Dalhousie Community Association

Planning Committee is considering the rezoning of 486 and 500 Preston St, better (and perhaps inevitably) known as SoHo Italia. As we have expressed previously, the association remains extremely concerned that important decisions on the major developable lots are happening in advance of the completion of the area's community design plan, which has now been ongoing for half a decade. DCA Soho Italia Planning Committee Letter June 24

DCA Minutes, 2 May 2012 Present: Michael Hatfield, Charles Akben-Marchand, Ida Henderson, David Seaborn, Pat Snair, Stephanie Strudwick, Don Smith, Heather Hossie, Wendy Hunter, Michael Powell, Grant Holly, Samantha McGavin, Sean Darcy, Rob Bryce, Pam Connolly, Eric Darwin, Jon Svazas Minutes of April : with minor corrections, minutes were approved Development Committee report: • the basics of the Claridge proposal for 505 Preston (at Carling) were reviewed, ie 45 stories, on a three to six floor podium, no comment as yet as it is still very preliminary proposal. • Planning Committee at the City has passed the infill zoning guidelines , to which we had input, we are pleased to see the new rules passed • 72 Cambridge went to the Committee of Adjustment to approve the 7 apartments now built, but the Committee turned it down, citing complaints about the landlord’s previous lack of attention to the property. Landlord agreed to abide by the Committee’s decision to allow onl...

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1 Eric Darwin, President 8 April, 2012 Councillor Diane Holmes Somerset Ward At the April 4th board meeting of the Dalhousie Community Association, a number of members expressed great satisfaction at the promptness and thoroughness of the spring street cleaning in our neighborhood. More than one member noted that the dead ends, street closures, and other difficult spots were cleaned promptly by crews with hand brooms working with considerable enthusiasm. We realize that many citizens limit their interaction with the City to complaints. We plead guilty to too often focusing on the problems and not the successes. But we did pass a unanimous motion thanking the city for the prompt cleaning this year and hope you can pass on our gratefulness to the appropriate department and crews. Their work was noticed and appreciated. Sincerely, Eric Darwin, President.

From low rise to high rise ... change is coming...  artist impression shows the area north of Somerset, west of Preston. New buildings are up to 30 floors high. Where will development be? How big will it be? When will it happen? What will be built? You are invited to a PUBLIC OPEN FORUM on Development Along the O-Train Corridor Hosted by the Dalhousie and Hintonburg Community Associations 6 March 2012, 7:00 pm Tom Brown Arena 141 Bayview Rd., near Scott/Albert St. • The City of Ottawa is making rules for new development along the O-Train tracks and the future light rail corridor. • Several large developments are already in the planning stages. • This Open Forum will provide information on the City’s planning process, what has been approved already, and what is being considered. • Find out what is happening and make your views heard!

DALHOUSIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 755 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6R1 Eric Darwin, President 9 February 2012 Alain Miguelez, Planning & Growth Mgmt. Dept. City of Ottawa Dear Sir, Re: Re-Zoning of 500 Preston St. (Soho Italia) On 25 January 2012, the Planning and Development Committee of the Dalhousie Community Association were given a presentation of perspectives and elevation drawings of a 30 storey apartment tower. This was the third proposal we have seen from the current developer. No shadow, traffic, wind studies or other impact material was presented. You may recall that the OMB imposed a previous re-zoning from 6 storeys to a tower of 19 storeys with a high-calibre of design and a much smaller footprint. The present proposal is much bulkier, much higher and of an unremarkable character. We do not consider this location appropriate for such a significantly larger, higher, bulkier building. It is not on Carling Avenue where the highest buildin...

DCA Draft Minutes, 1 Feb 2012 Present: Charles Akben-Marchand (chair), Catherine Boucher, Don Smith, Eric Darwin (sec), Mike Powell, Stephanie Strudwick, David Seaborn, Ida Henderson, Don McMaster, Pat Snair, Archie Campbell. Guest: Laura Bergen from the Councillor’s office. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with a minor change (moved by Catherine, seconded by Eric). Report of Development Committee • Soho Italia at 500 Preston: major changes include moving the garage to the basement and a slight reduction in height. We remain concerned that it is not a landmark exterior despite its prominent location, that stepbacks are required as the building goes up, and that it’s still too damn high. A letter to planning committee will be sent. • 347 Booth infill: we are delighted with this project and will support it in its current form. • Bridgehead on Anderson: city approved $1 in lieu of parking, as the proponent will be providing significant exterior enhancement...