[reddog794]

The Trump is coming in October... 8th? Along with Danny Williams, and Rudy Giuliani. They are speaking at the TCC, should be interesting.

[nwalbert]

The Trump is coming in October... 8th? Along with Danny Williams, and Rudy Giuliani. They are speaking at the TCC, should be interesting.

This is the announcement I was referring to at Lexus yesterday. Interesting is a good word. Normally I would be quite excited about this and the opportunity to see these men speak, Guiliani in particular, however all the feedback I heard from the Richard Branson presentation was totally negative.

It makes me a little nervous that the same company is also hosting this event. I know that many of the original sponsors refused to come back it was so poorly done. Hopefully this is done better.

[kwajo]

Just to clarify, aren't they speaking at Harbour Station?

[reddog794]

Yes, Harbour Station is the venue, and it's the 6th not the 8th. My mistake.

I'm more excited for the Atlantic lion himself, Danny Williams. Hopefully they swing by the boardwalk after their function, so that maybe I can meet him over some rhum.

[RaginRonic]

I'm really happy for the people of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada today, as, after 43 years, you guys no longer have to pay tolls on the Saint John Harbour Bridge. =)

And I give my thanks and respect to all those, past and present(Mr. Bob McDevitt especially...cool dude! XD) that served on the now-dissolved Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority for those 43 years. Thank you for your tireless service...you all did a great job! =D

[Helladog]

I'm really happy for the people of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada today, as, after 43 years, you guys no longer have to pay tolls on the Saint John Harbour Bridge. =)

And I give my thanks and respect to all those, past and present(Mr. Bob McDevitt especially...cool dude! XD) that served on the now-dissolved Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority for those 43 years. Thank you for your tireless service...you all did a great job! =D

Stockholm syndrome...

[philster]

Two things I came across today:

My wife was walking along King Street today and she saw a sign saying "Freak Lunch Box, Opening Soon"

For those who are not aware it's a candy store chain from Halifax

http://www.freaklunchbox.com/contact.html

I guess only time will tell if this is whats coming or if it's something completly different.

Second, reading in the TJ today that Rockeys Sports bar has been sold to the co-owner of Relish.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1395001

[kwajo]

Two things I came across today:

My wife was walking along King Street today and she saw a sign saying "Freak Lunch Box, Opening Soon"

For those who are not aware it's a candy store chain from Halifax

http://www.freaklunchbox.com/contact.html

I guess only time will tell if this is whats coming or if it's something completly different.

Second, reading in the TJ today that Rockeys Sports bar has been sold to the co-owner of Relish.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1395001
It is going to be the same Freak Lunchbox as Halifax, they announced it would be their third location (after Barrington and Bedford) last week! Very exciting stuff for Saint John!

[nwalbert]

It is going to be the same Freak Lunchbox as Halifax, they announced it would be their third location (after Barrington and Bedford) last week! Very exciting stuff for Saint John!

I saw a few weeks ago that a new high end shoe store opened on King Street as well. It is great that the big box stores have come after Saint John and now we are getting some really trendy unique stores as well.

[nwalbert]

The Mill Rats season is now over, after losing in Halifax in overtime on the last game of the season. It was clearly a HUGE success. The last home game actually drew more fans than QMJHL playoff games in Moncton or Cape Breton on the same night. I think in Hockey country that would be considered a success.

I attended the final home game and can say that the crowd was REALLY into the game, on their feets for the final few minutes. I am confident that attendance will be even higher next season. Great first year!

[kwajo]

http://www.cruisesaintjohn.com/publications/cruisenews.asp?id=282

Disney Cruise Line to Call Port of Saint John in 2012
6 April, 2011
Saint John (NB) – The Saint John Port Authority confirmed today that Disney Cruise Line will call the Port of Saint John with their vessel Disney Magic on 9 occasions in 2012.



The announcement, made by Disney Cruise Line today in New York, comes on the heels of successful cruise industry sales calls conducted in March by the Port Authority, the New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks and the destination marketing organization in Saint John.



"Our provincial cruise business is growing year after year and we are proud that such a well-known line has added the Port of Saint John to their visitor list," said Tourism and Parks Minister Trevor Holder. "While in Miami a few weeks ago, we met with some of the largest cruise lines in the world to solicit new business and to seek additional business from existing customers."



“We are thrilled that Disney, one of the world’s best loved brands, is adding Saint John as one of only two ports of call on 5-day cruises out of New York beginning in June of 2012,” stated Stephen Campbell, Chairman of Saint John Port Authority.



The strength in the Bay of Fundy brand; the hospitality extended by the tourism industry; and the berth extension projects made possible by recent federal-provincial investment commitments, are all factors that help attract cruise ships.



"We recognize the potential the cruise industry has for the province and we are marketing return visits to those who experience just a taste of New Brunswick when they stop at our provincial ports," said Holder.



“Cruise continues to be an area of strength in the business mix at the Port Authority,” remarked Jim Quinn, President & CEO of Saint John Port Authority. “The continued strength of this sector is critical to the overall diversity of Port business. This diversity will support strategic investment in all of our port assets in the long-term”.



Full details on the entire 2012 season will be available at the end of 2011. The 2011 schedule is now posted at www.cruisesaintjohn.ca and includes more than 200,000 cruise guests during 71 calls.

[philster]

You beat me to it KWAJO I was coming here to make the exact same post.
Also in checking my e-mail tonight I recieved an e-mail from Disney vacations (since I recently had a vacation package through them) and they were announcing their 2012 cruise schedule...Here is the link from Disney.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/canada-new-england/itineraries/5-night-canada-new-england-cruise/?sourcecode=17061&CMP=EMC-DCLFY11Q32012AnnouncementEM0033B

[kwajo]

The wrapper is coming off of the Harbourfront housing tower today, I don't know whether the re-clading is complete or not, but it'll be interesting to see the progress after 10 months or so.

[nwalbert]

Competing and winning on the global stage

SAINT JOHN - The Port of Saint John and Aquila Tours have received high praise in Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine, the cruise-industry standard throughout the world.

The Port of Saint John and Aquila Tours received recognition in the spring edition of Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine. From left are Beth Kelly Hatt of Aquila Tours, Ross Jefferson of the city's Destination Marketing organization and the port's manager of business development Betty MacMillan.

In its spring edition, the Port of Saint John is named most improved port facility, thanks to construction of the new multi-million-dollar Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal on Water Street, while the city is named one of the best destination experiences on a list that includes Rome, Italy and St. Petersburg, Russia.

"It's a big deal," said port authority chairman Stephen Campbell.

"You're up against every city in the world that participates in the cruise industry.

"We were surprised. We did not know going into that conference that this was going to happen."

The conference took place about three weeks ago in Miami.

Campbell says the bottom line for the city and for Aquila is advances are being made on a number of fronts.

"The one that excites me is the destination (win)," Campbell said.

"There are lots of places that have infrastructure far better than ours ... Ranking us ahead of destinations all over the Mediterranean and Asia is quite something."

Beth Kelly Hatt of Aquila Tours credits that organization's systematic approach to cruise with clinching a name for itself under the outstanding service to passengers and crew label and outstanding tour guides label.

"We seem to have developed a system where we have everything, with different people managing different parts, so it gets a little easier every time. We have five cruise managers. Each one is responsible for so many of the ship calls," she said.

"We spend a lot of time and money all winter looking at new things.

"We're already brainstorming about the Disney tours." Disney Magic has just announced it will make nine stops in Saint John next year.

Ross Jefferson of the city's Destination Marketing Inc., says the recognition is a testament to how Saint John has turned the industry mainstream for tourism.

"This community has been working hard towards cruise and at the same time, the market itself is growing. The product people are buying is the Canada/New England cruise and it's growing.

"It's being served out of the New York and Boston areas, and as more people look to Canada and New England as a cruise destination, our numbers will also grow."

Today, the city has 100 per cent of three- to five-day cruises, so there is no more growth to be had in that market.

"So we need more people to cruise. Our piece of the pie is growing, but the pie itself is also growing.

"There are two competitions going on: one is Saint John in the Canada/New England market and there's Canada/New England competing in the global market."

Despite all of the accolades, the port's manager of business development, doesn't believe in resting on her laurels.

"A lot of it now is destination awareness and getting the word out that we are such a great destination," said Betty MacMillan.

"Getting awards like this is helping us get the word out.

"Everyone who comes here has said they've had a fantastic experience. We rate eight or nine out of 10 consistently.

"Just a few weeks ago in Miami, the president of Holland America was telling us that their passengers rated us an 8.6 out of 10. Anything over 8 is unbelievable, fantastic," he said.

"Success builds success. It's like the tumbleweed. You just keep doing a little bit more each year because you do have to keep going.

"There's always work to be done."

[michael_d40]

If anybody has noticed the construction next to Toys R Us @ McAllister Place and was wondering what was up. It's because Sport Chek and Atmosphere (Formerly Coast Mountain Sports) are moving there.

[-Harlington-]

Just noticed the freak lunch box thing
congrats on that, its a great store
tourists love it :tup:

[philster]

If anybody has noticed the construction next to Toys R Us @ McAllister Place and was wondering what was up. It's because Sport Chek and Atmosphere (Formerly Coast Mountain Sports) are moving there.

Very interesting to hear, I have been wondering what was going to go into the Old Moores Location / Mikes Resturant Location etc as they truly have been gutting that entire section and re-doing the roof.

I think having Sport Check attached to the mall would be a smart business move to increase traffic.

[Southpaw78]

Very interesting to hear, I have been wondering what was going to go into the Old Moores Location / Mikes Resturant Location etc as they truly have been gutting that entire section and re-doing the roof.

I think having Sport Check attached to the mall would be a smart business move to increase traffic.

What's the word then on what's going to happen to the current Sports Check location?

My assumption is that it wouldn't stay vacant for vary long...

[SJResident]

I just heard about this very exciting project for Saint John!

http://punchinside.com/new-modern-residence-being-built-dab-smack-in

[kwajo]

I just heard about this very exciting project for Saint John!

http://punchinside.com/new-modern-residence-being-built-dab-smack-in
I've been aware of this project for a while, and it looks like a great home and it's fantastic to have some young architects given some freedom to be creative in this often backward city, but I have to say it: a piece of land that large and that close to the urban core should have way more than 2-4 people living on it. I'll forgive it because the steep nature of the topography, and the fact it could be a catalyst for the neighbourhood (which is already on the up-swing IMO), but we need some higher density in-fill projects, I'm tired of single homes and townhouses appearing in areas that have the infrastructure and services in place to support much greater populations.

[nwalbert]

I've been aware of this project for a while, and it looks like a great home and it's fantastic to have some young architects given some freedom to be creative in this often backward city, but I have to say it: a piece of land that large and that close to the urban core should have way more than 2-4 people living on it. I'll forgive it because the steep nature of the topography, and the fact it could be a catalyst for the neighbourhood (which is already on the up-swing IMO), but we need some higher density in-fill projects, I'm tired of single homes and townhouses appearing in areas that have the infrastructure and services in place to support much greater populations.

I would tend to agree that this particular neighborhood are on the upswing. There has been a fair bit of money moving into the area lately.

[JHikka]

I would tend to agree that this particular neighborhood are on the upswing. There has been a fair bit of money moving into the area lately.

In Mt. Pleasant? There's always been money there.

Also, if the city continues to tear down vacant buildings, I don't understand where they're going to be receiving tax revenue from. Vacant buildings have to pay a double-occupancy tax, and empty lots don't pay nearly as much. Subsidized housing doesn't pay any property tax to the city whatsoever.

So, uh, no revenue?

[dhottawa729]

In Mt. Pleasant? There's always been money there.

Also, if the city continues to tear down vacant buildings, I don't understand where they're going to be receiving tax revenue from. Vacant buildings have to pay a double-occupancy tax, and empty lots don't pay nearly as much. Subsidized housing doesn't pay any property tax to the city whatsoever.

So, uh, no revenue?

I agree with the short-term lack of tax revenue thing, but tearing down derelict buildings not only makes the City look less poor and run down, it opens up prime real estate that is shovel-ready for brand new development. Out with the old and in with the new will improve the overall appearance of the City streets, generate even higher tax revenue and promote gentrification - and I don't mean that in the sense of driving out the poor and replacing them with yuppies because many of these lots are abandoned anyway. It would encourage more higher-income earners to move in and share the City's core resulting in much more social diversification which makes for a great urban area.

[JHikka]

I agree with the short-term lack of tax revenue thing, but tearing down derelict buildings not only makes the City look less poor and run down, it opens up prime real estate that is shovel-ready for brand new development. Out with the old and in with the new will improve the overall appearance of the City streets, generate even higher tax revenue and promote gentrification - and I don't mean that in the sense of driving out the poor and replacing them with yuppies because many of these lots are abandoned anyway. It would encourage more higher-income earners to move in and share the City's core resulting in much more social diversification which makes for a great urban area.

Have you been in the North End recently? It would absolutely blow my mind if someone wanted to develop land here. No one with any sort of money is wanting to develop land in a high-poverty/crime area such as this, and they won't want to for some time. Mixed-income doesn't work, and never will.

Anywhere else a place like Bridge Street would be prime real-estate, but not in Saint John ;)

Although I will admit that it's one of the few places where destroying surroundings probably increases property assessments, albeit minimally.

[kwajo]

In Mt. Pleasant? There's always been money there.

Also, if the city continues to tear down vacant buildings, I don't understand where they're going to be receiving tax revenue from. Vacant buildings have to pay a double-occupancy tax, and empty lots don't pay nearly as much. Subsidized housing doesn't pay any property tax to the city whatsoever.

So, uh, no revenue?
That's why the city needs to change it's taxation system and ups taxation on empty lots in urban areas. That puts the onus on the landowner to either build something or sell it to someone who will.

[JHikka]

That's why the city needs to change it's taxation system and ups taxation on empty lots in urban areas. That puts the onus on the landowner to either build something or sell it to someone who will.

But there's no-one to buy the land, that's the thing. Saint John has some of the highest taxes for landowners in the country as it stands, and if anything the city should be lowering taxes to encourage growth.

Why do you think everyone keeps moving and developing outside of city limits?

[kwajo]

But there's no-one to buy the land, that's the thing. Saint John has some of the highest taxes for landowners in the country as it stands, and if anything the city should be lowering taxes to encourage growth.

Why do you think everyone keeps moving and developing outside of city limits?
Well you wouldn't raise the taxes on empty lots without balancing it with incentives or reductions the other way, otherwise yes, it would be a difficult sell.

I don't think the taxes are really the reason people are moving out of the city, or certainly not the only reason, especially since for most people the reduction in property tax is offset entirely by increased transportation costs of living further away from the core.

[JHikka]

I don't think the taxes are really the reason people are moving out of the city, or certainly not the only reason, especially since for most people the reduction in property tax is offset entirely by increased transportation costs of living further away from the core.

More or less, yeah. It's beyond me how people can commute in from Hampton/St. Martin's/Musquash or beyond each day with the price of gas as high as it is right now. It must be turning into quite a burden on some, if it hadn't been already.

I can see taxes being the major reason why people move out of the city, or why when moving to the area they live outside of the city rather than inside. The city's doing nothing to make itself welcoming to land/homeowners.

[sjuser23]

Here's an idea: Why not tax land and not the structures on it? Therefore a serviced lot gets taxed the same whether it is vacant or has a $400,000 dollar house on it? Wouldn't it encourage people to improve their lots instead of being fearful of increased taxes for renovating? If the taxes on a lot were $2000 a year let's say for arguments sake, how long would the owner let it sit empty instead of doing something to generate some income from that lot? It would end the double taxation issue as well.
Thoughts?

[OliverD]

Here's an idea: Why not tax land and not the structures on it? Therefore a serviced lot gets taxed the same whether it is vacant or has a $400,000 dollar house on it? Wouldn't it encourage people to improve their lots instead of being fearful of increased taxes for renovating? If the taxes on a lot were $2000 a year let's say for arguments sake, how long would the owner let it sit empty instead of doing something to generate some income from that lot? It would end the double taxation issue as well.
Thoughts?

That makes very little sense IMO. Purchasing land for future development would be prohibitively expensive. Then you also run into the issue of someone paying the same taxes for a 1000 sq ft bungalow as the person next door in a 4000 sq ft McMansion.

[JHikka]

Here's an idea: Why not tax land and not the structures on it?

Most of the unused land in Saint John belongs to various Irving companies. Have fun asking them for money. ;) Along with what Oliver stated.

Also, you can't delete posts on this forum? Haha

[nwalbert]

Most of the unused land in Saint John belongs to various Irving companies. Have fun asking them for money. ;)



Not in residential neighborhoods, but yes from a commercial/industrial point of view.

The city is doing the right thing by clearing out unsafe structures that are beyond repair. We will just need to be patient to see the vacant spots get filled back in. The city is in a period of gradual and steady population increases. There are still a couple of very large projects potentially on the horizon, we are in a very good position right now.

[thefishingnut]

More or less, yeah. It's beyond me how people can commute in from Hampton/St. Martin's/Musquash or beyond each day with the price of gas as high as it is right now. It must be turning into quite a burden on some, if it hadn't been already.

I can see taxes being the major reason why people move out of the city, or why when moving to the area they live outside of the city rather than inside. The city's doing nothing to make itself welcoming to land/homeowners.

IMO property taxes have very little to do with why people live in the suburbs. Transportation costs easily eat that up. If finances are an issue, it's more because of house purchase prices that push people out as far as a Hampton.

I'm among the commuters (from Quispam), and I'm there because it's kid friendly, quieter, cleaner, and in the summer, far warmer. Finances weren't really a consideration. Reality around a small city, is that many people want to live close to a city, but not in the city. Be able to take advantage of what a city has to offer only when wanted, and take advantage of living in a quiet suburb the rest of the time. I've lived in a couple of houses in Saint John core because my circumstances dictated that it was the right choice at the time, and it was fine at the time. But I moved to the area from Toronto years ago because the size of the city and the recreational opportunities nearby made it a good choice. I got tired of weekend commutes to cottage country in Ontario, and now I'm in a waterfront house for less money than I'd spend for a duplex in Toronto. And that's important to me, because I boat, fish, we often sit around a fire on the beach at sunset, it's a lifestyle thing.

Again IMO, there are city people, and non-city people. People chose to live where they'll be happy, for some that's where there is immediate access to downtown benefits like entertainment, for others it's for immediate access to outside city recreation. Neither way is right or wrong for all people, we're just different and like different things. The strategy needs to be a city environment which is acceptable to people who wish to live in the city core. By that, I mean modern or upgraded housing, safe streets, and entertainment options. And for those outside the city, good transportation links. You can't force the people who don't want to live in the Saint John city core but have chosen to live in the valley to move to the city. And tax rates have very little to do with it.

[thefishingnut]

Here's an idea: Why not tax land and not the structures on it? Therefore a serviced lot gets taxed the same whether it is vacant or has a $400,000 dollar house on it? Wouldn't it encourage people to improve their lots instead of being fearful of increased taxes for renovating? If the taxes on a lot were $2000 a year let's say for arguments sake, how long would the owner let it sit empty instead of doing something to generate some income from that lot? It would end the double taxation issue as well.
Thoughts?

The only motivation people have now to level derelict buildings is to reduce the property tax on speculation property. It would encourage people to not pay taxes on empty land or land with derelict buidlings, they'd just walk away and let the city deal with any mess, and zero tax income.

[nwalbert]

IMO property taxes have very little to do with why people live in the suburbs. Transportation costs easily eat that up. If finances are an issue, it's more because of house purchase prices that push people out as far as a Hampton.

I'm among the commuters (from Quispam), and I'm there because it's kid friendly, quieter, cleaner, and in the summer, far warmer. Finances weren't really a consideration. Reality around a small city, is that many people want to live close to a city, but not in the city. Be able to take advantage of what a city has to offer only when wanted, and take advantage of living in a quiet suburb the rest of the time. I've lived in a couple of houses in Saint John core because my circumstances dictated that it was the right choice at the time, and it was fine at the time. But I moved to the area from Toronto years ago because the size of the city and the recreational opportunities nearby made it a good choice. I got tired of weekend commutes to cottage country in Ontario, and now I'm in a waterfront house for less money than I'd spend for a duplex in Toronto. And that's important to me, because I boat, fish, we often sit around a fire on the beach at sunset, it's a lifestyle thing.

Again IMO, there are city people, and non-city people. People chose to live where they'll be happy, for some that's where there is immediate access to downtown benefits like entertainment, for others it's for immediate access to outside city recreation. Neither way is right or wrong for all people, we're just different and like different things. The strategy needs to be a city environment which is acceptable to people who wish to live in the city core. By that, I mean modern or upgraded housing, safe streets, and entertainment options. And for those outside the city, good transportation links. You can't force the people who don't want to live in the Saint John city core but have chosen to live in the valley to move to the city. And tax rates have very little to do with it.


I believe for most people it is in fact a financial decision to live outside the city, as you can get much more house in Quispamsis than you can within city limits.

The amenities you list are great, but I also have all of those things directly on the water within city limits in Millidgeville. I could move to Quispamsis and save a bundle on taxes and home values, but I don't want to be bothered with commuting.

[thefishingnut]

I believe for most people it is in fact a financial decision to live outside the city, as you can get much more house in Quispamsis than you can within city limits.

The amenities you list are great, but I also have all of those things directly on the water within city limits in Millidgeville. I could move to Quispamsis and save a bundle on taxes and home values, but I don't want to be bothered with commuting.

Unfortunately there is a limited number of those opportunities in Millidgeville, hence the spread through Grand Bay one way and Darlings Island the other. If there was room in Millidgeville for another 1,000 waterfront homes (not on 100 foot cliffs, which are hardly waterfront from my viewpoint if you can't use the waterfront) and another 10,000 homes in general then there would be far fewer people out of the current city limits.

[nwalbert]

Unfortunately there is a limited number of those opportunities in Millidgeville, hence the spread through Grand Bay one way and Darlings Island the other. If there was room in Millidgeville for another 1,000 waterfront homes (not on 100 foot cliffs, which are hardly waterfront from my viewpoint if you can't use the waterfront) and another 10,000 homes in general then there would be far fewer people out of the current city limits.

There are waterfront lots currently available in Millidgeville and other spots in the city, but yes they are more expensive than in Quispamsis. The same holds true for larger lots and private lots. If you want the same thing in the city it is more expensive which is the point I was making. Most people live in the Valley as they can afford more home or a step above what they would have in the city.

[sjuser23]

That makes very little sense IMO. Purchasing land for future development would be prohibitively expensive. Then you also run into the issue of someone paying the same taxes for a 1000 sq ft bungalow as the person next door in a 4000 sq ft McMansion.

But why should someone in a 4000 sq foot mansion pay more taxes than a 1000 sq foot bungalow if they each have the same size lot and have the same services - street, lights, fire, police sidewalks, etc..?

I agree, it would get rid of the speculators, those who buy the land and hold onto it, nothing wrong with that in my opinion, leave it to those who will develop and develop right now since they'll pay the same taxes, empty or developed. I'm only talking about land that has services, a large tract of undivided land may only have one set of services running to it but can be divided into 200 lots. Once the lots are divided and serviced, they should be taxed as such.

You don't think our current system is punitive on those who want to improve their land or rewarding to those who don't develop an empty lot? Let's them sit there with it empty and only pay $200 or something for taxes whereas if the land was taxed and not the structure it would encourage "use" of the land?

[sjuser23]

The only motivation people have now to level derelict buildings is to reduce the property tax on speculation property. It would encourage people to not pay taxes on empty land or land with derelict buidlings, they'd just walk away and let the city deal with any mess, and zero tax income.

I'm not sure about this one. You mean someone would rather pay $10-$15,000 to level a building to reduce their tax burden from $3000 a year to $200 a year rather than just walk away initially without tearing it down? They likely haven't paid property taxes ina few years if its vacant. Most of these buildings being torn down are at the city's expense now and they try to recover the cost from the owner. Rare is it that the owner tears down anything unless insurance is paying for it from a fire. These people are walking away from it entirely, its the city tearing them down, not the owner. Most of these properties either do or will belong to the city or province from failure to pay property taxes or the cost of the demolition.

[thefishingnut]

I'm not sure about this one. You mean someone would rather pay $10-$15,000 to level a building to reduce their tax burden from $3000 a year to $200 a year rather than just walk away initially without tearing it down? They likely haven't paid property taxes ina few years if its vacant. Most of these buildings being torn down are at the city's expense now and they try to recover the cost from the owner. Rare is it that the owner tears down anything unless insurance is paying for it from a fire. These people are walking away from it entirely, its the city tearing them down, not the owner. Most of these properties either do or will belong to the city or province from failure to pay property taxes or the cost of the demolition.

I was responding to someone who indicated the property tax should stay (in your example) at $3k even if the lot is empty, which would completely remove any reason for someone to clear a derelict building. But to your point, I've got to think there are developers who would rip something down to reduce the tax load on an unrentable building if they knew they were going to redevelop the property in the future (i.e.were going to have the demolition cost sooner or later anyway).

[thefishingnut]

But why should someone in a 4000 sq foot mansion pay more taxes than a 1000 sq foot bungalow if they each have the same size lot and have the same services - street, lights, fire, police sidewalks, etc..?


For the same reason people with more income pay more income taxes than those with less. Every level of government takes more from the wealthy than the poor, because you can't take money from an empty pocket to pay for a new police station or water treatment facility. There is nothing fair about the tax system from the standpoint of pay for what you use...

[sjuser23]

For the same reason people with more income pay more income taxes than those with less. Every level of government takes more from the wealthy than the poor, because you can't take money from an empty pocket to pay for a new police station or water treatment facility. There is nothing fair about the tax system from the standpoint of pay for what you use...

Consumption taxes don't take income into consideration. Everyone pays the same rate like HST or amount, like gas taxes. Property taxes could be similar, each person or lot consumes the same resources so why not? Again, don't you think it could encourage development if you didn't have to pay more for developing your own property?

[kwajo]

There are waterfront lots currently available in Millidgeville and other spots in the city, but yes they are more expensive than in Quispamsis. The same holds true for larger lots and private lots. If you want the same thing in the city it is more expensive which is the point I was making. Most people live in the Valley as they can afford more home or a step above what they would have in the city.
I'm not sure that's true. I'm currently shopping for a home and the KV market is astoundingly more expensive compared to most parts of the city, and you get fewer services. I just don't see it as a good value for a young homebuyer, and this is coming from someone who was a born and raised Rothesayite.

[nwalbert]

I'm not sure that's true. I'm currently shopping for a home and the KV market is astoundingly more expensive compared to most parts of the city, and you get fewer services. I just don't see it as a good value for a young homebuyer, and this is coming from someone who was a born and raised Rothesayite.


Most homes in the valley are much newer, larger, and in more desirable neighborhoods than the majority of inventory in the city. Thus they are more expensive. However if you look at comparable homes in Millidgeville, Drury Cove, etcc they are much more expensive in the city before you even take property taxes into consideration.

I am not talking about everyone, but many folks look at the home they could afford in the city, and decide they would rather live in Quispamsis where they can get a much nicer home. I don't blame them, but it is a financial decision for the most part.

[kwajo]

Most homes in the valley are much newer, larger, and in more desirable neighborhoods than the majority of inventory in the city. Thus they are more expensive. However if you look at comparable homes in Millidgeville, Drury Cove, etcc they are much more expensive in the city before you even take property taxes into consideration.

I am not talking about everyone, but many folks look at the home they could afford in the city, and decide they would rather live in Quispamsis where they can get a much nicer home. I don't blame them, but it is a financial decision for the most part.
I see what you mean, but I do not consider a neighbourhood with no walkability, no cultural institutions, no transit, no water system, no architectural character and depressingly low density to be very desirable.

It all comes back to what thefishingbut said earlier, there are people who love the city and people who don't, and they're always going to have different ideas of what a desirable place to live is. The thing Saint John needs to do is stop worrying about those who want to move to KV and focus on building a true city that appeals to urban-minded individuals and families (there are millions of them out there). Both areas can thrive and succeed, but not through direct competition with each other, that's always going to be a dead-end.

[nwalbert]

I see what you mean, but I do not consider a neighbourhood with no walkability, no cultural institutions, no transit, no water system, no architectural character and depressingly low density to be very desirable.

It all comes back to what thefishingbut said earlier, there are people who love the city and people who don't, and they're always going to have different ideas of what a desirable place to live is. The thing Saint John needs to do is stop worrying about those who want to move to KV and focus on building a true city that appeals to urban-minded individuals and families (there are millions of them out there). Both areas can thrive and succeed, but not through direct competition with each other, that's always going to be a dead-end.

I am with you for the most part, we originally looked at the Valley to save some money but figured the commute, etc were not worth it.

[thefishingnut]

Consumption taxes don't take income into consideration. Everyone pays the same rate like HST or amount, like gas taxes. Property taxes could be similar, each person or lot consumes the same resources so why not? Again, don't you think it could encourage development if you didn't have to pay more for developing your own property?

They essentially do take income into account, because if you're poor you're going to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a tv instead of a couple of thousand, and you're going to take the bus or drive a pos instead of driving a brand new SUV. Although the %'age is the same, the rich end up consuming a lot more than the poor, and thus pay more consumption tax in terms of $'s and cents.

I don't think property tax escalation has much to do with prohibiting development in the grand scheme of things. If I want to dish out $30k for a garage for example, frankly it's the $30k I'm worried about, and the extra $360 a year taxes aren't even a consideration.

I think your proposal would drastically affect first time home owners. An extra thousand or two a year to someone trying to get out of an apartment and into their first home is a lot of money. An extra thousand or two a year for someone who has the extra wealth to upgrade from a $300k home to a $500k home is relatively nothing. I think a lot of development is driven by first time homeowners - both for developing new stock, as well as providing buyers for people upgrading. I really think if you hindered first time home owners by having the same amount of tax on a starter home as versus a mansion, it would really drive housing starts down dramatically.

[nwalbert]

Some interesting turn of events with the Saint John Millrats. The team has committed to being back in the city but together with Halifax and has left the PBL. The rumours are that they are on the verge of join the NBA-DL or the NBA Development League. This would be a huge step up in the quality of the players and league as well as extending the season to 50 games.

This would be great for the city, but the franchise fee is $2.5M which makes financial sense under the current attendance numbers but would need to maintain those numbers. The team recieved tremendous support from around the provine this year and I think that moving to the NBA-DL would only help that since you would be seeing genuine NBA prospects.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Does anyone know if the dodgey ferris wheel on the board walk is a permanent fixture? Is this part of the Coast Guard redevelopment?

[kwajo]

Does anyone know if the dodgey ferris wheel on the board walk is a permanent fixture? Is this part of the Coast Guard redevelopment?
Haven't a clue, I've been wondering why it's there for a few days now, but apparently it's been ok'd to be there until July

[dhottawa729]

Isn't the white plastic supposed to be coming off those Robertson Wharf apartments now? I'm curious to see what it's going to look like! I hope they modernized it.

[michael_d40]

Does anyone know if the dodgey ferris wheel on the board walk is a permanent fixture? Is this part of the Coast Guard redevelopment?


Dodgey eh? I think thats an understatement. It looks like a death trap to me. Complete with missing seats. It's quite an eyesore.

[michael_d40]

Isn't the white plastic supposed to be coming off those Robertson Wharf apartments now? I'm curious to see what it's going to look like! I hope they modernized it.

Robertsons Wharf is the VERY expresinve condo development next door.
You are referring to Harbourside Apartments - And I see they have 1 complete side down of the white plastic down. Hardly even finished. The side that's showing looks pretty bad at the moment.

[kwajo]

Yeah the wrap from the scaffolding was clearly removed pre-maturely to quell angst from the residents in the local media. The building cladding is nowhere near finished.

[sjuser23]

Haven't a clue, I've been wondering why it's there for a few days now, but apparently it's been ok'd to be there until July

Hardman Group who operates Market Square put it there to gauge reaction and interest of it operating for the summer. They might have it running 7 days a week for $2 a ride if SJ citizens express interest in it. The idea is to attract people to market square like it was intended, a family type activity location.

[JHikka]

Yeah the wrap from the scaffolding was clearly removed pre-maturely to quell angst from the residents in the local media. The building cladding is nowhere near finished.

They're paying very low rent on waterfront apartments in uptown Saint John. Last thing they should be doing is complaining.

[flwright]

Yeah the wrap from the scaffolding was clearly removed pre-maturely to quell angst from the residents in the local media. The building cladding is nowhere near finished.

Nope. The final step of installing the metal cladding simply cannot occur because of the struts anchoring the scaffolding to the building. Also, the temperature-sensitive work (brick) is complete and no longer needs to be heated. The facade is otherwise complete what with the windows, brick and insulation (the major components of the project) being completely installed. Although it looks rough and unfinished, within 2-3 weeks that facade will be nearly complete.

[michael_d40]

Dodgey eh? I think thats an understatement. It looks like a death trap to me. Complete with missing seats. It's quite an eyesore.



Updated to include a pic - haha.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af201/sjshipley07/IMG_20110416_190902.jpg?t=1303348749


Something a little easier on the eyes.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af201/sjshipley07/IMG_20110416_191004.jpg?t=1303348934

[dhottawa729]

Updated to include a pic - haha.


That is pathetic. I hope they get rid of it soon before the tourists start visiting! I'm embarrassed.

[nwalbert]

That is pathetic. I hope they get rid of it soon before the tourists start visiting! I'm embarrassed.

LOL. It is definitely a good idea to add something for tourists in that location, but yeah, very bad execution on this one. Hopefully someone realizes how quickly what a bad idea this is.

The Harbourfront condos look awesome, I will need to take a drive by.

[kwajo]

Nope. The final step of installing the metal cladding simply cannot occur because of the struts anchoring the scaffolding to the building. Also, the temperature-sensitive work (brick) is complete and no longer needs to be heated. The facade is otherwise complete what with the windows, brick and insulation (the major components of the project) being completely installed. Although it looks rough and unfinished, within 2-3 weeks that facade will be nearly complete.
While I am aware of the logistics of the construction, I do stand corrected if the wrap was removed as per a pre-determined schedule, I may have wrongly assumed it was due to the media attention given that the timing seemed a bit too coincidental.

And yes the ferris wheel is an embarrassment unless it's still a work in progress. However, if this was a first step toward turning the old Lantic Sugar site into a sort of Coney Island development, then I'd be 100% for it! :P

[Helladog]

Harbourfront Residences...

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee490/Helladog/bd9e5424.jpg

Credit: Helladog's Son

[Helladog]

Updated to include a pic - haha.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af201/sjshipley07/IMG_20110416_190902.jpg?t=1303348749


At $2 a trip, better get rolling...we gotta get enough money together to start the Coast Guard project before frost starts in September! :haha:

[JHikka]

City is in the process of building a new sewage lift station at the bottom of Bridge Street and Spar Cove Road. For those of you who aren't down there often, it routinely smells like poo because that's one of the areas where raw sewage gets dumped into the river.

So this is all good, however; the lift station itself costs about 1.5 million to build, but could someone elaborate on why there's 800K in engineering fees?

[john_sj]

City is in the process of building a new sewage lift station at the bottom of Bridge Street and Spar Cove Road. For those of you who aren't down there often, it routinely smells like poo because that's one of the areas where raw sewage gets dumped into the river.

So this is all good, however; the lift station itself costs about 1.5 million to build, but could someone elaborate on why there's 800K in engineering fees?

The pumping station had to be re-designed by ADI to cut costs. I believe the original price tag was $4million for construction of the first design.

[JHikka]

The pumping station had to be re-designed by ADI to cut costs. I believe the original price tag was $4million for construction of the first design.

Oh Saint John, how I love you sometimes.

Firstly, it's below sea-level, in an area that repeatedly floods in the spring and fall due to freshids. They're actually pumping water out of the site as we speak, and we haven't had our freshid yet.

Secondly, they could have just as easily built a sewage treatment facility rather than pumping the water via lift station. ;)

[nwalbert]

Looks like the Ferris Wheel has already been cleared out, I guess they realized it wasn't the best idea. I do think that it is a good spot for something along the same lines with a little more class.

[reddog794]

The Farris wheel is only down temporarily for paint job and touch up. Market square is looking at buying for a seasonal fixure.

It would be a cool addition for loyalist circle.

They're looking at bumper cars too, where though I'm not sure... Peppers patio? Lol

[ErickMontreal]

Sugar Refinery Property Being Looked At

It's all very hush hush at the moment but we're told a major customer is looking to bring new business to the port at Lower Cove or even the sugar refinery property.

Pat Riley of local 273 of the International Longshoremen's Association tells CHSJ News the specifics have to remain confidential for the time being.

Riley says if the sugar refinery property is used for industrial purposes, you don't have to worry about cleaning up the contamination which he estimates would cost something like 20 million dollars.

The Port Authority also finds itself under alot of pressure to allow more public access along the waterfront as part of its new land use plan. That concerns the International Longshoremen's Association because, according to Riley, land for port use is at a premium
________________________________________________________________________________

Best Buy Not Coming To Saint John

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgW-lc77c6Q/TasNHuj7leI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/1cTLFdXXFW8/s200/best-buy.png

Electronics box retailer Best Buy won't be arriving in our city any time soon -- almost two years ago a company official told us the electronics retailer was looking at opening a store here by 2011.But a Best Buy spokesperson now tells CHSJ News there are no plans for a store or expansion of its Future Shop store here in the city.That follows long time electronics store Wacky Wheatly's closing stores here and in Fredericton due to declining sales and profits.

[nwalbert]

Interesting note on the Port as I just noticed this week that there was a significant shipment of cars on the waterfront when crossing the Harbour bridge. I cant ever remember seeing vehicles delivered to the port before, maybe that is the new business they are talking about.

[JHikka]

Interesting note on the Port as I just noticed this week that there was a significant shipment of cars on the waterfront when crossing the Harbour bridge. I cant ever remember seeing vehicles delivered to the port before, maybe that is the new business they are talking about.

We've had cars shipped here before.

[kwajo]

We've had cars shipped here before.
Saint John was the major port of entry for all DiamlerChrysler cars in Atlantic Canada, not sure if that holds true anymore given that Mercedes sold off Chrysler, but it could be a major destination for at least one of the two still.

[ErickMontreal]

Port aims to land 600 jobs for city
Published Thursday April 28th, 2011
C1Reid Southwick
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Port Authority is involved in discussions with a private firm that could bring more than 600 new jobs to the city.

Saint John Port Authority's chief executive officer, speaks about the port's land use plan during a meeting with the Telegraph Journal's editorial board on Wednesday. Port officials said Wednesday they expected to confirm in the next six months whether the company would operate in the city. Reluctant to disclose too many details, the officials said the firm would ship in and out of the port, but the new jobs would be spread across the community.

This and another deal the port authority is pursuing could be game changers for the city, region and province, Stephen Campbell, the authority's chairman, told the Telegraph-Journal's editorial board.

"We are furiously engaged in two opportunities that are game changers that could bring in tonnage unseen since the '70s," he said.

Efforts to sign these deals are part of wider efforts to drum up business for the port.

The port authority has also doubled cruise ship business in the past four years and signed three new lines this year alone. Earlier this year, the port attracted investment from the federal and provincial governments for new equipment that would enable wharfs to accommodate larger cruise vessels.

As well, the authority signed a 40-year lease with American Iron and Metal for an expanded recycling facility, the first major lease the organization inked since a deal with Potash Corp. in the 1980s.

"We have to be looking at what are the other cargo opportunities that can put our facilities to work and create jobs in the port for our longshoremen, trucking support that's there, rail, and then to the broader community," said Jim Quinn, the authority's CEO and president.

Meanwhile, the port authority is mulling the future use of some of its major assets. For instance, officials are thinking about attracting a new tenant to Long Wharf, where Irving Oil had once planned to build a new headquarters before pulling out of the deal.

The authority plans to issue a request for proposals, asking private firms for expressions of interest in the wharf. The site is currently used as a secondary cruise ship berth and a lay down area for cargo.

Port officials want to identify other businesses that would make sense for the site, although they're holding off on issuing a formal request for proposals until they know whether the two big deals will go through. That's because the deals could have a "significant impact on how we reorganize our land assets," Campbell said.

Any new company interested in operating out of Long Wharf would have to live with some restrictions, Campbell warned. The wharf must continue to operate as a cruise ship berth, something that was achieved with the defunct Irving Oil deal, and there are limitations on the size of vessels it can accommodate because of the ocean depth.

And the wharf is surrounded by homes, hotels and other businesses, which means that its operations can't be so loud that they would disrupt the neighbours.

"To put a heavy industrial, large, noisy kind of facility on Long Wharf is unacceptable, and we get that," Campbell said. "Beyond that we're very open."

[nwalbert]

Wow, 600 jobs certainly would be a game changer. Lets hope that things work out.

[philster]

Good news for west side
Published Monday May 2nd, 2011
Business: Ontario developer has plans for piece of land at corner of Catherwood St. and Fairville Blvd.

SAINT JOHN - A prime piece of west side real estate could soon become the site of new retail shops and restaurants.
An Ontario developer is lining up tenants for a parcel of land, 1,150 square metres in size, on the corner of Catherwood Street and Fairville Boulevard, and plans to start construction by as early as the fall.

SmartCentres, the company behind the Wal-Mart, Winners, Old Navy and other retail outlets on McAllister Drive, has received "strong interest" from retailers and restaurants to move into the west side lot, said Sandra Kaiser, a senior vice-president.

"It's a relatively small site, but there is a great deal of interest in it," said Kaiser, whose company is carrying out the leasing and development work on behalf of Retrocom, a publicly traded firm that bought the site from the real estate company Counsel Corp.

"We have support from the city to proceed, so we're looking forward to getting in the ground in the fall."

The west side has seen some recent construction in the retail sector, with the new Canadian Tire, Sobeys and Lawtons Drugs. And for years, there have been rumours of a hotel, more restaurants and even a Wal-Mart outlet.

Councillor Peter McGuire said speculation tends to run wild around the tables of the local Tim Hortons. For as long as he's been a councillor, there's been talk about whether Wal-Mart would set up shop in the area.

City hall, McGuire said, fueled speculation when it rebuilt sections of Catherwood Street and Fairville Boulevard, making west siders think "something big" was coming.

"On the west side, people would like to see a Wal-Mart," he said. "The interesting thing about west siders is they have an aversion to driving east to shop. They don't want to cross the bridge."

But the land that SmartCentres plans to develop is far too small for the global retailer, Kaiser said, stamping out any chance for further speculation.

The company has applied to rezone the property to make way for the commercial development and one of its officials is expected to appear before common council for a public hearing on May 24.

The proposed zoning would relax liquor licence requirements, which means that restaurants could open up with a bar on one side that serves food, similar to what Boston Pizza, East Side Mario's and Swiss Chalet have in their stores, said Mark Reade, a senior city planner.

Pending zoning approvals, SmartCentres would secure tenants in the summer before firming up designs and starting construction. There may be one or more buildings, depending on the clients.

"We would probably be looking at some retail and some restaurants," Kaiser said. "We do have strong interest, so we're very encouraged."

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1402605

[Fischbob]

good news for west side
published monday may 2nd, 2011
business: Ontario developer has plans for piece of land at corner of catherwood st. And fairville blvd.

(snip)

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1402605

Interesting! I hope a case can be made here for something a bit more pragmatic than box retail alone: this is a prime parcel of land in close proximity to West SJ's transit hub, and would benefit from some density and a residential component in addition to commercial.

[ErickMontreal]

Sports Groups Are Enthusiastic About Potential Field House

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOGLqXNUeNo/TcLVK1f1fLI/AAAAAAAAId4/pJ09IoQ6uMY/s800/Exhibition+Park+Field+Hose.jpg

The proposal for a new 20 million dollar field house at Exhibiton Park has sports teams in the area buzzing with excitement.Jean Keith with Fundy Soccer tells CHSJ News it would give teams a safe place to practice in the winter.She says right now they are limited because they can only have about 200 kids playing in gymnasiums due to a lack of facilities. The Exhibition Association is asking local teams to write their MPs to ask them to support the project.

http://country94news.blogspot.com/2011/05/sports-groups-are-enthusiastic-about.html
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saint John Airport Working At Securing A Direct US Flight

The Saint John Airport is still keen to get a direct flight to the United States available to passengers. President Bernie LeBlanc tells CHSJ News he recently met with Porter Airlines and got a great response, but it can't happen at the moment.He says they are not at the point of making any decisions because they do not have any aircraft available and every airline is trying to get their service.In terms of a time frame, LeBlanc says Porter is getting new planes in December and April, so the airport will work to try and secure one of those for a US flight.

[ErickMontreal]

Make room for more flights
Travel: Saint John Airport estimates passenger growth of about 20 per cent over next five years

Published Friday May 6th, 2011
C1

SAINT JOHN - A graphic contained in the Saint John Airport's annual report for 2010 forecasts passenger growth of nearly 50,000 souls by 2015.

Bernie LeBlanc, president and CEO of the Saint John Airport, estimates passenger traffic will grow by about 20 per cent by 2015. To reach that goal, he says, the airport is working hard to provide new destinations or options for new airlines or service.

But if that's to happen, a number of factors will ultimately have fall in place, airport president and CEO Bernie LeBlanc said Thursday.

"Like any forecast or estimate, we'll have to do our best to achieve it," LeBlanc said of the forecast, which suggests passenger traffic will grow from 227,223 last year to 275,906 by 2015 (or 21 per cent).

"But there are three components to growing traffic," he added. "The first component is a strong economic base, the second component is a population that keeps on growing and the third aspect, where the airport and its partners can help, is by providing new destinations or options for new airlines or service."

LeBlanc said it's something they work on every day of the year.

Since WestJet announced it was withdrawing its summer service to the city this year after four years, he said, "the challenge is to have Air Canada provide the capacities to make up for WestJet. We have had discussions with them and, basically, they are closely monitoring the demand for their seats. And they will be adding a Toronto flight in June."

In addition to talking with all the airlines on an ongoing basis, he said, "we have partnered with key stakeholders like the City of Saint John, the mayor, Destination Marketing, Enterprise Saint John, the Saint John Board of Trade and approached an air carrier to sell Saint John as a destination.

"The other thing we have done related to that is we have entered into a contract with a company called Sixel Consulting of Portland, Oregon, which specializes in air services and air service development. They're working with us to help identify air service opportunities and they will work with us to make those a reality."

LeBlanc said efforts to attract Porter Airlines to Saint John are continuing.

The problem now, he said, is all Porter aircraft are deployed elsewhere.

"They will accepting new aircraft delivery in December and April 2012, so we are working with them to see if one of those aircraft could be providing service from Saint John."

LeBlanc said the seemingly optimistic five-year passenger forecast contained in the annual report released at the airport's annual business meeting resulted from work done by InterVistas, a Vancouver-based company, as part of work on the airport's master plan.

"They provided low-, high- and mid-level estimates," he said. "We are working at the mid-level estimates."

LeBlanc said the economy is what really drives passenger service.

In 2005, he said, the local airport had only 177,000 passengers, but in the peak years of 2008 and 2009, with major projects like Canaport LNG and the Point Lepreau refurbishment in play, that rose to a record 245,000 passengers.

In 2010, the number of passengers went up by 2.2 per cent to 227,223.

"We're quite happy with that," he said. "The good news is even after these projects went away we were able to maintain the high levels of traffic."

Sunwing vacation flights from Saint John to Cuba and Mexico saw a 56 per cent year-over-year increase, he said, and Air Canada also recorded an increase.

[homebody]

I know its not really Saint John. I took a drive out there and noticed that there are 2 more lots being cleared and foundations poured. One of which is right next to the old Lane Furniture store the other is across from the Co-Op. Any ideas as to whats going in out there?

[kwajo]

One of those - I think the one next to the old Lane location - is the new regional DFO building, I'm not sure what the other might be.

[JHikka]

Alright. Photo Update Time:

UNBSJ Commons (November 11th, 2010):
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1321/5167779760_0e2b1bb7db_z.jpg

UNBSJ Commons (May 11th, 2011)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/5710273609_1a6e1ca408_z.jpg


Lansdowne Avenue Apartments (August 2nd, 2010):
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4854080190_f66b306367_z.jpg

Lansdowne Avenue Apartments (May 11th, 2011):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/5710271393_292f07ff27_z.jpg

All photos by myself.

[JHikka]

Well, since no-one wanted to comment, I took some more photos. :haha:

Corner of Douglas Avenue & Clarendon Street (July 7th, 2009):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3701856706_8e7bf8b3dc_z.jpg

Corner of Douglas Avenue & Clarendon Street (May 13th, 2011):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/5716029919_03332278e4_z.jpg

Corner of Douglas Avenue & Main Street (May 13th, 2011):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/5716029529_7444058f22_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/5716594374_3f620114ea_b.jpg

For once on this forum, i'm actually going to be optimistic for a second: I'm really excited about the recent developments in this part of town. True, the first renovation picture was done by the Irvings because it's an Irving owned lot, which they don't rent out, but the second development by Floor Fashions fills a really big hole on Main Street, which should improve the look of it.

As well, Adelaide Street has been seeing some renovations lately, and although it's probably more financially sound to tear down old buildings and start anew, i'm not going to chastise people for wanting to redevelop run down properties in poverty areas. Adelaide street seems to be improving as of late, but unfortunately it will remain as a corridor between the North End and other parts of the city.

I know this part of the city needs a lot more work, but something's better than nothing, right?

[cdnguys]

Did Rocca change the design of the first building going up? It is supposed to be 9 stories with a roof making it 10 stories. I noticed that there are 7 floors built using concrete - and now there is steel beams going up that are recessed a bit - almost appears as the roof. Wondering if 2 floors were sliced off or this is part of the design - maybe to accomodate higher ceilings in the upper floors???

[michael_d40]

Did Rocca change the design of the first building going up? It is supposed to be 9 stories with a roof making it 10 stories. I noticed that there are 7 floors built using concrete - and now there is steel beams going up that are recessed a bit - almost appears as the roof. Wondering if 2 floors were sliced off or this is part of the design - maybe to accomodate higher ceilings in the upper floors???


I actually asked John this question yesterday. (He's the developer of where I currently live)

According to him, the design of Harbourfront Residences has not changed.

[nwalbert]

Nice picture GregHickamn! I especially like the UNBSJ building. The campus has totally morphed in the last 5-6 years.

[JHikka]

The campus has totally morphed in the last 5-6 years.

Yup. Heading toward polytechnique like you don't even know.

[RaginRonic]

I know this may not have anything to do with construction, but I'd like to give my props and congratulations to the Saint John Sea Dogs for winning the President's Cup in the QMJHL! Big Game 6 win for them, and now they're on to Mississauga for the Memorial Cup...DOOOOOOOOOGGGGIIIIIIIIEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D

[mylesmalley]

Yup. Heading toward polytechnique like you don't even know.

I often think that if they'd just called it University of Saint John, we could have avoided that entire mess. Commons looks great though!

[nwalbert]

Yup. Heading toward polytechnique like you don't even know.

In what way? The opening of the Medical school is certainly not a step in that direction.

[OliverD]

Yup. Heading toward polytechnique like you don't even know.

I still don't understand why that's a bad thing.

[JHikka]

They've been eliminating a lot of subjects in recent years. They're cutting back on my current major (Political Science) as well as all Linguistics, History, and just about every Arts related subject that isn't Psychology.

Unless you're in Business, Psych or Med, I wouldn't suggest attending the university.

It's a bad thing because they're trying to funnel what comes out of the University in a very particular manner. The school, in the time that I have been there, has become very bureaucratized from the top down, and it's just phasing out subjects taught in the school. UNBSJ could be an excellent all-around school in 10-15 years if they weren't eliminating subjects and cutting down their student base to 2-3 subject fields.

[nwalbert]

They've been eliminating a lot of subjects in recent years. They're cutting back on my current major (Political Science) as well as all Linguistics, History, and just about every Arts related subject that isn't Psychology.

Unless you're in Business, Psych or Med, I wouldn't suggest attending the university.

It's a bad thing because they're trying to funnel what comes out of the University in a very particular manner. The school, in the time that I have been there, has become very bureaucratized from the top down, and it's just phasing out subjects taught in the school. UNBSJ could be an excellent all-around school in 10-15 years if they weren't eliminating subjects and cutting down their student base to 2-3 subject fields.


UNNBSJ offers Education, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, MBA's , Marine Biology and many others.

They may well be cutting back on Political Science but I don't believe that to be indicative of an overall trend at the school.

UNBSJ has absolutely been moving in the right direction. It is a good all around school and could be independent if it so desired.

[JHikka]

UNBSJ has absolutely been moving in the right direction. It is a good all around school and could be independent if it so desired.

If you think so, then alright. :haha:

Are they still digging for the parking garage uptown or have they begun putting that together? As well, Harbourfront Condos are looking pretty large from the Harbour Bridge.

[nwalbert]

If you think so, then alright. :haha:



Yes, if you look at their finances and enrollment numbers, things are very good. Sorry to hear you are upset about some of your courses no longer being offered.

[JHikka]

Yes, if you look at their finances and enrollment numbers, things are very good. Sorry to hear you are upset about some of your courses no longer being offered.

It's not just my courses, it's Arts in general. If you want a solely technical school you can look towards NBCC.

[kwajo]

A couple bad cell phone images of the Harbourfront Residences, one of which shows the Water Street exterior cladding going up.

http://i54.tinypic.com/23k5de9.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/20sf7mr.jpg
(photos by me; May 25, 2011)

[JHikka]

Photo party.

Corner of Main Street & Douglas Avenue construction. Another floor added:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/5758872242_96d9923318_b.jpg

The Fortress of Vengeance is taking a bit more shape:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/5758870894_15d8671c5d_b.jpg

Peel Plaza taking shape:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/5758869848_4fe6b6a3e3_b.jpg

As much as I disagree with the whole development of Peel Plaza and the Fortress of Vengeance, I really think they're going to turn out well once they're finished and being used. I think it improves Union Street.

[nwalbert]

As much as I disagree with the whole development of Peel Plaza and the Fortress of Vengeance, I really think they're going to turn out well once they're finished and being used. I think it improves Union Street.



I agree with everything you said. If the Coast Guard site project also gets off the ground combined with the waterfront condo's it will have been an amazing year for uptown construction.

[JHikka]

As well, Common Council approved a zoning amendment for the corner of Fairville Boulevard & Catherwood Street. Apparently Smartcentres is in on it and would like to build retail and restaurants. If I recall from previous Smartcentre locations, don't they usually just build strip-mallish retail? If that whole corner just turns into a strip mall i'll be a little let-down. Don't ask me what i'd prefer there, but a strip mall? :( Regardless, they say they already have interested tenants and can begin work on the site in the fall once Council votes on it in two weeks' time.

Also, I thought Irving owned this land and were looking at expanding the land for a future development. What happened to that?

[nwalbert]

As well, Common Council approved a zoning amendment for the corner of Fairville Boulevard & Catherwood Street. Apparently Smartcentres is in on it and would like to build retail and restaurants. If I recall from previous Smartcentre locations, don't they usually just build strip-mallish retail? If that whole corner just turns into a strip mall i'll be a little let-down. Don't ask me what i'd prefer there, but a strip mall? :( Regardless, they say they already have interested tenants and can begin work on the site in the fall once Council votes on it in two weeks' time.

Also, I thought Irving owned this land and were looking at expanding the land for a future development. What happened to that?

I actually happned to be at the PAC meeting where this was discussed as they were also discussing the possible expansion of my neighborhood.

This development is across the street from the Irving corner. This is the piece of land beside the new Lawtons that used to be "Action Realty". During the meeting it was discussed it would either be a drive through or a small (3 unit) strip mall. Across the street is still planned to be a new Kents as far as I know.