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2005/10/14NINETEENTH MEETING SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING PLANNING MATTER PD- 2005 -80 Chief Administrative Officer Intent to Designate Loretto. Council Chambers October 14, 2005 Council met on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. for a special meeting to deal with report PD- 2005 -80, Intent to Designate Loretto, a report originally scheduled for the October 17 meeting. All members were present. The report recommends that Council consider giving notice of intention to designate the building and property at 6881 Stanley Avenue under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Dennis Hefferon, Iawyerfor Loretto, indicated that the Loretto sisters could no longer operate the property as a Christian living centre. He felt that a heritage designation would have a devastating impact on the property and questioned staffs contention to the contrary. Mr. Hefferon questioned the attempt to designate the property without formal discussions with the sisters and any indication as to what was to be designated. He pointed out that a fire had occurred in 1938, therefore, nothing in the interior is of historical value. Mr. Hefferon also pointed out that the property is institutional not commercial and any change would require a re- zoning and any increase in height and density could happen in exchange for benefits. The Director of Planning Development confirmed that any change to the property would require an Official Plan and Zoning By -law amendment and a significant planning review. He confirmed that there is a 4 storey limit to the property now and that in the Official Plan it is designated as tourist commercial. Michael Czestochowski, realtor for CB Richard Ellis, indicated that the property is being sold through a modified tender process, therefore, no price has been set. He did indicate, however, that it is one of the best properties he has seen and could exceed the appraised value his firm had determined. The realtor gave the opinion that potential purchasers do not want complications and any discussion of designation may scare off buyers. Sister Carmen Diston indicated that the Loretto sisters had been looking at their mission since 2004. The substantial costs to maintain, upgrade and operate the facility lead them to decide to sell the property. It was not a decision that was entered into lightly. The Sister indicated that donations from alumni were insufficient and even if a fund raising initiative was started it would not help with the on -going operation of the building. Sister Diston indicated that Loretto would continue to have a presence in Niagara Falls. With regard to the upcoming auction, Sister Carmen indicated that what was being auctioned were personal items, which were well within their rights to auction. Other items were being donated to museums and other religious groups. Windows, that might be of interest to alumni, were removed to prevent vandalism. She pointed out that a decision by Council to designate would not prevent the auction from going ahead. Margaret Mingle, a member of the Municipal Heritage Committee, gave her opinion that the property should be designated and spoke of the adaptive reuse of historical properties and the potential for the site. ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Wing, seconded by Alderman loannoni that Council give notice of its' intention to designate the building and property at 6881 Stanley Avenue under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Alderman Campbell Alderman loannoni Alderman Morocco Alderman Volpatti Mayor Salci ORDERED on the motion of Alderman Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Campbell that the meeting be adjourned at 6:50 p.m. NAY AYE AYE NAY NAY "erI DEAN IORF A, CI CLERK Alderman Diodati Alderman Kerrio Alderman Pietrangelo Alderman Wing AYE NAY NAY AYE Motion Defeated Carried Unanimously MAYOR R.T. (TED) SALCI