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[someone123]

The depressing thing is that urban farm is one of the more productive possibilities given the weird politics of that site. The Friends would happily turn that into "open space" because it was pasture land in the 1700s. Of course, in that case it wouldn't even be grass because the city is too slow and cheap -- it would remain a weedy lot for decades (see: nimby victory lot across the street).

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by someone123

The depressing thing is that urban farm is one of the more productive possibilities given the weird politics of that site. The Friends would happily turn that into "open space" because it was pasture land in the 1700s. Of course, in that case it wouldn't even be grass because the city is too slow and cheap -- it would remain a weedy lot for decades (see: nimby victory lot across the street).

I just don't get how they would feel that returning the lot to it's former 'natural state' would be helpful. You'd have a big lot of grass, with no connection to the commons at all. The only way to connect it would be a pedestrian bridge over Bell Road - which would cost way too much. So then you'd be stuck with having to use pedestrian crosswalks...which are oh so fun on that corner. Yeah that's really practical.

[beyeas]

It is an absolute given that this will become hospital expansion in the future. The land is officially under the control of the hospital once demo is done. The hospital was the one to make the decision about the urban farm... as far as I can tell it was a cursory nod to the NIMBYs to lull them into a false sense of security. LOL It is absolutely the plan to save that as future expansion for the hospital when needed in the future.

I wish I still had the email, but I remember the CEO of CDHA writing to explain their plans for that site (including the plan for having it as the urban farm in the meantime).

[JET]

Originally Posted by beyeas

It is an absolute given that this will become hospital expansion in the future. The land is officially under the control of the hospital once demo is done. The hospital was the one to make the decision about the urban farm... as far as I can tell it was a cursory nod to the NIMBYs to lull them into a false sense of security. LOL It is absolutely the plan to save that as future expansion for the hospital when needed in the future.

I wish I still had the email, but I remember the CEO of CDHA writing to explain their plans for that site (including the plan for having it as the urban farm in the meantime).

"Future Use of the Land
The QEH property was acquired by the province of Nova Scotia in a land swap with Halifax Regional Municipality with the intent it be handed over to Capital Health for future hospital use. Design work and construction for any future use is likely to take a number of years, during which the former school site would be vacant and under our management.
During this time, this space will not become a parking lot. Our intention is to use the space in a way that is financially sustainable, environmentally sensitive and for the good of our community. We think it could become an urban farm and we’re inviting employees, neighbours and community partners to talk about how we can best use the land between the demolition of the structure and the time the site is put to a permanent use.
We’re excited by the thought of making it a space to grow healthy food and demonstrate gardening skills right in the urban core. We’ll be looking to connect with others to discuss whether that’s a desirable use, how it might be viable and what alternatives exist.
Please watch for opportunities to discuss this in the coming months or get in touch with us at [email protected] and indicate your interest in the future use of the QEH property."

makes sense to me

[beyeas]

That is the plan I was referring to.

I actually don't think it is the world's worst plan... far better than a parking lot, and as I said above it placates the STV type folk temporarily until an actual firm plan/need is in place for expansion of the HI site.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Yeah. An urban farm.

I kid you not, but hey, this is Halifax. The loonies are in charge.

Urban farming in NYC:

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/...agriculture/urban_agriculture/index.html

Urban farming in Toronto:
http://www.trca.on.ca/understand/near-urban-agriculture/toronto-urban-farm.dot

Urban farming in Calgary:
http://calgaryurbanagriculture.blogspot.com/

Urban farming in Moncton:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/06/29/nb-urban-farm-554.html

And anyway, it's a 10-15 year project while the land is held for future hospital expansion... it is a good use of the space until that time.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I just feel as though there is no public consultation the other way... I'm not against an urban farm on this site, but I damn sure think it should be eventually developed.

Its amazing how no opposition comes against the groups that have these fantastical ideas, but when it comes to basic highrise development and density (that is better for the environment and truly urban) the groups come out of the woodwork against it. Halifax hasn't developed enough for an urban farm to even be an effective use of land given how close we are to truly rural areas (15 minute drive from downtown?)

The idea of "more greenspace" is also absolutely rediculous. This city has so much greenspace its sometimes hard to choose between where to go. I literally laugh out loud when "people" say we need more.

I'd prefer this be a recreation area (put up some new bball courts, expand the skatepark, tennis courts, whatever), which really promotes health, instead of an urban farm. I doubt this will have any impact on the eating habits of Haligonians... I definitely would be concerned about contamination of the site and I would assume the soil plots would be elevated and separated from the existing ground on the site.

Seems like the wingnuts manage to get involved or get their hands on things and everybody else is wrong.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by beyeas

I actually don't think it is the world's worst plan... far better than a parking lot, and as I said above it placates the STV type folk temporarily until an actual firm plan/need is in place for expansion of the HI site.

But I think the tendency of governments in Halifax to "bank" land has been hugely negative for the city. It would be far more efficient to profit from the land in the interim and then look for a property when the time comes.

And even if the land must be available in 15 years there are more creative and productive uses. Hell, with a 10-15 year time frame you could just build apartments and then dismantle them.

Or maybe we could have had better planning and a school with a longer useful life. Instead of falling inner-city enrollment and overcrowded schools out in Hammonds Plains.

Really when you take a step back the whole thing is a train wreck.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

Urban farming in NYC:

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/...agriculture/urban_agriculture/index.html

Urban farming in Toronto:
http://www.trca.on.ca/understand/near-urban-agriculture/toronto-urban-farm.dot

Urban farming in Calgary:
http://calgaryurbanagriculture.blogspot.com/

Urban farming in Moncton:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/06/29/nb-urban-farm-554.html

And anyway, it's a 10-15 year project while the land is held for future hospital expansion... it is a good use of the space until that time.

Just because the hipsters do it doesn't mean it is a good idea. They have urban chickens and goats too, which is equally ridiculous. It makes about as much sense as building a highrise in the middle of nowhere.

I hope some of the geniuses at Capital Health get some soil analysis done before they put the corn in on the back 40. Being next to the busiest intersection in the city for 80 years probably means it is loaded with lead and other contaminants.

[someone123]

According to ANS renovations for the Queen Street Chickenburger are to start in the fall. They mention a potential November opening date. This seems very fast for a conversion from a small house (1466 Queen Street) to a restaurant. In any case I'm sure it will be a popular spot, particularly with the library going in across the street.

It's a bit unfortunate that there's going to be surface parking next door. It will stand out a bit once the Clyde Street lots are developed. Maybe it will be built on in the future.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Just because the hipsters do it doesn't mean it is a good idea. They have urban chickens and goats too, which is equally ridiculous. It makes about as much sense as building a highrise in the middle of nowhere.

I hope some of the geniuses at Capital Health get some soil analysis done before they put the corn in on the back 40. Being next to the busiest intersection in the city for 80 years probably means it is loaded with lead and other contaminants.

Just because cranky old men don't like it doesn't mean it has no value to the many other people who do like it.

Almost every urban area has heavy metal contamination in the 500-1000 times acceptable limit range, which is why one uses raised beds, with clean soil over heavy mulch. Apparently coal ash was just dumped outside buildings, among other things, and that ash had high concentrations of contaminants.

Don't get me wrong, I just grow tomatoes and herbs in pots on my deck, I don't do any of that stuff... heh.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

I just feel as though there is no public consultation the other way... I'm not against an urban farm on this site, but I damn sure think it should be eventually developed.

The Common did have extensive consultation when the Common Plan was developed 15-20 years ago, and the plan continues to be followed, slowly but surely, except when HRM ignores it. Pleased to say I contributed to that plan. The plan came out of the Moosehead Grand Prix debacle era.

The thing is an urban farm is easy to lay down (dump a few trucks of soil, volunteers do the rest) where anything else would cost more money and be harder to move/displace later. I really think the only reason this is happening is because it is easiest thing to do while they wait for time to pass and then expand the hospital.

[DB15]

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

Pleased to say I contributed to that plan. The plan came out of the Moosehead Grand Prix debacle era.

Could you elaborate on the Moosehead Grand Prix debacle please?

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by DB15

Could you elaborate on the Moosehead Grand Prix debacle please?

It was an idea to hold an open-wheel Indycar-type race on the streets around the Common. Naturally the NIMBYs threw a hissy fit and it only ever happened once as I recall before they got the thing run out of town.

The paved skateboard strip on the Common near the Willow Tree intersection is a remnant of that. It was paved to be part of the track.

I wouldn't call it a debacle unless you are one of the NIMBYs. God forbid we do anything new in this town.

[q12]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

I wouldn't call it a debacle unless you are one of the NIMBYs. God forbid we do anything new in this town.

Hear, hear

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

It was an idea to hold an open-wheel Indycar-type race on the streets around the Common. Naturally the NIMBYs threw a hissy fit and it only ever happened once as I recall before they got the thing run out of town.

The paved skateboard strip on the Common near the Willow Tree intersection is a remnant of that. It was paved to be part of the track.

I wouldn't call it a debacle unless you are one of the NIMBYs. God forbid we do anything new in this town.

I have to agree - I always thought it was a really cool idea and so low impact to the commons. Yes a portion got paved over and remains so; but it's being used for the skate park - what's to bad about that? Honestly, it could've been removed and put back to grass...get over it.

The whole complaint (as I recall) was the noise. But it's one day...go for a walk in Point Pleasant or go sailing for godsake.

[Waye Mason]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I have to agree - I always thought it was a really cool idea and so low impact to the commons. Yes a portion got paved over and remains so; but it's being used for the skate park - what's to bad about that? Honestly, it could've been removed and put back to grass...get over it.

The whole complaint (as I recall) was the noise. But it's one day...go for a walk in Point Pleasant or go sailing for godsake.

It was another Harold MacKay special that failed because the government wouldn't prop up the money losing enterprise.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Waye Mason

It was another Harold MacKay special that failed because the government wouldn't prop up the money losing enterprise.

As I recall Harold was an employee of Moosehead Breweries at the time and the event was theirs. I don't think Moosehead asked the govt for anything to prop it up.

[kph06]

WHW has renderings for the new Bedford High School on their website now.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

It was an idea to hold an open-wheel Indycar-type race on the streets around the Common. Naturally the NIMBYs threw a hissy fit and it only ever happened once as I recall before they got the thing run out of town.

The paved skateboard strip on the Common near the Willow Tree intersection is a remnant of that. It was paved to be part of the track.

I wouldn't call it a debacle unless you are one of the NIMBYs. God forbid we do anything new in this town.

Ugh, I'm too young to remember that... but wow... an Indy race in Halifax would be amazing.