Trent Radio BoD 30 September 2001: Notes to accompany the Operations Report. The Trent Radio server is installed and in on-line testing. A Trent Radio homepage can be found at http://trentradio.ca The computer logger is installed and awaiting an audio feed. An input strip for the On-Air Console is in for repair ($100 estimate). Estimate for repairs and restallation of the transmitter reflectometer is $300 and should be done before the middle of November. Ontario Work Study for 2001-02. the award for this year is $3680. Trent Radio's share is another $1,226 and the whole scheme generate about 588 hours. Last year's grant was $3,052. The hours will be broken down into the following positions of Spoken Word Data & Prep (2), Music Achiving, Studio A Trainer, Studio B Trainer, and Physical Plant. Spoken Word Leader & PD Assistant are not funded this year The challenge to the redesignation of properties in our neighbourhood (OPA 111) continues with the matter being dealt with next by Peterborough City Council on Monday, 01 Oct 01 at 7:30pm A an email and hard copy letter has been sent to each member of Council, with one reply, and there was some coverage in the local paper. (See below) The next Operations Report will feature a presentation of the budget for the current fiscal year. Repectfully submitted, John K Muir, VP & GM 29 Sep 01 OPA 111 Material "New uses for city properties raise red flag" Peterborough This Week 26Sep01 Potential new uses for city properties raise red flag Lois Tuffin/This Week Four frustrated people criticized the City Monday night for giving Trent University leeway to put restaurants, offices and hotels at the site of the former Peter Robinson College on George Street. They say allowing a commercial sector in a residential area requires more thought and discussion. "This is an abomination," said Joan Reeves, a former urban planner living nearby on Water Street. "You are opening the door wide open if you let this go through. This is one of the worst planning decisions I've ever seen." Councillor Doug Peacock thought the City's planning committee was simply going to approve a modified plan that would appease people opposed to certain uses for six large city properties, Peter Robinson College among them. Instead, one sentence -- allowing hotels and restaurants at Trent -- ignited a torrent of criticism. When the matter came up after 11 p.m. Monday, city councillors decided to debate the matter next week when they have more time and information. "Maybe the people at the university think it's resolved but people in the community don't," Coun. Peacock says. City planners had modified the Official Plan to limit uses at key properties about to be vacated -- two hospitals, Fairhaven Home, Trent University's Peter Robinson College, the former public school board head office and Sir Sandford Fleming College's former McDonnell Street campuses. "This would reduce the commercial uses on these sites but leave enough flexibility to the owners to find uses for these properties that have come to the end of their uses," City planning director Malcolm Hunt said. He was caught off guard by Monday night's opposition. The document listing the changes has circulated for months with no comments about the restaurant scenario, he told councillors. He wants the matter settled before an Ontario Municipal Board pre-hearing Oct. 25. [2001] Councillors say they want to know what they're approving before they vote. That decision pleased lawyer Richard Taylor, one of four parties opposing the Commercial Policy Review. "I'm optimistic that they'll take a look at it," he said at the end of Monday's meeting. "The last council didn't take a good look at it because they were too distracted by the Gateway project. Now they can focus on the Peter Robinson site." The City's Commercial Policy Review outlines where new businesses can locate within Peterborough. Developers from Signum Corporation -- developing the proposed Gateway project in the south end --AON and Centrefund have also objected to the document's contents. The review changes the City's Official Plan, the guide for all planning matters. "I don't think you would ever allow it (the conversion of the college to a new commercial area) if it was proposed by a private developer," Mr. Taylor said. Architect John Reeves says whoever buys the buildings from Trent should worry about the site's future. That person or business can then apply for a rezoning to suit plans at that time, he adds. He wondered why neighbours like him are notified of nearby zoning changes but not a major change like the opening of an adjacent area for business. John Muir, general manager of Trent Radio, says the City is rushing too quickly into deciding the future of the former Trent campus. His group supports Mr. Taylor's appeal and says this latest revelation only strengthens his resolve. Just because the Official Plan allows a restaurant use doesn't mean the Trent lands will be used for that purpose, said lawyer Peter Lawless, speaking on behalf of the university. He deflected criticism that Trent is getting special treatment to help sell the land and resolve its financial woes. "This is a City initiative," he says. "It's a problem if they (the properties listed) all sit vacant." [end] [text of email sent to all City Council Members 01/09/27 03:36PM] Greetings, Pursuant to the OPA 111 matter deferred from the Planning Committee meeting held on 24 Sep 2001 to the General Committee scheduled for 01 October 2001, I am sending you each a copy of Trent Radio's position regarding the City of Peterborough's Official Plan Amendment No. 111 (aka OPA 111) - attached. I will deliver a hard copies of same to City Hall tomorrow (Friday, 28 Sep 01) morning. While I do plan to attend the the General Committee Meeting on Monday, in the meantime I'd welcome any questions or be happy to receive advice should anyone wish to offer it. Thank you and all the best // John K Muir Please fell free to contact me; at Trent Radio 741 4011 at Home 745 3247 by email: jkmuir@trentu.ca [end] Reply recv'd from Councillor Henry Clarke Re: Trent Radio Position pursuant to City of Peterborough OPA 111 Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2001 07:23:24 -0500 From: Henry Clarke As a grad of Traill College, no one laments the loss of the down town colleges more than myself. Trent is bent upon its course, and no one, not even the excellent offers from Native Studies to revamp the PR campus, is being listened to. I understand your position, and recognize that the dynamics of your location are going to change. Council did listen to what was being said on MOnday night, and will take a second look at what is being proposed. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. Henry [end]