KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – Actor and comedian Cathy Jones believes HRM Mayor and Council aren’t taking citizens’ concerns and best interests into account when making decisions about development approvals, but instead they’re following the developers’ lead.
A case in point is two massive developments proposed by two developers for the corner of Spring Garden, Robie Street, College and Carlton Streets that are scheduled a public hearing for 6pm Monday July 15. These are two of the largest proposals in the history of Halifax but despite that they are on the same block HRM has never considered, viewed or shown that they will look like together and within the context of the historic neighbourhood.
Ms. Jones will come to the steps of city hall and invites the Mayor and Councillors to join her on Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 to hear concerns and look at some solutions.
Details on proposals shown in a 3-D Model prepared by Development Options Halifax:
- The two proposals are for four towers of 30, 26, 20 and 16-storeys.
- The high-rises are equivalent to the Tupper, Fenwick, Aliant and Park Victoria buildings assembled together on a single city block.
- Together the two proposals are approximately 80% the square footage of the Nova Centre.
- Approval will require the demolition of twelve buildings, mostly heritage resources with dozens of residential and commercial units.
- The towers will loom over the western edge of Carlton Street, a unique designated heritage streetscape recognized by all three levels of government and considered “rare”.
- These developments will add almost 800 cars to College and Carlton Street.
- An 18-storey Killam high-rise approved for the north end of Carlton Street has not been considered during the process.
- HRM has not responded to the citizens’ group Development Options Halifax’s request to present their 3-D model.
- Development Options Halifax has modelled an 8-storey model for in-fill that would accommodate approximately 550 individuals without demolitions.
- Cities such as Vancouver require 3-d models for all major developments.
DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS HALIFAX
Media Contact: Peggy Cameron
web: https://www.developmentoptionshfx.com
email: developmentoptionshfx@gmail.com
Petition Against the Development: https://forms.gle/3enTs6PfSkmMmNW48
This is excellent, Cathy. A great way to draw attention to this issue. Good for you for doing this!