Reading Donn Esmonde's column this morning (link below) I couldn't help but think of just how much further along Crystal Beach could have been had all of us in the community dedicated our resources and efforts towards making Crystal Beach Public Waterfront Park what it should be?
Imagine if the Town of Fort Erie and the residents, whom have always been willing to "pitch in", had made a REAL commitment and found the funds to transform our "diamond in the rough" to it's obvious potential as opposed to looking for excuses to sell a public park to a private concern?
As a taxpaying resident I will confess that I "dropped the ball" just as much as anyone.
Guilty as charged !
That said, I wonder if any of our existing or former public office holders or Civil Servants, are willing to take any responsibility for getting us to where we are today...Divided Dreading and Disheartened !!!
Buffalo News Link
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/columns/donn-esmonde/article222356.ece
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
4 doors away from the main entrance...
It’s been a while since I’ve posted but with things remaining static for so long I simply didn’t see any sense in just “flappin’ me gums”.
As we celebrate Labour Day 2010 and move from “Summer” to the more normal “Not Summer” season in our humble village I believe there are some things that have become Crystal Clear (pun intended).
The proposed “Crystal Beach Gateway Plan” IS a major topic of discussion for our Canadian friends & neighbors as they prepare to cast their votes in October’s municipal elections. While other MAJOR issues no doubt confront the electors, as well as the elected, the plan to allow private ownership & development of the publicly owned Crystal Beach Waterfront Park is of considerable conversation throughout ALL of Fort Erie and it’s politics.
A rather unclearly stated goal of the “Gateway Plan”, kicking down the door to allow private high rise development from Bay Beach to Pt. Abino, is NOT lost to those that understand the proposal whether one is for or against it.
Respectfully, as a fellow tax-payer and neighbor but one that is ineligible to vote here in Fort Erie, I ask the following…
Whether you are inclined to support the “Gateway Plan” or not, PLEASE, take the time to look over this plan, and it’s details, thoroughly.
Both my wife and I have and while we support and advocate development, especially here in Crystal Beach, frankly we don’t like what we see!
Happy Labour Day!!!
John McCarthy
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"Bucking" the trend
As reported by Doug Draper's in his article NiagaraAtLarge an international effort is under way to insure public access to our Great Lakes shoreline and
“to take back into public ownership waterfront properties along the Great Lakes as they become available to ensure public access for future generations.”
From the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the big lake they call "Gitchigumi" citizens and government leaders are joined in making great strides in maximizing these possibilities.
There is of course one place where that this is simply not the case. In fact, a majority of Fort Erie's elected officials, supported by Town Staff are in favour of allowing ownership of a substantial portion of an existing, public, waterfront park to be transferred to a private developer.
Somehow, proponents of the "Crystal Beach Gateway Project" are advocating that construction of a 12 story condo at the Bay Beach entrance is actually a step in "improving the beach experience" and, in time, will allow for increased public access as well as be a catalyst for more public ownership of waterfront lands.
Come on...whose kidding who?
When you look at how private ownership of waterfront has played out over the years, I'm reminded of an old saying...
"Someone is pissing in my ear and they're telling me it's raining"
Q tip anyone?
“to take back into public ownership waterfront properties along the Great Lakes as they become available to ensure public access for future generations.”
From the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the big lake they call "Gitchigumi" citizens and government leaders are joined in making great strides in maximizing these possibilities.
There is of course one place where that this is simply not the case. In fact, a majority of Fort Erie's elected officials, supported by Town Staff are in favour of allowing ownership of a substantial portion of an existing, public, waterfront park to be transferred to a private developer.
Somehow, proponents of the "Crystal Beach Gateway Project" are advocating that construction of a 12 story condo at the Bay Beach entrance is actually a step in "improving the beach experience" and, in time, will allow for increased public access as well as be a catalyst for more public ownership of waterfront lands.
Come on...whose kidding who?
When you look at how private ownership of waterfront has played out over the years, I'm reminded of an old saying...
"Someone is pissing in my ear and they're telling me it's raining"
Q tip anyone?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Response to an abuse
Link to Buffalo News article by Margaret Sullivan: Buffalo News Editor
Without accountability... what is an opinion?
Without accountability... what is an opinion?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Fair enough
I received a “heads up” informing me that my reference to “the majority of residents” in my June 8, 2010 post was being rightfully challenged. Here is the direct quote from me:
“What of their “due diligence” to the majority of residents that oppose this development?”
In the absence of any official, scientific, independent survey, I am basing the “majority” conclusion on two things:
1) 1) Personal conversation with Fort Erie residents such as neighbours, beach patrons, fellow shoppers, folks sitting at the bar, business owners & employees, fellow property owners, officers & members of service groups, officers & members of youth sports organizations, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Town employees, Fishermen, Tradesmen and others.
2) 2) The number of presentations to Town Council in opposition to the plan as opposed to the number presenting in support of it.
Therefor it’s an opinion. Just as it is an opinion that a majority of residents support the plan.
So, if I may ?
Given the difference in opinion, might it not be helpful to ask voters, before we go any further, if they support the existing plan or not?
Respectfully,
John
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Parachuting (golden) before the plane crash?
http://forterietimes.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2623865
As long as taxpayers are ONLY footing up to $100,000 and it's OK with the rest of the guys...
Well then...SURE...what the heck...why not ?
I mean sometimes you budget things and sometimes you don't and it might be more or, then again, it might be less and well... you know, usually on "behalf of the process" towns just pay it but this will probably take longer so... you know we'll try our darnedest to cap our exposure by declaring a $100K deductible for our partner but...
well... I mean... it's kind of like... umm...you know...ahhh....... don't ya ?
As long as taxpayers are ONLY footing up to $100,000 and it's OK with the rest of the guys...
Well then...SURE...what the heck...why not ?
I mean sometimes you budget things and sometimes you don't and it might be more or, then again, it might be less and well... you know, usually on "behalf of the process" towns just pay it but this will probably take longer so... you know we'll try our darnedest to cap our exposure by declaring a $100K deductible for our partner but...
well... I mean... it's kind of like... umm...you know...ahhh....... don't ya ?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
From Toronto...a new paradigm
Click here to watch this video and
Listen to the words of the speakers!!!
Notice the sense of purpose, excitement and UNITY as Toronto realizes the importance of an open, public waterfront as the center piece of a community.
One can only wonder how they would weigh in on constructing a 12 story condo in the middle of an existing public park like Bay Beach.
When you look, objectively, at Marcy Woods, Pt. Abino Light House, Crystal Beach Tennis & Yacht Club you have to ask...How many times are we going to repeat the same mistakes?
Listen to the words of the speakers!!!
Notice the sense of purpose, excitement and UNITY as Toronto realizes the importance of an open, public waterfront as the center piece of a community.
One can only wonder how they would weigh in on constructing a 12 story condo in the middle of an existing public park like Bay Beach.
When you look, objectively, at Marcy Woods, Pt. Abino Light House, Crystal Beach Tennis & Yacht Club you have to ask...How many times are we going to repeat the same mistakes?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
An interesting choice of a word
"A purchase and sale agreement between a developer and the Town of Fort Erie is being drafted, but will not be executed until after an as yet-to-be-scheduled OMB hearing and decision is made".
And from todays Fort Erie Times we read
"Once executed by both the Town and the Molinaro Group, the agreement of purchase and sale is a binding legal agreement to transfer the ownership of the property. However, the completion of the transaction is conditional on three things taking place first. If the by-law for the land purchase agreement is amended after an appeal through the Ontario Municipal Board or any other legal setting, either party can terminate the agreement if not satisfied with the outcome. The transaction moving ahead will also be determined by whether or not the ministry of natural resources issues a permit pursuant to the endangered species act with conditions deemed acceptable by both parties by the end of 2012. The execution of the community benefit agreement also needs to take place before the land purchase agreement can move ahead." FE Times Link
So, in my opinion, nothing has changed.
I'm sure Councilors Lockwood, Whitfield, Annunziata and Shular, as well as Mayor Martin will speak of how this latest agreement was part of their “due diligence” in the deal making process with The Molinaro Group and I would have to say they would be correct.
But therein lies the rub.
What of their “due diligence” to the majority of residents that oppose this development?
One answer might be…
That was “executed” months ago.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Closed Doors (Closed Minds?)
In regards to the proposed “Crystal Beach Gateway Plan” I wonder what exactly has Town Council and Staff gotten us into? Is it an intricate public/private partnership “business deal” or drawn out, unpopular, money draining legal quagmire?
Despite assurances of complete transparency and full public involvement during the decision making process we have before us a “special closed door session” of Town Council, scheduled June 7, with the expressed purpose of discussing a transfer of what is currently a publicly owned, waterfront park to a private developer. Keep in mind it was in two other previous “closed sessions” that the Molinaro Group was selected and the 12 story condo plan was ultimately favoured.
While for some this certainly seems to minimize the notion of transparency, with open and public consultation during the entire process, I for one, find it difficult to believe that Mayor Martin would renege on his word that a decision on any land transfer would be reached before a final outcome through OMB proceedings. Respectfully, I remind everyone of the following:
“Town politicians have decided no more decisions on town-owned land at Bay Beach should be made pending the outcome of Ontario Municipal Board hearings which will help decide the fate of a condominium project slated to be built on the Crystal Beach waterfront”. (April 29,2010 NiagaraThisWeek)
And this direct quote from Mayor Doug Martin:
"A purchase and sale agreement between a developer and the Town of Fort Erie is being drafted, but will not be executed until after an as yet-to-be-scheduled OMB hearing and decision is made". (Niagara Falls Review Article# 1112869)
This brings me back to my opening questions and perhaps what really is the topic of Monday night’s meeting … the wisdom of a proposed project that lacks public support, is rift with controversy and is open to expensive legal challenges.
My two questions then really become one. Is this project the BEST option available?
John McCarthy
Thursday, June 3, 2010
On April 29, 2010 they said...
Council holds firm on lands at Bay Beach
No rezoning will be considered until after OMB decision rendered
Town politicians have decided no more decisions on town-owned land at Bay Beach should be made pending the outcome of Ontario Municipal Board hearings which will help decide the fate of a condominium project slated to be built on the Crystal Beach waterfront.
For Entire NiagaraThisWeek Article Click Here
And remember this NF Review piece
Mayor Doug Martin is adamant the municipality will not transfer any public land at Bay Beach into private hands before an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.
"A purchase and sale agreement between a developer and the Town of Fort Erie is being drafted, but will not be executed until after an as yet-to-be-scheduled OMB hearing and decision is made", Martin told The Niagara Falls Review Friday.
Makes one wonder what happened ?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
While not "in office"... He's taken the lead
Niagara Falls Review Article
With ALL due respect to Mayor Martin I have to ask... Mr. Mayor can't you see the contradiction when you invoke Ontario's stated policy of controlling urban sprawl by using it to justify handing over an existing public, waterfront park for private development?
To Councilor (and friend) Sandy Annunziata I respectfully suggest you hold the expressed desires of so many Fort Erie Residents and Taxpayers on equal footing with the principles of honourable negotiation.
To suggest that the existing Bay Beach development plan is the only reasonable option is simply a failure of imagination and a denial of reality.
John McCarthy
Crystal Beach
Article By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
In my humble opinion it seems that Wayne Redekop has managed to get WAY out in front and become the the public leader on this extremely important issue. While current Fort Erie Mayor Doug Martin now recites "provincial policy statements" as justification for Bay Beach development and Councilor Sandy Annunziata refers to a "fiduciary responsibility" to the Molinaro Group I find it fascinating that a former political leader, now a private citizen, has stepped up to the plate and let it be known that the Mayor & Councilor have lost touch with the desires of their collective constituents.With ALL due respect to Mayor Martin I have to ask... Mr. Mayor can't you see the contradiction when you invoke Ontario's stated policy of controlling urban sprawl by using it to justify handing over an existing public, waterfront park for private development?
To Councilor (and friend) Sandy Annunziata I respectfully suggest you hold the expressed desires of so many Fort Erie Residents and Taxpayers on equal footing with the principles of honourable negotiation.
To suggest that the existing Bay Beach development plan is the only reasonable option is simply a failure of imagination and a denial of reality.
John McCarthy
Crystal Beach
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Upon further "review" by the replay official...
The question is...why would staff recommend otherwise?
Link to NF Review article
Link to NF Review article
Photo taken this summer at Town garage.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Attention EVERYBODY
from The Herald Online
A girl practicing her athletics Monday evening narrowly avoided serious injury when she found two steak knives buried in the long jump pit at Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School.
Niagara Regional Police say she was practicing with her mother around 6 p.m. at Pride Field when the knives pointed upward were found after her first jump.
“It’s apparent this was a deliberate act that created a very dangerous situation,” stated Detective Sergeant Scott Kruasher.
Police will be conducting increased checks of local schools and playgrounds as a result of this incident.
Residents are warned to inspect playground areas before allowing their children to use the equipment and to report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about this act is asked to call police at 905-871-2300 ext. 2300.
Mike Cloutier
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Whom to believe ?
From: March 10-2010
Ward 4 Coun. Tim Whitfield said he is bothered by the amount of "misinformation" distributed around town from a campaign that voiced its opposition during the entire process. He thinks people should realize that the Town does not intend to enter into more partnerships with developers and build all along the waterfront. In fact, he said somewhere down the road the local government should inquire into buying a portion of the private beach and make it accessible for the public and retain as much waterfront property as possible.
From: December 19-2009
Partnership Key To Rejuvenation
The Crystal Beach Gateway project will be a model
for growth on the lakeside properties westward which will
reduce the per capita costs to provide
services for the very loosely,
and seasonally, populated cottage
neighbourhood on Erie Road.
“I have every confidence the
new development will be successful,”
Mayor Martin said. “Because it’s in the private sector
and they are investing their dollars to make it work and in
their experience they think this is a good place to invest
and that it will grow.”
Marina proposal offers world-class resort
“This is an innovative venture partnership that is
sustainable and shared and helps implement our vision
for tourism and recreation,” said Jim Thibert, general
manager of the Fort Erie Economic Development and
Tourism Corporation.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Enough Said
Well Gang:
Barring any unforeseen “developments” (pun fully intended) I think it’s pretty safe to say “The Preliminaries” are over!
With a clear majority of Council in favour of the existing “Crystal Beach Gateway Project”, it certainly appears they will make their commitment official, sometime in March, with the rezoning ruling.
Whether you support the existing plan or not, I think we can agree that “next up” would be O.M.B. hearings ?
While I currently don’t have any involvement or “special insight” in any such action, like you, I do know that some organizations and individuals, have in fact, started in that direction. Frankly, some of you reading this, more likely than not, possess more knowledge on the matter than I so my commenting on either the concept or mechanics of the issue would be ridiculous.
There are a couple of instances when I KNOW I should keep my mouth shut.
1) When I don’t know what I’m talking about.
2) When I do know what I’m talking about but it simply will not make a difference.
2) When I do know what I’m talking about but it simply will not make a difference.
A check of these particular criteria has led me to conclude that it’s time to shut this “bad boy” down.
After witnessing Monday night’s shameless display of disrespect, dysfunction and deceit and working on the assumption that the Bay Beach issue will in fact go to the O.M.B. (and yes it is an assumption)
I suspect attitudes, positions, and arguments, will become much, much more extreme. So much so that managing a reasonably “open & friendly” forum like this one will become impossible (at least for me).
Conversely, contemplating the possibility that the issue, as it stands, does NOT go before the O.M.B. leads me to consider that perhaps I’ve made a very serious error in the selection of where my wife and I would eventually retire to.
As they say…”live and learn”
To those of you who have read the comments on this weblog…
To those who have contributed …
I THANK YOU for your words !!!
Sincerely,
John
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I was “speechless”…
Considering last nights meeting was NOT supposed to be a “free for all” for supporters or detractors of the proposal, I respectfully submit that, perhaps, some participants would have been better off had they remained, at least, ON TOPIC… ?
(As in focusing on the issues of "appropriate land use" and "re-zoning")
Then again, maybe Forrest’s Mama was right after all...
“Ya never know what yer gonna get” ?
Your Thoughts ?
John
Friday, January 22, 2010
Town/Region Co-op ?
With Councilor Ann Marie Noyes’s motion for Town Council to consider exploring a possible partnership with The Niagara Region in regards to Bay Beach, I’m curious as to whether or not anyone has any thoughts on the matter ?
The floor is open for discussion…
Enjoy the weekend!
John
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Remember Seinfeld's “Bizarro World” ?
From Fort Erie Times Archives
Pilot project aims to maintain Crystal Beach’s ‘cottage community’ look
Posted By Mark Ladan
Posted 2 years ago
To ensure cottage-like look of the old village of Crystal Beach, Fort Erie Town council is moving ahead with something called a Development Permit System (DPS).
The first step in the pilot project is to develop regulations that must be adhered by builders and
homeowners, when doing any work on a home or commercial building that requires a building permit. At its Monday meeting, council approved a staff recommendation to send out a request for proposal to companies that are experienced in developing such regulations. Staff estimates developing the regulations will cost about $20,000.
In the case of Crystal Beach, the regulations would likely require that new homes or renovation projects to stick with “cottage-type” designs, including a certain range of exterior colours and building materials. If the pilot project is successful, it could be implemented in other neighbourhoods in Greater Fort Erie.
All members of council, with the exception of Ward 3 Coun. Bob Steckley, voted in favour of proceeding with the pilot project. He said he’s not necessarily opposed to it, but felt staff hadn’t provided enough detail to council to make an informed decision.
“I’m against the fact that we were requesting additional information on it as far as what legalities we have to make sure that the ideas of the report get carried forward and don’t get lost. We’re going to spend $20,000, I want to make sure that we can uphold the letter of the law. We had asked for additional information, it wouldn’t have taken more than a week to get.”
Part of the additional information requested was how many homes per year would fall under the DPS guidelines. The community and development services department reports that the 10-year average for new home starts in Crystal Beach is 17 units.
DPS has been tried in a couple other of municipalities, including downtown Hamilton. Mostacci told council that system was shelved there, because there were too many requests for variances. It was also tried in the Muskoka community of Lake of Bays, but Mostacci was unsure as to how it was received there.
Posted By Mark Ladan
Posted 2 years ago
To ensure cottage-like look of the old village of Crystal Beach, Fort Erie Town council is moving ahead with something called a Development Permit System (DPS).
The first step in the pilot project is to develop regulations that must be adhered by builders and
homeowners, when doing any work on a home or commercial building that requires a building permit. At its Monday meeting, council approved a staff recommendation to send out a request for proposal to companies that are experienced in developing such regulations. Staff estimates developing the regulations will cost about $20,000.
In the case of Crystal Beach, the regulations would likely require that new homes or renovation projects to stick with “cottage-type” designs, including a certain range of exterior colours and building materials. If the pilot project is successful, it could be implemented in other neighbourhoods in Greater Fort Erie.
All members of council, with the exception of Ward 3 Coun. Bob Steckley, voted in favour of proceeding with the pilot project. He said he’s not necessarily opposed to it, but felt staff hadn’t provided enough detail to council to make an informed decision.
“I’m against the fact that we were requesting additional information on it as far as what legalities we have to make sure that the ideas of the report get carried forward and don’t get lost. We’re going to spend $20,000, I want to make sure that we can uphold the letter of the law. We had asked for additional information, it wouldn’t have taken more than a week to get.”
Part of the additional information requested was how many homes per year would fall under the DPS guidelines. The community and development services department reports that the 10-year average for new home starts in Crystal Beach is 17 units.
DPS has been tried in a couple other of municipalities, including downtown Hamilton. Mostacci told council that system was shelved there, because there were too many requests for variances. It was also tried in the Muskoka community of Lake of Bays, but Mostacci was unsure as to how it was received there.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Plan B ?
Please. When you have an opportunity, take some time to visit the link below, explore and by all means, post your thoughts.
No doubt you’ll notice the existing eight story condo.What do you think?
Be sure to view the “Master Plan Concept” at the bottom of the “Goals” page.
Grand Bend, Ontario is engaged in a project that many feel (including myself) is an alternative to The Town’s current “Crystal Beach Gateway” project.
Here is the Q & A section of their website.
What will the Beach Enhancement Project cost total? And how much community support is required? What will the Beach Enhancement Project cost total? And how much community support is required?
The entire Beach enhancement project will cost $3.5 million dollars. At this time a number of key stakeholders have joined together to support the project.
The Rotary Club of Grand Bend has made a commitment of $100,000 to name the Performance Plaza.
The Grand Bend Optimist Club has made a commitment of $100,000 to name the Children's Playground.
The Grand Bend Community Foundation is generously donating $75,000 towards the natural garden areas.
The Municipality of Lambton Shores will be funding items such as lighting and roads and other infrastructure costs. A recent announcement by Rural Economic Development (RED) program with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has added $500,000 in new funding towards the project. Community fundraising (including the RED grant) is hoped to exceed $1.5 million.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Agreement? And another question
In regards to the discussion whether or not the proposed condo site is waterfront?
From Fort ErieTimes Bay Beach advertisement found at:
Quote from article…
“The Town has entered a partnership with a major Ontario developer to build high-rise condominiums on waterfront land and create first class amenities for the adjacent public beach”.
I believe the ad clearly illustrates that the proposed construction site is, without question, waterfront land.
Switching gears, if I may?
Further on in the same ad, Jim Thibert, General Manager of the Fort Erie EDTC, makes reference to the success that The Molinaro Group has had in Burlington. Indeed they have. There is NO question in my mind, that this firm builds magnificent, quality buildings. Involving them in a project for Fort Erie is nothing to sneeze at.
With that understood I would respectfully ask Mr. Thibert this question.
How much publicly owned, waterfront park land was transferred to private ownership in any of the redevelopment projects on Burlington’s waterfront?
I ask because frankly I don’t know the answer.
To me, when one looks at the comparative size of Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park & adjoining Beachway Park vs. Crystal Beach Town Park, it seems evident that we should be assertive when it comes to redistributing ownership of our public waterfront.
Finally. I have to say that discussion on this blog, especially with the supporters of the current Bay Beach proposal has been, in my mind, truly a PLEASURE !
I sincerely look forward to more of the same in the future and to you, our Canadian Friends…
THANK YOU for the being such gracious hosts!
I can only hope you understand how much we appreciate the privilege of being part of this wonderful community.
John
Thursday, January 7, 2010
In their own words
From: Report No. CDS-41-08:
Bay Beach Development/Seeking A Private/Public Partnership Opportunity
See: Appendix 1 To Administrative Report CDS-079-08 October 20, 2008 File No. 120902 (page 10)
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