[Dartmouth] The Prince Albert (307 Prince Albert) | ? m | 16 fl | U/C

[RyeJay]

She sounds angry, non-stop, from the very beginning. Wow.

[resetcbu1]

Time for her to go the way of Ol'Yeller!
And yes I do mean bring her out behind the barn and shoot her , lol , JK
but really she gotta go.....

[halifaxboyns]

Wow, I have to say, I never really had any opinion on Councillor Fisher. Didn't know him well at all, I have to say I have a new found respect for him. The fact that he gets that the regional plan has not be working to drive growth in the regional centre, I'm starting to like him. I think he's a keeper. Plus the dig when McClusky asks him what he's doing and his response is 'my district isn't in the regional centre dear' - nearly fell off my chair.

My favorite comments from Councillor McClusky were these gems: "We go against staff all the time!", "I'm doing lots in mine" oh and "I'm not anti-development". I think the first one support KeithP's comments early - staff under the bus.

What I found most interesting about McClusky's comments - which maybe helpful in terms of an appeal (hint hint) is when Jordy asks her about having a broader consultation - she responds by saying something along the lines of the 3 who voted against the proposal were 'fully informed' and that by having a public hearing they wouldn't be more informed? Now I scanned the HRM act, and I thought there was a section that clearly stated that council members had a duty to go into a public hearing open minded (or something along that line). I would argue that even if it's not expressly stated, it common sense and by her statement, she clearly wasn't acting that way, nor were the others who voted against it.

What I found most bizarre was the comment that there was no wind study? Didn't the report say there was a wind study?
Loved the construction worker who phoned in though, he was great.

[someone123]

Yeah, Fisher did well and most of the callers were surprisingly articulate. It is absolutely true that this is about larger picture issues like getting population density up in the core, lowering servicing costs, creating a good climate for investment, etc.

[ibnem2]

I was at the hearing and I've read the staff report. During the hearing, HRM planner clearly stated that a wind study had been prepared by the developer, that it had been reviewed by staff (and that they were satisfied with it's recommendation) and that release of the wind study would be made shortly and well in advance of the public hearing (which never happened of course).

[ibnem2]

Originally Posted by Pete Crawford

We had a big debate about this development at my family dinner on Wednesday. My cousin, Barrett, who is a PhD in economics and who works as a urban development economist for the government of Abu Dhabi, got a little annoyed and decided to write to McCluskey. Here's the text of his letter below.

--

A COMMENT ON ECONOMIC STRATEGY

Dear Councillor McCluskey,

My name is Dr. Barrett Cliffen, I am an economic development advisor currently living between London, UK and Abu Dhabi, but I was born and grew up in your district in Dartmouth. I have dedicated my profession to developing strategies that encourage sustainable economic growth that improves local quality of life. I've found that every community I visit is different, and that few policy prescriptions can be generalized. In every community, however, (rural, urban, suburban, developed, underdeveloped) I have observed that the availability of private investment in fixed capital (vs. government investment) is the most promising sign of economic dynamism.

I'm writing to you because I spent the last few weeks in Dartmouth to visit with my family. I was very keen to observe the growth and development occurring here, but also very concerned about our city falling behind. I must admit that I was disappointed to hear of your involvement in summarily dismissing the 307 Prince Albert development this week. The residential and commercial spinoffs from this project are ones that Dartmouth and the local area is in desperate need of.

I understand that you had concerns regarding the building's height. But councillor, with respect, I do sense that you and your colleagues have a disposition that does not give private development a fair run in this city. From my experience, such an investment reality can be just as damaging to growth as a severe long-term drop business confidence. Areas transitioning from smaller cities to larger centres often fall victim to this mentality, and it can diminish a considerable potential for economic development. I've seen many promising regions fall behind for various reasons, but watching Dartmouth fall behind national and international standards of progress pains me a great deal.

In hearings for future developments councillor, I would encourage you to consider Dartmouth's place in a more competitive regional and international context. I am disheartened to say that decisions like these create a stagnant community that young people in similar situations to mine will choose to permanently leave.

Respectfully Yours,

Dr. Barret C. Cliffen, MSc., PhD(Cantab).

--

Not sure if McCluskey replied or not. She's probably far too old and stubborn to realize how valuable advice from somebody like this is. You should see how much money the UAE government pays him for the same kind of advice.

This really reminds me how much of a foolish little town Dartmouth is.

Outstanding letter that brings the big picture to the table. This needs to get out to ALL of HRM leadership. Pete, suggest u get hold of the developer and send him a copy.

[Jstaleness]

That was an interesting interview on 95.7. Gloria seems to have become pushy and rude in her late years. To me it's OK to have strong opinions, but when it's someone else's turn to speak you wait your turn. She tried to talk over Fisher the entire time he spoke. I have lost any respect I used to have for that lady. I think it's time she removed herself from politics.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by Jstaleness

That was an interesting interview on 95.7. Gloria seems to have become pushy and rude in her late years. To me it's OK to have strong opinions, but when it's someone else's turn to speak you wait your turn. She tried to talk over Fisher the entire time he spoke. I have lost any respect I used to have for that lady. I think it's time she removed herself from politics.

Pushy and rude -- and desperate.

Instead of calmly, rationally presenting her argument, she simply tried to talk-over the opposition. This is because, as she knows, her position on this issue isn't just weak: but it's anti-democratic. I'm glad the host kept pressing this point to her.

In her bitter, old-lady, smoker's voice, she railed at the other two saying that the "FACTS" were important, when she isn't even willing to find the FACTS by allowing the public in on this. Apparently a crowd of 82 people at an early 'information session' (not a public hearing) and the councilors who vote on this are far more knowledgable than all of HRM.

Haligonians are apparently too stupid to vocalise what developments they'd like to see contribute to their community and economy. Good thing we have Gloria in council, to save the stupid Haligonians from themselves...

[Keith P.]

She's always been like that, even in her younger years. I knew her when she was in her 50s and she was exactly the same way then. She just had to get her own way or she would have a tantrum. Loudmouthed, nasty, disrespectful, her way or the highway... that has always been the way she is. With age she has only gotten worse. The only thing I would correct you upon is that I do not know her to be a smoker.

[Pete Crawford]

Originally Posted by ibnem2

Outstanding letter that brings the big picture to the table. This needs to get out to ALL of HRM leadership. Pete, suggest u get hold of the developer and send him a copy.

I've mentioned it to Barrett. He's flying back to the Middle-East this weekend, but I think he feels compelled to write something similar to the Mayor (Gloria still hasn't replied). Halifax isn't Abu Dhabi, but this is his field, and what's going on here is really annoying him.

Haha, my father wants him to move home and run for office, but he wouldn't ever consider it.

[dartmouthy]

This whole descision is a travesty! I will certainly be there in meetings in the future, as best as my schedule will allow, to ensure this geriatric wind-bag doesn't represent my views any longer! I think I need to get more involved in the community here too!

[pchipman]

Originally Posted by Mr. Hunt

http://pmd.news957.com/podcasts/atlantic_talk_shows/maritime_mornings/MMWJM-012012-0830.mp3

Wow. She sounds like a raving lunatic. Her attitude is incredible, she needs to go.

[Mike555]

I live on Glenwood Avenue, the street this development is on, and me and my neighbours have no idea where McCluskey is getting all of this from. I've been a lurker on SSP Forum for years but I though I would make an account to share this.

I wrote an email to Gloria to express my confusion and outrage that she's holding back development in my area (I mentioned property values) and I got this crap response from her. I can't believe this...

......

I am an accredited appraiser (retired) and this high rise would
depreciate the values in the area. Sorry you are so disappointed with
me. However, I will continue to represent the residents as I have for
20years now.

Gloria

Gloria McCluskey
Councillor
District 5 - Dartmouth Centre
Tel: (902) 490-7033
Cell: (902) 476-1667
Fax: (902) 490-4871
Email: [email protected]

If anyone else lives in the area PLEASE email her with your thoughts, because she clearly think's I'm nuts for being a supporter AND a resident. Apparently those types need to be lectured by her with her out-dated and socialist idea of appraisal.

Is anyone going to run against this woman in the election this year instead of her just getting acclaimed again? She's a liability and needs to be tossed.

[Keith P.]

She hasn't worked as an appraiser in about 25 years. I have no idea how she concludes that a new high-end development would lower property values in the area. I was in the neighborhood today. That development would fit nicely on that site and it would not particularly stick out. You have numerous old 3-storey brick box apartment buildings from the 1960s visible nearby along with a somewhat questionable-looking motel which I would think would do far more to negatively affect property values.

[ibnem2]

Just caught it on Global TV - they had the developer, councillors and another lady.

On again later tonight I think. Check it out.

[dartmouthy]

Dear. Ms. McCluskey,

Can we the people vote you out now before you do any more damage to the tax base of the city, or do we really have to wait until the civic election?
It can't comes soon enough.

Sincerely,
A pissed off tax payer who is hoping you plan to reimburse, personally, the much needed tax revenue this development would have provided the city, that now has to be made up by everyone else.
===========
Would you reimburse the residents for the loss of peace and enjoyment as
well as reduced property values if this had moved ahead? I bet you
wouldn't have it in your neighbourhood.

No response required
===========
It is my neighborhood and Ill be sure to be a very vocal opponent of you and your uneducated geriatric descision making process in the future.
===========
Hey big mouth where do you live
===========
Far away from your ivory tower of ignorance, apparently.
===========
Certainly not in the neighbouhood Maybe your job depended on it.Talk to
me after my re-election
===========
I live in what I thought was a _city_.
I thought it was your job as a councillor to see past short sighted emotional arguments and to listen to the educated opinions of the staff we all pay for, for this very reason.

I see instead you see your job as a cash cow to be exploited for your OWN personal gain.

I guess the alternative is that I'll just let the city I love where I was born and where I've chosen to raise a family decay around me from lack of investment and wrong minded development choices... Until it is the mini Detroit it always had the potential of being.
That would be the polite Nova Scotian thing for me to do, and then no one can accuse me of being a big mouth.

Your arrogance and lack of thoughtful decision making is astounding and we will see about your re-election. I hope for your sake you've already purchased all the domain names with your name in it haha.

[dartmouthy]

If no one else puts their hat in the ring I'm definitely considering offering myself. I have had enough!

[kph06]

Just saw Joan Rivers on TV, really reminded me of McCluskey - similar abrasive attitudes.

[DigitalNinja]

Gloria makes me want to jump off a 15 story building... I can't stand listening to her voice, she sounds like my grandmother who was a nasty mean bitch.

Someties democracy hinders development and annoys me.

I also hate that like "Let me tell you something!" I hate it when people say that. People state their opinion as fact when it's not. And this is exactly what Gloria is doing.

I also I don't understand why we have uninformed people deciding whether or not to allow something to be built on a lot. Why not have a board set up with people who meet every once in a while to approve things to go forward or not in the process rather than councelors voting on it and subjecting their biased views on it. After all, if someone buys a lot why can't they at least have the chance to build what they want on the land and have that opportunity?

[Upwords]

I love this forum and I'm equally angry at that egomaniacal bully I have to call my councillor. But I'm wondering how to best turn words into actions. Glorious McCrusty (great name!) is just one example of the NIMBY sympathizers who occupy seats around the HRM Council table. (Arguably she's probably the worst, but she's not alone.) However, there are some bright and brave councillors, too - Darren Fisher and Bill Karsten among them. So I wouldn't want to see the baby get thrown out with the bathwater.

(Don't get me wrong, the people on this forum have been careful to distinguish good from bad, but others such as CBC.ca generated comments like "this whole bunch needs to go" and the media didn't bother to identify who stood where on the issue - even though Karsten made a point of asking for a recorded vote.)

So ... does anyone on this forum know of a group or organization that successfully turned urban density (or a similarly pro-development position) into a key platform issue during a municipal election? I'm thinking we probably don't need to re-invent the wheel here. Surely someone somewhere faced a similarly serious situation and decided to take action on a broader scale. Learning from their experience would be a good first step in deciding how to go about removing the likes of Gloria, Jim Smith and Jackie Barkhouse and their equally incompetent colleagues on the other side of the harbour. Given that there are five years between elections, focusing on just one nitwit at a time will take about 70 years. I'd like to see it accomplished in nine months.

Any thoughts or suggestions?