Jonovision
Feb 27, 2008, 7:59 PM
Developers key to Halifax downtown
Council OKs HRM by Design’s vision
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter
Wed. Feb 27 - 6:19 AM
Law amendments and private-sector investment are needed to help turn city hall’s dream of a revitalized downtown Halifax into reality, regional council heard Tuesday.
Just how much of the municipality’s 25-year plan gets done is largely dependant on the willingness of developers to spend money on their properties, council’s committee of the whole was told.
With respect to earmarking taxpayers’ dollars for downtown renewal, no one knows yet how much the ambitious project could cost the city.
"It’s at the concept stage," said Paul Dunphy, the municipality’s community development director. "We haven’t started to put any dollars to some of the (proposed) public realm investment."
Mr. Dunphy said major players in the development industry have indicated they’re prepared to finance needed property improvements, if the province agrees to regulatory changes that will make their jobs easier.
Plans for downtown’s refurbishment come from the city’s HRM by Design study, an urban renewal effort in the works for about 18 months. A 17-member task force assigned to the $405,400 project envisions a downtown that’s liveable, distinct and vibrant.
Planners want 16,000 people to move downtown within the next 15 years, councillors heard.
Among 10 goals presented at the city hall meeting include:
•New development that is pedestrian-friendly;
•Additional and improved open spaces;
•"Reinforced civic pride;"
•A downtown that is the "protected historic heart" of the city.
Another major goal is to redevelop the Cogswell interchange, which the politicians heard has been "a blight" on Halifax Regional Municipality. If all goes well, Tuesday’s meeting was told, the site could be transformed into a modern neighbourhood with buildings of varying heights.
Three recommendations hooked to the downtown plan were passed unanimously by council. They included: 1) approve HRM by Design’s "vision" for downtown renewal, 2) ask the provincial government to make legislative changes that’ll affect future private-sector developments and 3) begin planning and design work on the redevelopment of the Cogswell interchange.
Mr. Dunphy said municipal and provincial officials are currently talking about law amendments relating to urban planning.
An open house on downtown’s renaissance is to take place in April; a formal public hearing is scheduled for June. More than 5,000 people have already provided the task force with feedback, councillors were told.
The downtown proposal, which includes "great streets that support a culture of walking" and the "improved appearance and quality of existing buildings and structures," received praise from several councillors. But a couple of supporters raised the spectre of the dream fizzling out.
Coun. Andrew Younger (East Dartmouth-The Lakes), who’s in his 30s and is the youngest council member, said hopefully Halifax’s downtown will look esthetically more pleasing before too long.
"How are we going to make sure that this actually happens?" he asked. "I don’t want to come with a walker to a meeting" decades from now and see plans gathering dust.
The president of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce shares the same concern.
"It is now time to stop talking and to take action," Valerie Payn said in a release. "If we don’t embrace (the renewal scheme) with all our might, we will have wasted yet another opportunity to kick-start our great little city into the future."
( mlightstone@herald.ca)
Council OKs HRM by Design’s vision
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter
Wed. Feb 27 - 6:19 AM
Law amendments and private-sector investment are needed to help turn city hall’s dream of a revitalized downtown Halifax into reality, regional council heard Tuesday.
Just how much of the municipality’s 25-year plan gets done is largely dependant on the willingness of developers to spend money on their properties, council’s committee of the whole was told.
With respect to earmarking taxpayers’ dollars for downtown renewal, no one knows yet how much the ambitious project could cost the city.
"It’s at the concept stage," said Paul Dunphy, the municipality’s community development director. "We haven’t started to put any dollars to some of the (proposed) public realm investment."
Mr. Dunphy said major players in the development industry have indicated they’re prepared to finance needed property improvements, if the province agrees to regulatory changes that will make their jobs easier.
Plans for downtown’s refurbishment come from the city’s HRM by Design study, an urban renewal effort in the works for about 18 months. A 17-member task force assigned to the $405,400 project envisions a downtown that’s liveable, distinct and vibrant.
Planners want 16,000 people to move downtown within the next 15 years, councillors heard.
Among 10 goals presented at the city hall meeting include:
•New development that is pedestrian-friendly;
•Additional and improved open spaces;
•"Reinforced civic pride;"
•A downtown that is the "protected historic heart" of the city.
Another major goal is to redevelop the Cogswell interchange, which the politicians heard has been "a blight" on Halifax Regional Municipality. If all goes well, Tuesday’s meeting was told, the site could be transformed into a modern neighbourhood with buildings of varying heights.
Three recommendations hooked to the downtown plan were passed unanimously by council. They included: 1) approve HRM by Design’s "vision" for downtown renewal, 2) ask the provincial government to make legislative changes that’ll affect future private-sector developments and 3) begin planning and design work on the redevelopment of the Cogswell interchange.
Mr. Dunphy said municipal and provincial officials are currently talking about law amendments relating to urban planning.
An open house on downtown’s renaissance is to take place in April; a formal public hearing is scheduled for June. More than 5,000 people have already provided the task force with feedback, councillors were told.
The downtown proposal, which includes "great streets that support a culture of walking" and the "improved appearance and quality of existing buildings and structures," received praise from several councillors. But a couple of supporters raised the spectre of the dream fizzling out.
Coun. Andrew Younger (East Dartmouth-The Lakes), who’s in his 30s and is the youngest council member, said hopefully Halifax’s downtown will look esthetically more pleasing before too long.
"How are we going to make sure that this actually happens?" he asked. "I don’t want to come with a walker to a meeting" decades from now and see plans gathering dust.
The president of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce shares the same concern.
"It is now time to stop talking and to take action," Valerie Payn said in a release. "If we don’t embrace (the renewal scheme) with all our might, we will have wasted yet another opportunity to kick-start our great little city into the future."
( mlightstone@herald.ca)