Royal Orchard Ratepayers Association (RORPA) Ratepayers Associations in Markham are citizens groups dedicated to representing the interests of their neighbourhood residents. The Royal Orchard Ratepayers Association is a Registered Ratepayers & Community Association on the official registry of the City of Markham. Royal Orchard Ratepayers Association (RORPA) Contact Person Peter Rawson, President Email peter.rawson@1832.ca Yonge Street on the West, Bayview on the East, The Toronto Ladies Boundaries Golf Course on the South, and Holy Cross Cemetery on the North 1
Royal Orchard Impact Development proposal re: subject lands would impact 97 homes directly Blue dots indicate homes to be directly and negatively impacted by proposed project due to: increased traffic, loss of trees, loss of features, construction period noise and mess, and negative property value impact 2
Royal Orchard Impact Royal Orchard is a uniquely picturesque, established neighbourhood Neighbourhood character and features: • Diverse neighbourhood population base; mainly families, professionals and retired people • Historic character represented by neighbourhood heritage properties (i.e. Heintzman House built circa 1800 and Brooklands Estate (now Cricklewood) • Existing neighbourhood features include: safe / quiet streets, large mature trees, cul-de-sacs, no sidewalks, low traffic – all features at risk under proposed project • Hundreds of residents would be directly affected • Primarily 4 - 5 bedroom executive homes on lots of 50+ ft. by 100+ ft. lots • Homes constructed in late 1960’s, early 1970’s, in variety of classic architectural styles 3
Shared Long-term Interests The Ladies’ and RORPA share mutual interest in Club’s viability and success Homeowners’ Ladies’ Shared Interests Perspective Perspective Maintain home value Meet obligations FINANCIAL Quiet / safe streets QUIET ENJOYMENT Peaceful/private setting Attractive course setting Attractive neighbourhood NATURAL BEAUTY No course flooding No flooded basements WATER MGMT Continued high quality Continued High Quality PRODUCT of neighbourhood and Success of Club Goals : enjoyment of property; maintain Goals : meeting needs of current and property values / neighbourhood features new members; sustainability and success 4
Impact Studies Requested Development timeline will be significantly delayed by requirement of a number of professional impact studies including the following: 1. Environmental impact study as per 2011 City of Markham, Greenprint Sustainability Plan 2. Native tree study to assess risk of loss of native and endangered tree species as per Markham’s Tree Preservation Bylaw enacted to preserve trees and sustain the City’s urban forest. 3. Wildlife habitat study re: wildlife migration corridors affected 4. Floodplain and drainage study re: impermeability of paved surface (insurance issues?) 5. Access and Egress evaluation re: vehicular access points to new development, to consider existing traffic flows, rush hour gridlock – since currently no existing road access to proposed development 6. Traffic impact study re: vehicular traffic, safety and possible new sidewalk construction; accessibility of new homes by emergency vehicles 7. Evaluation of airborne particles / dust / noise pollution created by long time frame of construction and development period 8. Financial Feasibility Study – Townhouses or rowhouses would not be in keeping with long- standing character of affected neighbourhood; however a low-density project will not produce sufficient economic return for a developer (assuming land price of $20+ million)? 9. Legal and Insurance Impact : Is there a risk to Ladies’ if new course design / construction results in damage to homeowners’ property or individuals (flooding of basements etc.)? 10. Additional Studies – Additional studies/evaluations required based on proposed development 5
ROA Advocacy – Zoning issues RORPA will actively challenge a zoning change request Current “O2 - open-space ” usage ROA will advocate to maintain current “open - space” permitted usage of subject lands as per Markham Zoning by-law 177-96 (see right) A recent search conducted of the subject lands confirmed “ O2” zoning Residential construction not currently permissible. 6
Valuation of Features at Risk The homes affected will be negatively impacted in substantial and significant ways: • Increased traffic – currently a very quiet neighbourhood • Loss of trees / wildlife • Change in character of neighbourhood 1 • Loss of valuable property features 2 • Construction period mess, truck emissions, and noise pollution 3 • Safety issues re: heavy equipment trucks during construction period (no sidewalks in our neighbourhood) • Damage due to potential flooding 4 • Uncertainty during construction period of aesthetic quality of finished product (result may be challenges to homeowners wishing to sell a home during this period) Details: 1. Architecturally diverse, executive-style homes (4 - 5 bedroom) on large lots vs. proposed rowhouse or townhouse development 2. Cul-de- sacs and “no sidewalks ” are desirable and valuable property features. The proposed project may “open up” three cul -de-sac streets to through-traffic and may subsequently require installation of sidewalks (as per traffic increase) 3. Many affected homes have swimming pools – these homeowners will experience additional costs to maintain pools due to airborne construction dust 4. New pavement, and less grass will affect water flow patterns – may result in basement flooding? 7
Further Issues/Questions • Are other lands, apart from subject lands, being contemplated for sale? • Are other solutions under consideration? • Are all risks being considered? Potential risks to the Club include: – Once land is sold, the Club will have no power to influence what gets built – Construction period will disrupt one (or more?) full golf seasons as well as impact new member recruitment during construction – No guarantee re-designed course will be as attractive or enjoyable to play – Will the new homes/townhouses be detrimental aesthetically? – Permanent loss of native trees, flora, fauna, and wildlife corridors – Loss of privacy – What is the risk to the Club of property damage / injury from errant golf balls? RORPA aims to continue dialogue with Ladies’, and support the Club to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for both the Club and the neighbourhood 8
Support for Concerns of Negative Impact Survey shows overwhelming demand for homes on quiet, suburban, residential streets with limited traffic (source: 2015 HomeBuyer Preferences Survey, National Association of Home Builders) 9
Neighbourhood Character Over 200 years of history contributes to the community character Heintzman House Brooklands Estate The Mill Cottage 135 Baythorn Drive 54 Cricklewood Crescent 15 Mill Street • constructed by Loyalist • • Built on Crown land granted One of the earliest structures Anthony Hollingshead by King George III in the village • Construction period from • • Constructed in 1803 Built circa 1825 1797 - 1802 10
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