Saskatoon Construction III

[roryn1]

So either gets redesigned to be more boring or doesn’t happen. Man I am over Saskatchewan’s urban planners...

[905er]

my guess is it'll get redesigned to look like a commie block Baydo tower and then it'll get the thumbs up.

[alt_center]

Originally Posted by 905er

my guess is it'll get redesigned to look like a commie block Baydo tower and then it'll get the thumbs up.

My thoughts exactly. All those condo owners who claimed "injury" might be sorry they complained!

BTW, the decision states that one of the reasons they denied the appeal is that the property "does not legally exist" because the church's lot has not yet been subdivided.

The lot in question must "exist" and belong to the applicant before an exemption can be considered, according to the appeals board.

I mean WTF???

We want to encourage downtown living, this fantastic proposal comes along, and is shot down?

What a bunch of clowns.

[prairieguy]

I recall the owner of Meridian stating the incredible challenge and process he had to go through to get Escala done and indicated he would not go through that process again! I would not be surprised at all if Meridian totally abandons this project and will further be discouraged from any other significant developments unless they are in the burbs. Blah...

So disappointed with the city and being hung up on technicalities, rather then helping developers navigate the process rather then making it unbearable!!! Grrrrrrr.....

[YXE]

Please reach out to your council rep to discuss your collective disappointment.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by roryn1

So either gets redesigned to be more boring or doesn’t happen. Man I am over Saskatchewan’s urban planners...

I read the decision and it's quite clear that the city's planning dept. supported and argued in favour of the appeal.

The independent appeals board denied the appeal.

[canuck10]

Originally Posted by Echoes

I read the decision and it's quite clear that the city's planning dept. supported and argued in favour of the appeal.

The independent appeals board denied the appeal.

Exactly as I see it. The city did support Meridian's appeal. Those blaming the city need to read the decision. And it needs to be understood that the Development Appeals Board is a quasi judicial body that is at arms length from the city.

[prairieguy]

This was an educational moment for me!! I had no idea the city did not have ultimate authority to approve developments. Who is this arms length Development Appeal's Board. Do they really have the power/authority to over rule a city planning and admin recommendation?

I can see City Council ultimately having the authority to accept or deny a recommendation, but an arms length board??

Is there any other option for Meridian to pursue besides accommodating this board?

Very interesting to me and appreciate those who knew providing the clarification.

[roryn1]

Yea what is this Independent Appeals Board and how do we remove this massive restriction on red tape???

I know some councillors check this thread, please see what other cities do in this regard and fix this burden on our city!!

[canuck10]

Originally Posted by roryn1

Yea what is this Independent Appeals Board and how do we remove this massive restriction on red tape???

I suppose you could try to convince the provincial government to try to change the The Planning and Development Act that governs. The next step for Meridian, if they want to go there, is to further appeal before the Planning Appeals Committee of the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.

Read and learn. https://pubsaskdev.blob.core.windows...peal-Board.pdf

[FarmerHaight]

I've always thought being an urban planner would be an interesting job, but I'm starting to realize that may be a very frustrating (sometimes fulfilling) job. I guess I will stick to playing Cities Skylines instead.

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by canuck10

I suppose you could try to convince the provincial government to try to change the The Planning and Development Act that governs. The next step for Meridian, if they want to go there, is to further appeal before the Planning Appeals Committee of the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.

Read and learn. https://pubsaskdev.blob.core.windows...peal-Board.pdf

I'm thinking if the city approves of this development, then the process should be that THEY appeal on behalf of the developer. If the city agrees and wants it built, let them do the work to get it approved!

This is ridiculous!

[jigglysquishy]

The P&D Act has so many problems. Most stem from the province trying to appease rural municipalities and metropolitan areas under the same legislation.

[Ricopedra]

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[roryn1]

Originally Posted by jigglysquishy

The P&D Act has so many problems. Most stem from the province trying to appease rural municipalities and metropolitan areas under the same legislation.

So we should write to a Sask Party MLA in charge of this? I know the downtown city councillor won’t do anything about this since they just win the popularity contest by being a former news anchor... and sask party won’t listen to our downtown NDP MLAs over pettiness. I wonder who is best to see if some solutions can be found - this is totally unjust and unfair to local developers trying their best.

Meridian is the best thing to happen to saskatoon.

[prairieguy]

Thanks, Roryn1. While I disagree with your assessment of the city councilor who is very pro development and densification....I would for sure write or email the appropriate person in government to voice my concern over the power of this board!

If someone knows who we should be contacting, please share!

[roryn1]

The downtown city councillor may moderately voice verbal support for densification, but what have they actually done for it? Close to zilch. Meridian might kick and scream to them about this, but they haven’t shown much initiative in new strategy/proposals over the last 4 years at all on removal of surface parking, tax abatements, etc.. or am I wrong? It’s one thing to be all “i’m pro densification”, and then having a good councillor that actually gets things done with new proposals. It’s not at all like the anti densification Nimby vote is at all that strong as per the last election results.

[prairieguy]

But isn't what we are talking about is the city SUPPORTING a new urban densification project but some lunatic arms length board not approving it! Can't blame a councilor for that.

I DO agree that I think the city could still be doing so much more to make the process easier and maybe even more incentives. I think it may still be worthwhile to send something to Mayor and councilor on this ridiculous proces.

[Ricopedra]

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[The Bess]

ya Zep 1 was 14 years old lol