February 13, 2008

Caroline Postma Replies to Blog Readers

First off I want to thank MOM for allowing councillors this platform to bring forward messages. I appreciate not having the worry of maintaining a site and the hassle of deadlines. My schedule doesn’t permit me much time for writing as most days I am in and out between meetings, my boy’s hockey, my daughter’s ballet and other commitments there is never enough time in a day.

I will try and tackle all of the questions posed on this site regarding the ICBL (Interim Control Bi-Law) for Sandwich. I apologize in advance if it seems I am jumping from topic to topic. Here goes!

Exemptions are allowed under the ICBL and are supposed to be based on the merit of the application. In fact there has been an exemption on Peter Street where a home burned down and the owner applied to demolish and rebuild. I don’t consider working and strategizing with residents on an exemption “hand holding” – look at the vote for Mr. Wilson’s garage – it ended up loosing by only 1 vote. I continued to communicate with Mr. Wilson after the vote was defeated to strategize next steps. I consider one of the most important aspects of my job is strategizing with residents and educating them on City processes.

I can’t speak for my Council Colleagues but I will support Maryvale.

Kdduck posted as to how I can look at each and every applicant and be effective or efficient? With all due respect that is my job as a City Councillor. Not only did I live in the area (and went to high school there) I participated in the planning Task Force for Olde Sandwich Towne and continue to participate in the Community Improvement Plan, so in short I have background knowledge to judge exemptions. I am in neighbourhoods frequently. I talk to residents, business owners and city staff before I make a decision. If that is a stretch for a politician, then don’t call me one.

I asked the planning department to explain Community Improvement Plans, why we do them and to compare Sandwich Towne CIP and others in the City (during my tenure) in terms of costs as well as Interim Control By-Laws. Below is the response:

“Every CIP is unique to a certain degree, so comparisons are tricky. There are 2 main kinds: those that address situations [like the existence of hard-to-redevelop 'brownfields' throughout a municipality] and those that address one or more matters [described categorically in s. 11.8 of our Official Plan] in a certain part of the municipality. So far, all our CIPs have been of the second kind. The main point of this second kind of CIP is to size up the specific circumstances of a specific Community Improvement Project Area Council has designated, and then tailor the plan to address those circumstances. In doing so, Council must remain aware that it is actually creating what I'd call a "planning bias" that favours a particular Area with particular privileges [investments, land-use designations changes, incentives, etc.].

In terms of having an ICBL in place for a CIP, yes, Sandwich is the only CIP with that distinction, again mainly because one of its particular issues is unusually rapid property declines/changes. Yes, the ICBL for the Entertainment Lounge District is the most recent other time Council invoked an ICBL. To clarify, the study it resulted in was the City Centre Interim Control Land Use Study which is not a CIP.

What I can say in terms of staff time & consultants fees and other associated project costs, this is the ranking of our recent CIPs completed under my watch, according to cost [highest to lowest]:
1. City Centre West
2. Sandwich
3. Little River Acres
4. Glengarry Marentette”

I like the suggestion from Robert f.e. Scherer to try and recoup tax dollars spent on the various CIPs from the senior levels of government – good one.

In terms of the Ambassador Bridge Company, the by-law was not imposed because of them. Go ahead laugh out loud – get it out of your system.

I can see why most people think it is since exemptions are turned down in fear of precedent setting, the timing of the CIP as it compares to the Ambassador Bridge work and DRIC (Detroit River International Crossing).

I can not speak for the Bridge Company. In speaking to a representative from their company they own all but 6 homes on Indian road – both sides. The Ambassador Bridge Company did tear down several homes before the by-law was even passed. They did not plant grass, they did not plant trees or bushes and they left dirt piles, piles of debris and litter and left the grass (weeds) to grow taller than my 6 year old. The track record of the Bridge Company is not the greatest.

One of my biggest concerns is what will replace all of these homes when demolition does occur? If it really is green space how long will it take and why didn’t they clean up their properties before I have to continuously send by-law, building and fire department staff out to issue work orders? They still don’t maintain the properties 100%. None of the snow is cleared.

The Ambassador Bridge Company does not have any approvals to enhance their span (build a second bridge). The EA they submitted was not accepted and further study was required. There is a roadway project occurring on the US side of the bridge, which will see a direct highway connection at the foot of the bridge – this is the gateway project. It does not mean the Bridge Company has the approvals on the US side for the enhancement project or a second span. I have yet to see any paperwork approving the second span from the US governments – a letter from a Governor does not count especially when the DRIC was continued – not folded by the Senate. It is a Bi-National process, involving 2 countries not just the US.

The project on Indian Road near Mill Street was an approval for new Canadian Customs Booths only to be opened when traffic volumes warrant. Canada Border Service Customs Agency has not even agreed to man those booths yet, in fact CBSA cited several concerns with the enhancement project. The main point is there has been an International process put in place called the DRIC to look at where to build a new bridge and plaza and the Ambassador Bridge was ruled out by that process. Although some think that process will fold, time will tell and for now the work continues on both sides of the border.

On another note Dave referred to the U of W downtown and the Urban Village. Let me be very clear – I voted to see a business plan developed for a possible campus downtown. A business plan … not a shovel in the ground for a campus. I am not aware of any talks with St. Clair College over the Urban Village site; it needs for go RFP period! Mr. Halberstadt has not put anything forward at the Council table for the Urban Village continuation so I am not sure what you are referring to. I want to see this land developed ASAP. Downtown will live again! The DWBIA is doing some excellent work and I am confident that things will get better. By the way for those who read the 3am closure posting I wrote - I frequently shop at Felix Imports and the little store beside the bank in the same block . I love their clothes and shoes!

February 5, 2008

Gourmet Emporium Revs Up Old Walkerville

You've seen this building many times on your way to work or play. It's on the corner of Wyandotte and Chilver. A long time ago it was built as a Bank of Montreal Main branch for Walkerville. It is still the only example we have in Windsor of a true Italian Renaissance style building.

There is a brand new renaissance happening within its walls right now. An exciting eatery and retail operation called the Gourmet Emporium. This place is exquisitely decorated and a very charming place to sit and sample from an extensive line of loose organic teas and Fair Trade Organic coffees and a slew of unique beverages. If you're feeling a bit hungry there is an extensive menu with lush appetizers, gorgeous salads, soups, sandwiches and pizza. The most expensive item is only $8.95. The Gourmet Imporium also has a liquor licence in case you are thinking about a good, dry martini or maybe something a little on the dirty side. Come Spring they are ready for the great outdoors with a patio which will wrap right around the corner.

This weekend the proprietors are ramping in a Tappas menu so be sure to stop in and try that out. Live entertainment is lined up and on the way.

Something for business people and bloggers too:
Free Internet!
Perhaps the local blogging community can scope this op out for their meetings. Paul Synnott are you out there?

THE MENU:


CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

It's definately worth a try people. Do something new for lunch this week. Head over to the Gourmet Emporium and enjoy.