parties who appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board against the City’s new Commercial Mixed Use Zoning.