No lands should be declared surplus at Lansdowne
Posted Jul 1, 2010 By Glenn Brooks
Email
Print
Tweet ThisWith regard to the Lansdowne Development, I note that the legal agreement states that 12 acres will be declared surplus and that the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group will have first right to purchase. I consider that this clause is unacceptable and that the city should ensure that the land, if it is to be sold, goes through a competitive offering. Better yet, the city should keep this land in reserve for the future since the city is unable to foresee what opportunities may arise for this land."
- HARVEY AND SALLY
"I have raised this very important public concern with council. Councillor Leadman and I will be bringing forth a motion that the city will not declare the lands as surplus! The agreement with OSEG is to be amended. Further, all lands will not leave public ownership." - Counc. Brooks
PROPOSED HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (HCD) FOR BURRITTS RAPIDS
This proposal originated on the North Grenville side of the Rideau. On the North Grenville side there are a large number of historic houses and thus, the interest in creating an HCD on that side of the river. On the City of Ottawa side there are far fewer historical landmarks.
Burritts Rapids is recognized as a unique, historical village of importance to both North Grenville and the City of Ottawa. It is the oldest village dating back to 1792, in the City of Ottawa. Thus, retaining and protecting the village's character is what the residents are trying to do.
The City of Ottawa is not interested in creating an HCD designation. The city is always interested in assisting owners of historical properties in protecting those properties by having them designated as heritage sites under the provincial Heritage Act.
An HCD designation is very restrictive, but does offer a strong defence against any future proposed significant changes within the designated area. The designation under the Heritage Act is limiting, but with greater flexibility in implementing a structural change.
I have advocated a Community Design Plan (CDP) for all City of Ottawa villages and then creating respective Secondary Plans. A CDP is basically a land-use plan that identifies future uses. A CDP has some legal (intent) status, but not that of a Secondary Plan that is an integral part of our Official Plan.
HIGHWAY #7 SERVICE
RD. SAGA - MOE
"Unfortunately the MOE still seems unable or unwilling to provide a formal decision on the Service Road despite the city's requests, including another nudge today.
The most significant recent development is that, in the last few days Cavanagh Construction advised that they have decided to proceed with the planning, approvals, design and implementation of a private access road across their lands in the same location as that identified for the service road extension in the EA, with a view to transferring the road to the City at some future date.
In light of this, staff have met with Cavanagh representatives with a view to ensuring that the design of the facility will meet all city policies and design standards for a rural collector roadway. It is not known as to how Cavanagh's proposal might influence MOE's EA decision, but if anything it would be expected to accelerate it. When I have any further progress to report, I will promptly provide it." - Harry Beere, Consultant
BRIDGE STREET AND
LONG ISLAND DR.
"Dear Ms. Kearney, further to your email inquiry of 1 June, to Councillor Brooks, you requested that the operation of the eastbound left turn arrow at the Bridge Street and Long Island Drive signalized intersection be extended beyond 6 p.m. The eastbound left turn signal is operational from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekends. The activation of the eastbound left turn arrow is dependent on vehicle demand.
RICHMOND'S JULY 8, CDP:
ARAC and the city will present the draft Community Design Plan for the village. The Plan will focus on "Going Forward". This will be an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and an opportunity for the city to record those concerns and suggestions. The CDP is not at this point in time, carved in stone!I do want to thank those residents who served on the village's steering committee and who have sat through 30 or more meetings trying to create a village that will protect its heritage and thus, its culture. Yes, admittedly, there are some outstanding issues of concern re: potable water, rate of growth and densities, sanitary management, soft and hard infrastructures.
However, I do have faith in the good judgement of those who call Richmond Village their home. I believe too, that those who have come to Richmond in the last decade have been well received. I believe as well, that managed growth is important to the village's future. That said, I am optimistic that community-wide solutions to present and future problems can be resolved through calm dialogue. As your councillor, I shall continue to work with the community to find those solutions.By the time you read this article, my 12-question door survey of some 150 or more homes will be completed. As promised, I will publish the results before July 8 meeting.
NICOLL'S ISLAND RD.
SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION:
Please note that the construction is scheduled to start the week of July 5, to be completed by November 2010. The general contractor for the work is Goldie Mohr Limited. Work is scheduled to start with the slope remediation and installation of the dry hydrant system.
The following is a brief description of the planned works: The City of Ottawa, in partnership with Parks Canada, is proposing to complete a local improvement project on Nicolls Island. The project will include shoreline remediation activities (from full slope reconstruction to selective rip-rap toe protection) of portions of the eastern island riverbank in order to stabilize areas that have been undercut from wave action. It will also include the reconstruction, relocation and resurfacing of portions of Nicolls Island Road. As part of overall improvement efforts, the project will include the installation of a cable guide rail, the relocation/reconfiguration of the existing Hydro and Bell pole line, the resurfacing of Cecil Rowat Lane and the installation of a Dry Hydrant system to improve fire protection for the island residents.
FINANCIAL SUMMIT
- CITY HALL
I credit councillor Wilkinson for organizing the June 22 evening summit. Although not overly well attended, it was interesting to listen to the questions raised and responses provided. It was an opportunity for the general public to have a face-to-face discussion with the Councillors that were in attendance.
Ottawa Taxpayers Advocacy Group's (OTAG) proposal for a two-year spending freeze proved to be less than practical. These kind of proposals are easy to advocate, but when asked for specifics, often prove to be lacking.
As always, I am here to serve: 580-2424 ext. 31310 or email: glenn.brooks@Ottawa.ca or for further information on items mentioned in this article visit website: www.glennbrooks.ca.
blog comments powered by Disqus
