If you could change one thing about Hamilton, what would it be?

[bornagainbiking]

There is so much talk of the waterfront and to combat urban sprawl.
So the site that is supposed to be designated for the new stadium is just a huge underused brownfield and an eyesore for any one going to Bayfront Park.
They should totally clean up the area from the railway tracks to Barton and Bay to Queen. This should be condos plain and simple. It worked for Burlington. Empty nesters looking to downsize and enjoy life near the harbour. Heck, that is why they are flogging condos along the beach strip for over $200,000 a pop. Attached to a great walking/rec trail.
So stop with the nonsense about blocking the view as most of the houses along Hess etc etc are one and two storey and would benefit from the increased density (stores and basic amenities). Not to mention inproved roads and infrastructure.
This should be a priority as it seems to be working at the foot of John at the Discovery Centre. Who knows how many empty nester would also have a boat moored nearby and the spinoff increased recreational harbour use.
So CLEAN UP the garbage and derelict buildings and then it might sell. it has to be done sometime, better now so we can entice occupants not make them sick.
Get the railroad to buy in as this may be a boost to commuters. Way cheaper to buy here vice Queen's Quay.

[Jon Dalton]

Originally Posted by bornagainbiking

There is so much talk of the waterfront and to combat urban sprawl.
So the site that is supposed to be designated for the new stadium is just a huge underused brownfield and an eyesore for any one going to Bayfront Park.
They should totally clean up the area from the railway tracks to Barton and Bay to Queen. This should be condos plain and simple. It worked for Burlington. Empty nesters looking to downsize and enjoy life near the harbour. Heck, that is why they are flogging condos along the beach strip for over $200,000 a pop. Attached to a great walking/rec trail.
So stop with the nonsense about blocking the view as most of the houses along Hess etc etc are one and two storey and would benefit from the increased density (stores and basic amenities). Not to mention inproved roads and infrastructure.
This should be a priority as it seems to be working at the foot of John at the Discovery Centre. Who knows how many empty nester would also have a boat moored nearby and the spinoff increased recreational harbour use.
So CLEAN UP the garbage and derelict buildings and then it might sell. it has to be done sometime, better now so we can entice occupants not make them sick.
Get the railroad to buy in as this may be a boost to commuters. Way cheaper to buy here vice Queen's Quay.

I also like Bratina's idea of relocating the CN yard to east of Centennial where that that walmart schlock is supposed to be going. I don't know if that's a pipe dream or if CN is even interested. If I could dream for a second, CN would pitch the land to new urban style condo developers (does the city ever try that?), and get a good price based on its future redeveloped value. They would then buy the old metal yard on Centennial for a song from the Walmart assholes looking to cut their losses after the OMB defeat. Ok, dream over.

[Zaz]

I have only lived here (lower Hamilton) for about a year, but here is my take.

One way to resolve the aforementioned issues (i.e. electing better leadership, property standards, brownfields, more major employers, more condos etc.) is to dramatically increase the percentage of population with income, education and consequently more progressive thinking and civic pride. I don't believe existing people and attitudes can change en masse in a meaningful way.

Where will the fresh blood come from? Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga. Our major incentive is home prices. We need to get regular high-speed transportation to and from the GTA, and they will come. Increasing property prices will have a huge positive impact on lower city. Once we have enough Starbucks per square mile, the McMaster/Mohawk kids will start settling here as well. One huge factor that companies consider when moving or opening new offices is the talent pool.