Planning committee defers decision on heritage designation for 2 Ann Street houses
2 houses stand in the way of proposal for a 22-storey luxury student apartment building
A city planning committee's decision on whether or not to grant heritage status to two houses on Ann Street that stand in the way of a proposed 22-storey residential tower was deferred to a future meeting.
On Monday night, the committee considered a recommendation from the London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH) to grant heritage status to two yellow brick buildings located at 183 and 197 Ann St.
One of the houses was home to the former Kent Brewery, which dates back to 1860. The other was the residence of the family who operated the brewery.
The LACH report says the buildings have heritage significance because they form an essential link to a time when that section of the North Talbot neighbourhood was home to a handful of industries.
Looming over the heritage designation is the fact both houses sit on a block York Developments has applied to turn into a 22-storey tower of luxury rental apartments geared to students.
Granting heritage status for the houses would complicate York's plans. Rather than vote on the heritage issue at Monday's meeting, the planning committee opted to defer it until the Nov. 30 meeting so it can be considered along with the rest of York's planning application.
Coun. Maureen Cassidy, who chairs the planning committee, questioned what delaying the decision would accomplish.
She pointed to a verbal staff report given at committee Monday night that essentially backs the LACH report's findings.
"I don't see how anything is going to change from our staff's recommendation," she said.
However, Mayor Ed Holder pointed out the developer is working with staff and that granting heritage designation ahead of considering the planning application would amount to a case of "ready, fire, aim."
The committee voted 4-2 in favour of the deferral with Cassidy and Coun. Anna Hopkins opposed. Holder, Deputy Mayor Jesse Helmer, Coun. Stephen Turner and Coun. Arielle Kayabaga voted in favour.
The heritage issue will now be heard along with the rest of York's planning application at the Nov. 30 meeting.