[St. John's] The Official Project Thread - Page 262

Architype · #**5221** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 5:36 AM**

It's debatable whether a casino is a good thing, but going with the flow if they have them in other provinces/cities, you can say that it's ok here too. There has been opposition in other places though; in Vancouver opposition last year seems to have put an end to plans for a major casino project right downtown.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/04/19/bc-vancouver-casino-expansion.html

^ All the photos looking good, thanks Signal.

I noticed the west side of the TD Place penthouse has dark metal siding so they will probably leave it that way, and the other 3 sides can be done from the rooftop without a crane.

Re: The Battery, whether there is a casino or not, the sale probably means new plans for the hotel, whether they tear it down or just change it, there should be something new to look forward to. Since no new hotels have actually been built downtown recently, a hotel probably with other uses is a good bet for a new development. It would be a shame to lose 127 hotel rooms downtown, only to have them go to Kenmount Road.

PoscStudent · #**5222** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 11:00 AM**

The NIMBYs were out in full force last night complaining about the Marriott extension.

jeddy1989 · #**5223** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 11:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoscStudent

The NIMBYs were out in full force last night complaining about the Marriott extension.

SERIOUSLY!? but that's a great development! :S sooo confused ... what could they be saying about it?

Edit: Here's an article ...
Public Hearing on Marriott Hotel Extension

Quote:

Developers who intend on extending the Marriott Hotel on the corner of Cochrane Street and Duckworth Street in St. John's have come back with a revised blueprint for the structure. The original plan, which was turned down by council, had four storeys with a pedway that would connect the existing and new hotel. The developer went back to the drawing board and is now proposing a taller, 90-unit building with a smaller blueprint than before. Last night a public meeting was held at City Hall.
Area residents are not pleased with the new proposal. The structure would have six storeys, two of which would be for parking. Currently in that area, four storeys - or 15 metres - is the maximum height a building can be. In order for this plan to get the green light, council would have to set a site-specific zoning amendment which would allow two extra storeys. Many believe allowing one company to build past the 4-storey limit will open the door for other businesses to do the same.
Susan Cummings, a resident of Ordnance Street, says it will set a precedent that will undermine a sense of neighbourhood which residents have been working for years to develop and maintain.
he proposed hotel is in a zone two heritage area. Laura Cashin, a resident of Gower street, says the design shows a large glass wall that isn't in keeping with the neighbourhood. She says residents and businesses should not have different rules apply to them.

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&ID=28168&latest=1

oh they're back .... i mean FU@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seriously!

like this is a GREAT infill project .. I'm starting to get disappointed in the STUPID FRIGGIN %$#*@#$(*&#^^$ed residents!!! seriously!!!!!!! how is this affecting ANY aspect of your life ... SERIOUSLY!!! ... you live on Gower and a two story increase in an infill of a parking lot is affecting you how??? not keeping with the neighbourhood .. ok I guess the Canada gov building is and the gravel parking lot up the road is oh and the PARKING LOT that currently stands is much better than this proposal ... &#^%$ IDIOTS!!!

and that's my crooked morning rant

PoscStudent · #**5224** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 11:36 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddy1989

SERIOUSLY!? but that's a great development! :S sooo confused ... what could they be saying about it?

Too high, DUH!

PoscStudent · #**5225** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 11:37 AM**

• Video Link

statbass · #**5226** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:11 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoscStudent

The NIMBYs were out in full force last night complaining about the Marriott extension.

Unfortunate, but not surprising. However, I think council realizes the need for this development and the fact its design fits well with the area. Time will tell.... fingers crossed.

Copes · #**5227** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:12 PM**

You know, we all seem pretty opinionated here, but I wonder how many of us actually attend these public meetings, and argue against these people.

I for one didn't attend last night. To be honest, I forgot it was happening, but I do try to get down to meetings such as these and voice my pro-development feelings. When I do, I'm one of few who speaks in favor it seems.

I honestly suggest we all pick a couple projects and attend the meetings, as a group, and create loud support for any new proposed development that we agree with.

Either that, or take it upon ourselves (maybe with this project) and email Tom Hann and state that we very much support the project.

Its just frustrating how such a vocal group has such sway. Seems an equally as vocal group needs to come out and counter them.

jeddy1989 · #**5228** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copes

You know, we all seem pretty opinionated here, but I wonder how many of us actually attend these public meetings, and argue against these people.

I for one didn't attend last night. To be honest, I forgot it was happening, but I do try to get down to meetings such as these and voice my pro-development feelings. When I do, I'm one of few who speaks in favor it seems.

I honestly suggest we all pick a couple projects and attend the meetings, as a group, and create loud support for any new proposed development that we agree with.

Either that, or take it upon ourselves (maybe with this project) and email Tom Hann and state that we very much support the project.

Its just frustrating how such a vocal group has such sway. Seems an equally as vocal group needs to come out and counter them.

I completely agree! .. maybe organize ourselves to represent the silent majority ... apparently people pay attention and follow us here.. no reason why we can't organize ourselves in someway.. maybe even a facebook community group .. like for responsible progressive urban development (the pro development crew)

If NIMBYs can make such a difference with their squeeky wheel .. well the larger back wheel needs to squeek!

Copes · #**5229** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddy1989

I completely agree! .. maybe organize ourselves to represent the silent majority ... apparently people pay attention and follow us here.. no reason why we can't organize ourselves in someway.. maybe even a facebook community group .. like for responsible progressive urban development (the pro development crew)

Responsible is the key word there.

jeddy1989 · #**5230** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:25 PM**

would you guys be interested in doing this?

by emails and attending meetings?

statbass · #**5231** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:32 PM**

Duplicated post... oops!

statbass · #**5232** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 12:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copes

Responsible is the key word there.

I haven't attended a meeting but I have emailed city council in support of a couple of developments. I will do the same for this one; I encourage that we all do this.

Copes · #**5233** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 1:26 PM**

I just emailed Frank Galgay about supporting the project. Hopefully he agrees.

And Jeddy, yes. I already try to, but its always more fun to sit with friends than to sit alone.

jeddy1989 · #**5234** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 1:30 PM**

No Applications in for Battery Hotel Purchase

Quote:

There's still no word on what the new owners of the Battery Hotel in St. John's intend to do with the property. Workers at the hotel received notice this week that the property has been sold to a third party and their jobs will be terminated as of January 5th.

The chair of the planning and development committee with the city of St. John's, Tom Hann, says they have not received any applications, and do not know who the new owners are. Hann says there are no city provisions requiring the building to remain a hotel. He says the city now has about 10 applications for new hotels. He says the main issue for council is that the property not exceed the height restrictions for the area.

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=28157&latest=1

jeddy1989 · #**5235** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 1:45 PM**

Here's my letter:

Good morning,

I am writing in support for the Marriott Hotel extension I think it is a wonderful infill project which will only enhance the neighborhood The height is not of concern because it has to be economical and it seems like the process is making an extension of this hotel impossible.. the pedway was not popular and now that they've removed it to please the neighborhood people have a problem with two floors. I mean I understand scale and height restriction in the heritage zones, I am all for it but it's only two stories which makes for a great investment in the city and replaces a parking lot right in the middle of downtown. I feel that the publicity and the loud minority is deterring business. I support opposing projects which are not in character and not keeping in mind it's surroundings but I mean this one seems to have really planned it out and is a great opportunity for the city, especially in the historic sector in what would be a parking lot.

Thank you for your time

Copes · #**5236** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 2:26 PM**

I went on a bit of a tangent, suggesting that the city either build up or build out (sprawl), and talked about how the vocal minority is forcing the more expensive option (building out). We'll see what Frank has to say, I feel (from what little I know) he's a reasonable guy.

SignalHillHiker · #**5237** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 2:43 PM**

I'm game as well. Who should I email to voice support for the Marriott?

SignalHillHiker · #**5238** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 2:45 PM**

November 8, 2012

Harvey's Road Development by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

View from the Captain's Pub by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

This is just decided to Christopher Chafe, just for badness:

TD Place by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

351 Water Street by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

TD Place by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

Fortis Place by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

Henry-Bell Condo Complex by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

351 Water Street by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

Foggy St. John's by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

View from the Captain's Pub by Signal Hill Hiker Photos, on Flickr

christopher_chafe · #**5239** Posted **Nov 8, 2012, 2:46 PM**

Here is what I wrote to several members of council today:

As a resident and tax paying citizen of this city, I not only find it appalling, but I find it down right insulting that the elected representatives are only catering to a select vocal minority. I support the Marriott proposal as I feel it would be a welcome addition to the downtown area. It does not deter from the heritage look as the vocal minority love so much. Furthermore the company bent over backwards to please the residents and Mrs. Duff and Mrs. O’Leary who foolishly objected to a simple Pedway.

I for one wish I was going to be around for the next civic election and I truly hope that the other 90% (aka silent majority) of the residents voice their views and vote in a Council that is forward thinking and have the foresight to plan for the future and not the past.