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Originally Posted by fenwick16
The new Mainland North Commons is another good site. As these areas grow then the transit should become increasing better.
How busy is the West End Mall and Halifax Shopping Mall. Is there any chance of it be redeveloped like the Penhorn Mall in order to reduce the number of stores? If there was room in this area then it would be a great site also with all the parking and bus routes plus it is only 3 - 4 km from the universities.
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Again, I really think this consideration of bus routes will only cause you to overlook sites with loads of potential. Buses can go anywhere. If we were talking about a link to a metro, tram, etc, that would be different. For this reason, I do think possible ferry connections should be considered - as this is our only public transit infrastructure, with lots of room for expansion, and a willingness from the city to expand it in the future.
I also this Exhibition Park is not such a good spot. It is too remote. While it doesn't need to be dropped into the middle of the commons, it shouldn't be somewhere without potential to act as a catalyst for other growth. In the end, as these projects are expensive and lose money, they are often used as part of a bigger development project. And building it somewhere like Exhibition Park, or Dartmouth Crossing, will benefit no one, and may actually only turn out to be a burden on the city.
For these reasons I think Dartmouth is by far the best choice at this stage. Woodside area is ok, with trails from Dartmouth (think of high-income Kings Wharf residents, within walking distance or easy bus ride(even for those usually not willing to take a bus), ferry connections from Halifax, highway connections, potential for some high-density development around it, a view of Halifax - making it still seem very connected to the city. And for all these same reasons - Shannon Park is also ideal (with much potential for a new ferry terminal) - Both sites have current highway access and are easily accessible from outlying areas such as bedford, fall river, sackville, etc.