The Director Development Services outlines the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendment applications as summarized in the report appended to the agenda.
The Mayor opens the floor for questions.
In response to an inquiry on the outdoor display sheds, the Director explains that the sheds will be for larger retail items such as pre-fabricated sheds and swing sets. There will be sixteen feet between the proposed outdoor display area and the property line of the residential lot to the west. He indicates that there will be sufficient space remaining to provide enhanced landscaping features and this outdoor display area is not intended to take away from the site, rather it is a display area to add value to the customer experience and improved structure and organization to the site.
A question is raised regarding the potential for headlights from vehicles exiting the proposed Westlake exit shining into the home across the street from the proposed driveway. The Director explains the location of the proposed exit driveway will prevent the direct shining of vehicle headlights on the house.
A Member indicates that some residents have reached out over the traffic conditions in this area. The Director comments that there have been ongoing discussions with the County of Essex regarding the traffic congestion in the general vicinity of County Road 22 and Lesperance Road. The longer-term preferred solution is for the County to construct a partial interchange in place of the exiting signalized intersection in accordance with a previously finalized Municipal Class EA. The County has also considered an interim improvement that involves maintaining the existing signalized intersection and using the Sylvestre off-ramp to the east by providing its connection to Lesperance Road through the extension of Westlake Drive. He further explains that the proposed Home Hardware exit onto Westlake Drive is an alternative measure which will provide some level of traffic flow improvement and fewer traffic conflict points on Lesperance Road.