Webpage Info for: Letters to the (Standard) Editor Re: Downtown
Since birth (1952) I have had connections with our downtown. I even live there today. I therefore have historical reasons for wanting to see an end to its stagnation. The following are two letters published by the St. Catharines Standard dealing specifically with downtown St. Catharines.
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Private sector is forcing down property values Published June 22, 2005
I can identify with Leo Bonomi's and Leslie Landolt's concerns regarding the saturation of social services and housing in our downtown¶§ neighbourhood. I agree with their appeal for "balance and diversity."
When making his address before last Monday's council, Bonomi quoted a newspaper article saying that "high levels of drug use, violence, unemployment and poverty within a small area," drive away those able to leave, and make life miserable for those who can't. It was all I could do to keep from speaking out.
Meeting with Bonomi afterwards, I discovered that they were unaware of how one or more members from their own private sector have been using the very principles of that article for no other purpose than to force down land values in and around St. Paul Street.
It astounds me at how well public forums and media have seemingly been manipulated by special-interest groups and individuals to assist in the cancerous invasion now hindering the downtown's recovery.
I'm tired of hearing the onus for the decline of our downtown¶§ neighbourhood placed wholly on city councillors, staff and the not- for-profit sectors, while the private sector helps to create it.
Yes, there are some aspects of our downtown that our municipal governance and administration can, and does, address.
Can the same be said for those in the private sector who are not contributing to a pleasing and safe environment? If taxpayers should have to pay for improving the downtown, those expenditures should first go towards strengthening building standards, bylaws, and enabling stringent enforcement that would force these landowners to comply or get out.
If this city is to ever see quality improvements for residential intensification¶§ in the downtown, there seems to be no other choice but to regulate and direct it -- and soon!
Bernie Slepkov St. Paul Street, St. Catharines
Letters to the (Standard) Editor Re: Downtown [Continued]
Downtown streets should be two-way Published April 25, 2003
I must respond to some issues raised by Doug Herod (Two-way traffic¶§ doesn't cut much mustard at City Hall, April 24).
Our city can ill afford to wait and see if plans of tax incentives and waiving of development fees lead to increased residential and commercial activities. Unrealistically high taxes based on out-of-whack property assessments would limit the overall attractiveness of such incentives.
If our downtown is to contribute towards and sustain local economies,¶ we need any and all means by which to return empty storefronts to full occupancy.
The debate surrounding two-way street conversion raises serious concerns.
While the 1997 St. Catharines Task Force on Downtown Revitalization¶§ reflected a public desire and acceptance for two-way streets, city councillors at staff's recommendation continue to ignore the public's wishes.
We of the Downtown Winner's Circle know that Paul Mustard has been offering city council inflated prices based on models no longer supported by smart growth strategies.
Putting residents and pedestrians ahead of traffic, Hamilton completed the first phase of its downtown's conversion for around $500,000. Belleville, with the same number of controlled intersections as our downtown core, converted their traffic¶§ for only $105,000.
These reduced costs would make our own traffic¶§ conversion an easily picked, low-hanging fruit. As Christopher Fullerton claimed in answer to my questions posed at the chamber luncheon a couple of weeks ago, the costs of converting our downtown¶§ streets must be viewed as an essential investment.
I would think that following Hamilton and Belleville's examples represents a low-risk investment that would also deliver to potential investors a clear message that our city is finally getting serious about addressing the pressing needs of our stagnant downtown.¶§Bernie Slepkov secretary, Downtown Winner's Circle Urban Work Group Member,Smarter Niagara St. Paul Street St. Catharines
Please Note! I was Secretary/Newsletter Editor, for the Downtown Winners' Circle for a while. However, I withdrew from the 'organization' in June of 2003. Suffice it to say I had a number of reservations regarding the Circle's founder.
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