continued from p.1 in a four-level, underground parking facility. Town staff panned the proposal saying even when bonusing (payment developers make in exchange for constructing buildings with greater density and heights) is considered, the current site's zoning would permit a maximum six-storey structure. "Staff is not satisfied the application conforms to the overall policy direction of the Livable Oakville Plan and other relevant policy documents, as communicated to the applicant at the pre-consultation meeting, and recommends denial of the application. The submitted applications for an Official Plan Amendment and corresponding zoning amendment to permit a 20-storey mixed-use building neither maintains nor enhances the existing or future character of the surrounding neighbourhood," said Town Planner Melissa Dalrymple in a report to council. "The proposal does not represent a development that reflects the appropriate implementation of the Livable Oakville Plan and is not considered to be good planning or in the public interest." The proposed development drew considerable feedback from area residents with approximately 50 people attending the council meeting to hear the matter discussed. Council heard from five resident delegations, all of whom opposed the structure. Many said the proposed development is too large, too dense and would add to the existing Council heard public outcry from Bronte residents traffic congestion issues in the area. Other residents, who wrote in to council, stated the building would block out the sun resulting in significant shading for some of the surrounding residential properties including a nearby seniors' group home. Others claimed the tower would create parking issues on East Street. Shelley Thornborrow, vice president of the Bronte Village Residents' Association (BVRA), said her group supports development with design, built form and setback that does not impair public safety, but compliments the existing area, the culture and the charm of Bronte Village. She said the Symgine application is not an example of this preferred development. "The site application represents over-intensification with proposed development of a mixeduse, 20-storey condominium on a footprint of three quarters of a hectacre," she said. "The development does not respect sensitive land use and poses a risk to seniors safety and wellbeing during and after construction. Overshadowing the group home and a lack of setbacks impairs public safety negotiating the nearby traffic intersection." Not everyone was against the development. In one written submission, an individual opined Bronte must attract more young, working professionals, who would contribute to the local economy and felt this building might do that, however, that said, also stated the 20-storey height is too high. Council also heard from a representative of Symgine (Lake East) Inc., who argued the proposed development satisfies many of the objectives of Oakville's Official Plan with regard to the revitalization of Bronte. "It would achieve intensification... It would create sidewalk-oriented shopping facilities, commercial facilities. That urban square," he said. "That kind of street presence, I think, you are looking for in Bronte. This site is suitable for more intensification than what your Official Plan calls for, in our opinion." Town staff said while Bronte Village is considered a growth area under the Livable Oakville Official Plan this level of intensification is not what the plan calls for. Livable Oakville, they said, promotes a predominately low-rise and pedestrian-oriented built form. It was also pointed out that while there is a 17-storey condominium to the south of the proposed site - that building is outside the Bronte Village growth area and is therefore governed by different planning objectives. During questioning by Ward 2 Town and Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck, the Symgine representative acknowledged the developer was aware of the current zoning's height restrictions when the land was purchased. Ward 1 Town Councillor Ralph Robinson also weighed in on the development. "In my many years, I don't believe we have experienced such an outcry of opposition to a development project by so many Bronte residents," he said. "We do need more density and growth as we recognize the financial importance and the impact of growth, but what we don't need is a downtown Toronto-type of plan and growth of 20-storeys as we devour our very special and historical lifestyle in the community." With that, council voted to deny the developer's application -- a decision met with applause from many of the residents present. 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