Dear Ms. Serianni and Mr. Ristan,

 

I am Sarah Matthews, President of the Durand Neighbourhood Association (DNA) in downtown Hamilton. I am writing on behalf of our membership although I expect that you will be receiving many emails from some of our individual members who wish to express their concerns to you personally.

 

By way of background, I am attaching a copy of the DNA presentation made to the Committee of the Whole on February 9th, 2009, outlining our position with respect to Hess Village expansion.

 

This email is specific to the development ongoing at 15 Hess Street. We respectfully request that the AGCO deny any increase to the licensed capacity at that establishment.

 

The original capacity at 15 Hess was 85 people prior to the mysterious collapse of the building.

 

The City of Hamilton Building Department provided us with the following information on 15 Hess (also known as the “Rokbar”):

 

“To construct a 3 story building for a bar – “Rokbar” with a maximum occupant load as follows:

Basement 3 staffs, 1/F 141 patrons + 5 employee, 2/F 84 patrons + 2 employees, 3/F 42 patrons + 3 employees, 3/F rooftop terrace 98 patrons and outdoor patio at grade 35 patrons”.

 

The total occupant load is therefore 400 people. It is our understanding that the DNA can do little to stop the ongoing building and construction at 15 Hess as all of the permits have been issued.  

 

Based on our evidence, however, no license request has been posted and no one has ever seen any type of notification requesting a license for this establishment. Had notice been received, the DNA along with the other neighbourhood associations would have fiercely opposed the application.

 

We concur with the Hamilton Police Service that Hess Village is oversaturated with licenses and request that any increase be denied. This has become a serious matter of police and public safety, as well as a quality of life issue for residents.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

 

Yours very truly,

Sarah Matthews, President

Durand Neighbourhood Association