Executive Summary:
N/A
Background:
Richard and Adrienne Chene, owners of the property known as 1370 Oak Street, applied to close the entire portion of the 4.57 metre wide east/west alley located between 1370 Oak Street and 1380 Oak Street and a portion of the 2.13 metre wide north/south alley between Crawford Avenue and Oak Street, between Montrose Street and Tecumseh Boulevard West that abuts their property, as shown as “Part 1” and “Part 2” on Drawing No. CC-1776, attached as Appendix “A. The alley shown as “Part 1” is required as driveway access to the garage at 1370 Oak Street.
The east/west alley connects at a 90-degree angle to a north/south alley between Crawford Avenue and Oak Street, from Montrose Street to Tecumseh Boulevard West as shown as “Part 2”, “Part 3” and “Part 4” on Drawing No. CC-1776. The north/south alley appears to have been narrowed by encroachments and does not appear to be traveled. It is generally comprised of grass and gravel with vegetation growth. Very thick vegetation growth in the alley was observed from 1364 Oak Street through approximately 1348 Oak Street, making the alley impassible in its current state. The garage at the rear of 1364 Oak Street is not accessible due to the vegetation growth. The east/west alley appears is comprised of maintained gravel and appears to be used as an extension of the driveway for 1370 Oak St. A wood fence separates 1380 Oak St from the alley.
The applicants are seeking closure of the portions of alley abutting their property to reduce provide additional parking spaces and to reduce risk of criminal activity.
Discussion:
Planning Department’s analysis of the requested alley closures:
The first test is to determine whether the subject alleys are dispensable. To make such determination the guideline attached herein as Appendix ‘E’ would be relevant as shown below:
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Does the subject alley serve commercial properties?
The answer is NO.
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Does the subject alley serve properties fronting on heavily traveled streets i.e. major arterial routes?
The answer is NO.
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Does the subject alley contain sewers, and must the alley remain accessible for servicing?
The answer is NO.