URGENT:YOUR LAST CHANCE TO HELP SAVE PORT DALHOUSIE'S UNIQUE HERITAGE CRUCIAL ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD HEARING BEGINS |
CITIZENS OF NIAGARA: PLEASE HELP US SAVE PORT DALHOUSIEFor the past 4 years many of our residents have volunteered their time to battle a developer who wants to convert the downtown core of Port Dalhousie, our 19th century canal village and public beach, into a massive modern development including a condo tower. This condo tower (initially 326 feet and now 206 feet - currently our tallest building is 3 storeys, about 39 feet) will forever change the historic village we all love and will most likely be the first of many. The developer claims this project would revitalize our village, that we would all like it and besides, we wouldn't be able to stop it. The voters of St. Catharines think otherwise and spoke loudly and clearly. At the last election, six out of the seven Councillors that favoured the project were not returned to office (and of the five that voted against it, all were returned). The new council has passed several measures expressing their disapproval of the project. However, despite Council's stand and widespread public opposition, the developer has refused to make changes and forges ahead to a very expensive Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Hearing. On February 20, 2008 the OMB will begin what is expected to be 15 weeks of hearings. We have an excellent case and an excellent lawyer (see Top Ten Reasons), however, if we do not put forward a strong, professional presentation, then the developer may win, essentially by default. If we do present a strong case, in all likelihood, the community will win and any new development will have to be consistent with the applicable regulations and Heritage Guidelines. To properly present our case we will require a total of $300,000. This will cover legal costs as well as expert witnesses and reports. We have already raised aproximately half of our objective and we need your help to raise the balance. We need the help of many people, and we expect that we will receive it. This is an opportunity to make a difference. We welcome all assistance in this final battle. Whether it is $20 or $200 or $2,000 it is all welcome. Please donate to your own ability and give from your heart and, remember, time is of the essence as February 20th is just days away. Donations are made to ACO-St. Catharines (The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, a registered charity established in 1933), and will receive a tax receipt. Please fill out and mail the Pledge Card on the next page with your donation or phone 905-646-1264 if you have questions. Like the vast majority, our over 600 members from throughout the Region strongly support development in the commercial core of Port Dalhousie's Heritage Conservation District. We support appropriate development that is consistent with applicable regulations and will not unduly restrict access by all residents or negatively impact traffic and parking. A development that preserves the village feel and historic character will truly revitalize Port Dalhousie and generate major economic benefits for our City and Region. David Bergen and Carlos Garcia PROUD Port Dalhousie A PROUD Eight-Year History as a Volunteer Community Organization |