Since then, from my point of view, the answer to that question has become abundantly clear.
The transfer in ownership of publicly owned waterfront property, to private developers, has been the goal of certain public civil servants and elected officials for quite some time now, and we are currently witnessing the result of several years of "planning" towards that end.
Success in delivering the Bay Beach waterfront, to developers, would be the first step in transforming Abino Bay's shoreline from today's family owned "cottages" to developer owned "high density" residential/commercial "monoliths".
Back in May "09, at a presentation to the CBIA by Town Planner-Rino Mostacci, Mr. Mostacci unabashedly announced this very concept: "The Vision" as foreseen from his office.
Town Planners, as the title suggests, look at things from long range, and well, plan accordingly. (I know, hardly a revelation).
A troubling part of this whole affair is the fact that now, as in the past, the idea of giving up any of our publicly owned waterfront, is NOT supported by a vast majority of our community. That said, sensible development and improvement IS supported by everyone, but when one voices opposition to the current Molinaro plan, you're labeled "anti-development" and in some cases, unjustly accused of spreading misinformation and innuendo.
This current Council and Mayor have shown little, if any, leadership or inclination to improve Bay Beach in a manner consistent with the sprite of the September 12, 2005 Council Resolution
Now therefore be it resolved by the Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie that the Crystal Beach Neighbourhood Plan is hereby approved and shall be utilized to guide planning and development in the Crystal Beach Neighbourhood.
The Neighbourhood Plan clearly indicated that "The Vision" of participating residents was for an open, public park.
Instead, this administration, in my opinion, has opted on making the first step towards Mr. Mostacci's vision a reality. A vision never addressed in the Neighbourhood Plan, at our expense and clearly, by his design.
In my mind that leads to another question... Why?
Respectfully, I invite you to respond.
Regards,
John
