Downtown Update - Page 135

markbarbera · #**2681** Posted **Jul 10, 2014, 1:32 PM**

I agree with this in principle, but don't like the idea of busking being lumped together in the list of prohibited activities. I hope that doesn't carry through when Hamilton's policy is drawn up. I understand the desire to control it, but bproper buskers contribute a positive animation to the downtown, and could become a sort of draw in their own way. Perhaps the city can do what the TTC does rather successfully in Toronto: Define spaces throughout the downtown where buskers can perform and have potential buskers apply for a licence to perform in one of those spaces via auditions. That successfully eliminates the potential for a beggar posing as a busker to solicit loose change from passersby.

flar · #**2682** Posted **Jul 10, 2014, 2:48 PM**

I don't like that busking would be prohibited. I used to busk in London when I was a student, I usually made around forty bucks playing to the lunch crowd at the market.

That said, there has to be some regulation around busking, which I believe is already in place. Problems can arise when buskers overstay their welcome, have no talent, or interfere with businesses.

oldcoote · #**2683** Posted **Jul 10, 2014, 3:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by markbarbera

I agree with this in principle, but don't like the idea of busking being lumped together in the list of prohibited activities. I hope that doesn't carry through when Hamilton's policy is drawn up. I understand the desire to control it, but bproper buskers contribute a positive animation to the downtown, and could become a sort of draw in their own way. Perhaps the city can do what the TTC does rather successfully in Toronto: Define spaces throughout the downtown where buskers can perform and have potential buskers apply for a licence to perform in one of those spaces via auditions. That successfully eliminates the potential for a beggar posing as a busker to solicit loose change from passersby.

agreed

matt602 · #**2684** Posted **Jul 10, 2014, 3:59 PM**

I also busk pretty often with a friend and would hate to see it prohibited, or even mandatory licensing. The licensing thing only happened in Toronto because buskers were fighting over subway spots since they're so busy. That's not really the case here, usually the panhandlers outnumber the buskers anyway.

A friend of mine busking outside of Jackson Square, definitely the kind of thing that I think adds to downtown, not detracting at all:

• Video Link

LikeHamilton · #**2685** Posted **Jul 11, 2014, 4:33 AM**

Open Streets Sunday

Open Streets Hamilton is back on Sunday, July 13 2014!
James Street North (King St to Burlington St)
10am-5pm (rain or shine)

Featuring:
Hamilton Bike Share Demo
Hamilton Fringe Festival teasers
Tons of Fitness and health activities and programming
Skatepark in the North End
Tons of awesome vendors, businesses, organizations, activities and more!
A car-free James St North to walk, ride or roll down!

http://openstreetshamilton.ca/

davidcappi · #**2686** Posted **Jul 15, 2014, 1:19 AM**

King and James getting a facelift, kind of.

davidcappi · #**2687** Posted **Jul 15, 2014, 2:43 AM**

Dr Awesomesauce · #**2688** Posted **Jul 15, 2014, 11:33 AM**

^Can't wait to see how that one looks once unveiled. Very curious indeed.

Beedok · #**2689** Posted **Jul 15, 2014, 1:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidcappi

King and James getting a facelift, kind of.

I could have sworn that building on the corner used to be fancier looking.

Dr Awesomesauce · #**2690** Posted **Jul 15, 2014, 11:43 PM**

It's looked that way for decades. Pictures from the 40s and 50s show it in almost the exact same condition.

It's very old (nearly 200 years old) and doesn't appear to have ever been taken care of particularly well.

King&James · #**2691** Posted **Jul 16, 2014, 12:25 AM**

And who remembers the name of the record shop on the second floor

matt602 · #**2692** Posted **Jul 16, 2014, 5:59 AM**

They were working on both this and the McMaster Continuing Ed space above Jackson like nuts tonight. Still not sure what they plan to do with the King and James NE corner building though.

davidcappi · #**2693** Posted **Jul 16, 2014, 6:24 AM**

If there were ever a building in Hamilton that could actually benefit from precast brick cladding, it's this one! [laugh]

You know, if they went with a red brick cladding and put some shutters and a simple cornice on the top, it wouldn't look half bad. Here's hoping they decide to do some improvements to the storefronts as well.