98 James Street Development – Parking Issues and Innovation
The concerns of the Durand Neighbourhood Association were not taken into account as Planning Committee members, including Councillor Farr, voted unaninmously to endorse the staff report to support the development at 98 James Street South. This new condominium will be 30 storeys with 259 units and only 122 parking spaces. Parking will be all configured in a new and untried (in Hamilton) stacking system with valet service. There is also no mention of visitor parking.
Board member Yonatan Rozentajn did an excellent job of addressing our ongoing concerns with both the insufficient parking for this development as well as the valet assisted stacked parking system. His comments are well stated in the following media articles:
http://www.thespec.com/news-
Hamilton Steps Outside the Box
In President Janice Brown’s delegation, additional questions regarding the light easement and lack of transparency by the City Of Hamilton were addressed.
Final Submission to Planning Committee January 13
With regard to the light easement, City planner, Edward John suggested “that the Planning Department, the developer Stanton Renaissance, Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr and the DNA meet off line to discuss this further”. The DNA look forward to this important information.
As to the lack of transparency encountered by the DNA , director of planning Steve Robichaud indicated that a review of procedures involving neighbourhood associations was under review.
Support the buslane! Calling on the Community to Take Action!
www.walkablehamilton.org/buslane
Sig
n the petition and show your support by Wednesday January 21, 2015, 5pm, Council Chambers, City Hall.
A large turn out at Council Chambers on Wednesday will help send a clear message of support for the lanes.
Hamilton BikeShare begins test phase
You can now participate in the test phase of the Hamilton Bikeshare System and help Bikeshare get information and statistics for the official launch on March 20th. People who register early will get free use of the system until March 20th, at which time their one year membership will begin.
Sign up or get more info here: www.sobihamilton.ca
I disagree with the Durand Neighborhood’s position of the number of parking places required for the new 98 James St. development. People moving into this building will not have to own a car. First, they will live within walking distance of many services. Secondly the HSR is right at their doorstep, allowing them to access most of Hamilton. Thirdly, they can use a bike from the bike-stand that is in close proximity. And finally, when they need a car, there are 4 cars within close proximity available to them though Community Carshare. For just $10, they can become a member and then have access to these cars whenever they want. If they want, they could also offer a parking space to Community Carshare in the building. There are several examples already in downtown buildings in Toronto that have carshare parking spaces.
I expect the Durand Neighborhood Association to be forward looking in its positions. I suggest that you invite someone to a board meeting to inform your members about the new transportation modes that are available right now in Hamilton.
Jeanne Mayo
Durand Resdient
Community Carshare member