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