Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith P.
Well, we already have too many rules, bylaws, and byzantine bureaucratic processes in HRM as far as planning is concerned, so somehow I doubt more of the same will have a beneficial effect.
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Perhaps you're right, but maybe it doesn't have to be so complicated. Maybe it would be a matter of not issuing permits for demolition until everything is in place in terms of approvals, etc., and then put in place a more-than-reasonable schedule for substantial completion, after which fines will be levied every month. Like 5 years to substantial completion for a building that would normally take 2.
Or just simply install a property tax penalty for development sites where demolition occurs and is left vacant for more than a year, to negate the practice of tearing down a building to reduce the property assessment and thus pay less taxes.
I think we all understand that development can be complicated and developers like to line up their projects such that a completed project can help finance a new project, but there are literally sites around the city that have been vacant for 10+ years.
Or, maybe it's not an issue for most people. It bothers me to see lots lying vacant for many years, especially when a business could have been operating there or it could have functioned as a dwelling for a number of years, but maybe everybody else is okay with it? The Texpark site is simply a blight on the downtown and an embarrassment for Halifax, but that's another story entirely.