1. Nanaimo Old City Association
Council Presentation
on 388 Machleary Street
Joy Adams Bauer,
President
Nanaimo Old City Association
December 11, 2017
November 30, 2017

2. Why are we here? Malaspina Gardens (388 Machleary) has been demolished
Our principles
Be stewards of our neighbourhood
Be proactive
Share ideas and concerns
Look for win/win solutions
We are here to facilitate a discussion before a development application is submitted for 388 Machleary.

3. Context
NOCA: The active community association for the Old City Neighbourhood
Keen interest in the site
The site has major city- scale significance

4. Proactive neighbourhood consultation
Input from over residents over two workshops
Workshop on heritage value
Workshop on redevelopment preferences
Ongoing engagement planned

5. Consultation Report
Report on the Outcomes of the Community Workshop on the Future of the Malaspina Gardens Site
July 2017
Sent to Council
August 2017

6. Policy context Official Community Plan
Old City Neighbourhood Concept Plan
Urban node
Corridor
388 Machleary
Neighbourhood

7. Housing mix Diversity is good Both rental and ownership
Seniors housing
Single family
Townhouses
Condos
Affordable housing
Both rental and ownership
Regarding land use -
We can support a change from “community service uses” to residential
We are in favour of rental and ownership
The Molnar Group is proposing 177 rental units, of which 90% will be 1-2 bedrooms. This is a huge change to the social structure and character of this neighbourhood. Housing diversity is always good and would be welcomed, but we feel the scale of change being proposed is too great.
We believe that a pure rental tenure of this scale is unwarranted and unsupported by the current and future real estate market. Some rental would likely be supported by the community, but not 100%.

8. Building design Heritage inspired
Townhouse entrances at the street level
Lower heights along sidewalks
May consider heights above current restrictions in centre of site
Heights in the middle of the site have little impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. They can be higher with little negative impact. However, the heights of buildings along the surrounding streets are of critical importance. The current neighbourhood plans advocate for maintenance of the existing character and this means the street-edge of any buildings should be no higher than 2 to 2.5 stories.
Setbacks should be provided for any storeys above this level.
The massing should be more diverse to better reflect the character of the surrounding heritage homes.
The ground floors of the buildings should also include private unit entries from the street
The building should be setback from the street a similar distance from other homes in the area, helping to maintain the area’s streetscape character

9. Amenities Underground / onsite parking necessary
New Amenities for consideration
Community meeting space
Exercise / yoga space
Café
Affordable housing
The form of the buildings needs to be “arts and crafts" inspired – to fit with the historical neighbourhood
Large covered private entrances for the ground floor units (e.g. townhouse-like) should be installed along the street edges – to reflect the residential character of those streets

10. The “Old City” Complex & unique heritage neighbourhood Diversity
Nanaimo’s first
Diversity
Low cost homes
Multifamily
Renovated heritage homes
New development should enhance neighbourhood
The Old City -- This neighbourhood is widely understood to be a unique neighbourhood. It is complex and diverse. Homes range from low cost to very desirable renovated heritage homes. The neighbourhood appreciates and wants to maintain this diversity.
However, while we value the area’s heritage character, we are certainly open to the kind of changes The Molnar Group proposal can offer. We are realistic and pragmatic about the realities of development in Nanaimo today and we know the community and the market continue to evolve.

11. Our Desire
A development that fits the historic & unique character of the neighbourhood
A development that honours the intent of existing visions and plans
A process that includes the community
. Our request of city staff is two-fold
Support for a development that fits the historic & unique character of the neighbourhood
Support for a development that honours existing visions and plans

12. Conclusion Development of this site is a great opportunity for all.
We are excited about the potential.
Continued engagement planned.
In conclusion, we feel this development site is a great opportunity for all parties. in our Report on the Outcomes of the Community Workshop of July, 2017.
We look forward to continued engagement with The Molnar Group, City Council and staff.