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
I was unable to make the meeting last night- but I did hear that it ran until 1 am- very similar to what happened regarding the zoning of the proposed car track.
ReplyDeleteThat is too long- why not have three or four representatives speak for the issue and three or four representatives speak against the issue?
Because it's not a debate. It's a legislated, democratic public meeting. Everyone who wishes to be heard has the right to be heard.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI was unable to attend the meeting. What was your "take" on the meeting?
Did each side present themselves well? Did council do their duty in accepting and understanding their concerns?
When you say it was a "free for all" it sorta embarrases me as a Forterian if it came across that way and will be shown on Cogeco.
Your assessment please John.
Ahhh...watch the tape.
ReplyDeleteHumbly,
John
Links to articles
ReplyDeleteFort Erie Times
http://forterietimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2278261
The Buffalo News
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/935195.html
Thx John .... don't have Cogeco .... got satellite .... aaaauuuggghhhh.
ReplyDeleteWill check out the articles :)
I went to the January 25th planning meeting at town Hall firmly opposed to the development of public property for private use. I left in the pro camp and my reasons are:
ReplyDelete1. The public relations spin by Molinaro's hired gun and the planning department (using my tax dollars) was phenomenal. I'm a big fan of PR spin especially when I'm footing the bill.
2. I was then treated to a lecture by Jim Thibert, manager of the Economic Development Corp. I'm also a big fan of rude, arrogant people who are paid from the public purse. I took another step towards the pro camp.
3. I was then treated to a string of presentations by the Councillor Lockwood Fan Club, a rather large group of 4 or 5. I was convinced and out the door I went right behind the rest of the Pro camp. No reason to hang around and listen to the vast majority in the against group.
4. I love summer in the Beach but to be truthful the fall, winter and spring are my favourite seasons. The humidity, mosquitoes and all the summer residents that pay heavy taxes all year, use the services provided by Town Hall for four months and can't vote in municipal elections are gone (I'm sure these are the towns favourites for the same reasons). The Gateway Project will maintain the status quo plus the Town will reap a larger tax crop from Crystal Beach and continue to spend it in other parts of the town.
5. I was ecstatic when the town bought the property. I envisioned a beautiful waterfront park with no commercial enterprises thus protecting the struggling businesses in the village and on Erie Rd. What was I thinking!!! The Gateway Project will have all the amenities I need on site. I won't have to walk down Erie Rd, for a beer or a snack therefore supporting my neighbourhood businesses. I'll be able to spend my money at a large corporation franchise restaurant. Perhaps there will even be a fast food franchise, please Lord grant me a MacDonald's on the beach (slap yourself Bob, you're dreaming now).
6. I'm a big fan of democracy. The system where the majority elects the council based on their campaign platforms and then the council gets to shove what they really think down the majority's throat. I'm truly blessed by a council that has this system down pat.
7. Lastly there is the building itself that will fit beautifully into the surrounding neighbourhood. Twelve storeys of concrete and glass rising out of the sand like a lonely monolith begging for company. Don't worry lonely monolith, I'm sure the Molanario group won't let you be lonely for long.
One final question, can anyone tell me who to contact for membership in the Councillor Lockwood Fan Club. If not I'll show my appreciation at the election booth this fall.
Dear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteYour humour is much greater than your intelligence.
Unfortunately for the opposition, the truth is what our councillors voted on.The truth that Crystal Beach is a part of Fort Erie and that the majority of the public want this plan to move forward.There are no fan clubs or hidden agendas,just plain old common sense.Thank you God for that!For the rest of you,take a look around you,the Amusement Park is gone and "renewal" is what we all expect in the near future.Even if it starts on the parking lot of Bay Beach,or as it were "The Cardboard Condos Property".
ReplyDeleteA sad night for the "SANDanistas" when their leader, after exhorting her troops to speak up and make their voices heard, sat on her hands and did not address council.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I was concerned about what local communities might think of Fort Erie with a local broadcast of the January 25th council meeting.
ReplyDeleteAnd then tonight .... on TELEVISION !!!!! ... I see a report about a supporter of the project's car being vandalized.
Embarrassed to be from Fort Erie .....
I didn't see any TV report so I can't comment on that but I do have to ask why you would think it's even remotely associated?
ReplyDeleteWhere and when did this happen?
CHCH TV channel 11 Hamilton.
ReplyDeleteThe story dialogue was that a supporter of the Bay Beach Project, who spoke at the Council Meeting found her car ... a yellow one .... with dents, suggested impacted by a hammer.
A reporter interviewed the victim in Fort Erie, in blizzard conditions, and aired it on their Premier news broadcast.
Why would I think it is remotely associated ..... because that is the way is was broadcasted on National TV.
Check it out !!! .... Oh yes, the story was followed by a 5 year old Welland child who sold hot chocolate and raised $320.00 for Haiti Relief and donated it to the Red Cross. Who represents the "mature" community.
Disgusted in Fort Erie !!!!!!
Why can't the "SANDanistas" and people like Doug Draper stop using the term "majority" wnen they can't possibly know what the "majority" of the people in Fort Erie think about this project.
ReplyDelete