[bornagainbiking]

Sometimes it takes major changes in the norm as we see it to shake us back into reality.
So far in the last year we have seen record high gas prices, unusual weather and now the global recession.
So housing as we look at it has or is changing or do we just have to return to basics.
For a time it was that big house with a huge lot on the outskirts, but as the city grows so does the sprawl. Now there is Binbrook, Grimsby and even Brantford. Funny people from Toronto are eyeing Hamilton and we marvel every morning at the CHtv coverage of the commute.
The volume on the 403 is increasing daily as well as the RedHill to the QEW.
I think at times our considerations are backwards when selecting a location. used to be:
location close to work (ie the North end or east end to Dofasco or Steelco, this was important as we wouldn't need a car could walk or take the bus.
Schools for the kids close and a safe stroll even in the rain (buy a rain coat)'
Rec facilities like a park or rec centre for a swim.
Now people move their familitea out in the middle of nowhere (for now)and wait for schools to be built or roads or parks. The kids have to to be driven everywhere even to school on a rainy day. No buses yet.
About time to demolish houses in some of the older areas of Hamilton and build new like the North end. Build or refurbish new schools on old sites like we are seeing at Walnut and Charlton and next to Ivor Wynne.
If the City was on the ball old lots or houses should be sold cheap under a clause that a new house be built within one year.
Maybe start a renovation league of businesses or involve the schools so high school shop classes could learn on a real house.
I remember years ago my school(not here) used to build a complete module home or cottage with all the trades and sell the finished unit to be transported to a foundation.
One factor is snow removal maybe some people should consider that if you buy on a court you will not see a plow immediately after a storm or get one big snowblower for the survey.
We need to get back to basics and work on the infrastructure of the old city before we expand into new frontiers.
We could see a