[the dude]

incidentally, my grandfather grew up in yorkville 50-odd years before it became a beatnik neighbourhood. it was your typical turn-of-the-century, ethnic slum. the pics i've seen from that time are very interesting, very dickensian.

i gotta say, i've never heard of this "pardon my french" place. i eat downtown, westdale, north end, ottawa st and there's a great [maybe the best] indian joint just off centennial called himalya. everything else gets ignored.

i won't be going to starbucks. i'm not perfect but 9 times outta 10 i drink fairtrade. i'm glad that it's becoming more common in town but we still have a long way to go.

[beanmedic]

To be fair, Starbucks does have one type of coffee that is specially marked fair trade. It seems to be available 1 out of every 10 times i go there. Not even close to enough.

[flar]

Starbucks coffee tastes good, but it usually has too much caffeine for me, and it's too expensive. But in most people's eyes it's "cool" so it adds an air of legitimacy to the places it locates. There is a real possibility more chains could follow.

[raisethehammer]

lets be honest though....one starbucks locating downtown isn't a big deal.
if they were popping up everywhere and bringing along the mall stores that would be different.
Places like James North and King East are too 'real' and gritty for a pretty joint like starbucks.
westdale has had a second cup for years and is still full of neat little local shops.
i'm sure locke will retain it's character.

by the way, found out that 2 more buyers are interested in Bad Dog...and both want to keep the Dog.
problem is the building owner seems bent on putting the Dog to rest...she's been bitter ever since they took down her 'fat people' artwork and started doing monthly art shows...which, by the way, were a great success.

At any rate. let's hope one of these other buyers wins the deal and keeps the best cafe in town open!

[block43]

:previous: Took down her 'fat people' artwork???

[matt602]

I'm both curious and scared of what that means! :tup:

[raisethehammer]

haha....the building owner is a local artist.
When her son owned the cafe, her artwork adorned the walls.
It was all oversized 'fat people'. it was great stuff actually. I really like it.
Anyhow...the new owners decided to do monthly shows and she got all bent out of shape because they were taking down her work.

I'm not sure where you can see her work anymore....but yes, it was all fat people.

[block43]

Maybe the bad dog tennants could move their cafe to James St. North...the area is in desparate need of a good cafe.

[raisethehammer]

the business AND the building are for sale.
you're right...a place like that would rock on James North

[SteelTown]

The guys that own Jerry's Man shop place do that own the whole building or just the main retail floor? Cause the upper floors are looking real rough with the peeling gray paint and broken windows.

[block43]

Was by the new building on Cannon b/w Park and MacNab at lunch today and noticed holes in the ceiling slabs they put up...looks like they are for stair wells. I wouldn't be surprised if the building ends up with a full second floor. Also the house to the west (asian store with store closing sign) had contractors putting footings for a new addition to the back so I guess that house is staying. Hopefully they renovate the rest of the exterior.

[block43]

The guys that own Jerry's Man shop place do that own the whole building or just the main retail floor? Cause the upper floors are looking real rough with the peeling gray paint and broken windows.

I think that they own the whole building. They could build a sweet patio or have a wicked outdoor sculpture area over top of the single story part of the building (at James and Cannon).

[raisethehammer]

yup...they own the building.
you're right about rooftop patio, but this is Hamilton. council/staff don't allow stuff like that.
Remember, this isn't Toronto.

[paleale2]

About the "fat people" artwork. The local artist is Pat Foss, and these pieces can be found at Incognito Restaurant on John St South at Hunter ,across from
tim Hortons. Its a funky & trendy little restaurant offering great food at great prices. Check it out if you get a chance

[the dude]

i'm beginning to think incognito has placed some moles among us.:haha:

[the dude]

1. laying the foundation at 87-89 king e
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/P1050653.jpg

2.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/P1050655.jpg

3. construction on strathcona, old firehall [ignore the portable toilets]
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/P1050658.jpg

4.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/P1050661.jpg

[SteelTown]

Nice! Do they have any plans for the old firehouse yet?

[the dude]

i don't know but i'm sure rth does.

[DC83]

Nice! Do they have any plans for the old firehouse yet?

I think it's suppose to be a Greek Cafe of some sort?

[matt602]

I think it's suppose to be a Greek Cafe of some sort?

That would... make way too much sense.

[block43]

There is a big sign with this rendering at 221 York saying coming soon - redevelopment
[SIZE="4"]221 York Boulevard - 15 storey condo – Approved
http://www.raisethehammer.org/images/hess_york_01.jpg


:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[SteelTown]

Ok that is so worth getting a picture of! If that's true. Somebody better get a picture of that or I'll force myself this weekend.

[block43]

I was driving home and I almost caused an accident when I saw it.

[SteelTown]

Oh yea I've noticed lately a lot of the commie apartments are getting the extorier renovated across this city, I think Effort Trust is doing this. A few commie blocks along Queen St are getting the balcony replaced with glass ones (which looks great) and fresh paint with new windows. Think the towers by the west harbour got the same treatment.

It's a good thing! A renewal

[the dude]

i've posted a thread in the ontario section. check it out if you're bored. why else would you be here?

[block43]

Voila...http://www.flickr.com/photos/10633356@N08/910081667/

[SteelTown]

YAY!!!!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/910081667_fc38649b33_b.jpg

[SteelTown]

HAHA! Look at what I found under that broker website.....

http://www.zelkorealestate.com/comlisting.cfm?ComID=349

bad dog place for sale $64,900

[SteelTown]

http://www.zelkorealestate.com/pictures/HessYork-2.JPG

http://www.zelkorealestate.com/pictures/HessYork.JPG

[Hammer Town]

Sweet I thought they Hess-york condo were shelved. Nice to see the pump crete on King St. I also have noticed a lot of Comie renos lately. The Marina towere look awesome with there latest make over.

Lots of stuff happening right now.

[raisethehammer]

wow! Hess and York WAS dead....I think staff in the downtown renewal department kept after them to move on this...after all, it was their idea in the first place to do a condo tower instead of just renovating the fitness club.
awesome...i hope that goes ahead. I love the corner at Hess and York.

firehall is still up in the air...the city said 'no, no, no, no' to a cafe, restaurant, offices or greek language school.
The neighbourhood association and councillor mchattie assured the church that they'll be able to do one or more of the above when they desire to. We'll make sure of it.

hey did anyone else notice the term 'conditional sale' on that bad dog listing???
i'm nervous... If it closes that will SUCK!

[DC83]

Is this really really honestly true??
Does anyone know 100% that this is going to get built?
I could have swore I saw a sign on the Premier Bldg (old Barn Market) saying it was for sale a cpl weeks ago?

[raisethehammer]

is that place really 'coming soon'??
his website shows the land for sale with that building as a possibility.

unless his website isn't updated.

[BCTed]

1. laying the foundation at 87-89 king e
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/P1050653.jpg



I am not certain if I agree with the "Hot Ladies" sign on that strip club. I guess the place is better than nothing, but I am not sure that business travellers are all that impressed with the place. I believe that there is a fair amount of room for improvement.

[flar]

I think more than a few businessmen would like to see hot ladies, problem is, they probably won't see any in there.

[matt602]

Not at all :(

[realcity]

haha....the building owner is a local artist.
When her son owned the cafe, her artwork adorned the walls.
It was all oversized 'fat people'. it was great stuff actually. I really like it.
Anyhow...the new owners decided to do monthly shows and she got all bent out of shape because they were taking down her work.

I'm not sure where you can see her work anymore....but yes, it was all fat people.

That's hilarious..... fat people art.....

[realcity]

Oh yea I've noticed lately a lot of the commie apartments are getting the extorier renovated across this city, I think Effort Trust is doing this. A few commie blocks along Queen St are getting the balcony replaced with glass ones (which looks great) and fresh paint with new windows. Think the towers by the west harbour got the same treatment.

It's a good thing! A renewal

Yeah I noticed that too. I like the glass balaconies. I wish they would make a nice 'cap' over the mech penthouses though.

[the dude]

let's not forget that the word "hot" has several different connotations. they could be referring to a high temperature, intense anger, a reference to fashion, a stolen good. i'm leaning towards one of those options as opposed to attractiveness.

like everyone else i'm surprised to hear those condos on york might be a go. those dudes at premier fitness should be ashamed. their property has become a terrible eyesore, not to mention the free parking they offer which has also had an effect on the neighbourhood. they'd better come through.

[raisethehammer]

according to a city hall source I spoke with this morning, don't get too excited.
It could happen, but we'll find out for sure in the next few months.

[markbarbera]

I noticed heavy equipment at the former Public Health office at James and Hunter yesterday - looked like a backhoe to me, but I am not well versed in construction vehicles. Perhaps this rehab is coming to life as well.

[the dude]

i think that backhoe's been there for awhile. one never knows though, it could happen soon.

[SteelTown]

Randle Reef funding on the way?
Jul, 27 2007 - 10:20 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - No word yet whether Hamilton's Randle Reef will be involved but Ottawa has announced a 214 million dollar program to clean up some of the most contaminated spots in the country.

The Randle Reef has been described by some as the second most toxic hot spot in Canada and Environment Minister John Baird recently took a trip on the harbor to view the site.

The Bay Area Restoration Council has asked Ottawa for 30 million dollars toward the 90 million dollar clean-up.

We're still waiting for details of the latest funding announcement to see whether Hamilton is included on the list.

[raisethehammer]

i think construction has begun at james and hunter...they have been doing some good digging the past week on the west side of the building.

[Goldfinger]

Is this really really honestly true??
Does anyone know 100% that this is going to get built?
I could have swore I saw a sign on the Premier Bldg (old Barn Market) saying it was for sale a cpl weeks ago?

I don't think it's really true. This is typical of Mickey Mouse local brokerages in Ontario. They use misleading marketing to try and illicit interest for an overpriced property. Any Realtor worth his salt would NEVER place a sign like that on a development property. Real Estate like this is marketing exclusively if you want any hope of selling it.

BTW, this property is still on the Hamilton MLS and no Conditional Sale is noted as of today.

[raisethehammer]

it makes more sense to have a sign like this advertising it's sale than a typical sale sign like was on it last week.
although the current sign doesn't actually say 'for sale' anywhere. it says 'coming soon' which is very misleading.
this building ain't 'coming soon' unless someone buys the property and sticks to those exact plans.

[LikeHamilton]

Grain of salt

The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 27, 2007)

Tomorrow is Drive-Thru Day, and when you're ordering, keep in mind that it's also Milk Chocolate Day.

I personally like "Drive - Thru's". I drive up to the place. Park. Get out. No one in the place. See the selection. Can ask questions with out someone honking their horn at me. Get fast service. I get and quickly pay for my stuff. I am watching and my order is right (I hate it when you open that bag or drink down the road and find out it is all wrong!) Get in my car. Drive out past the people still in line out to the street waiting to place their order. And I save on gas too!

I do like milk chocolate!


:P

[raisethehammer]

what the heck is 'drive-thru day'??
what's next? "intentional, needless, child-killing smog-day"??

[the dude]

^...but that's everyday. it goes without saying. i think tomorrow should be puppy strangling day. ya, that has a nice ring to it.

[BCTed]

let's not forget that the word "hot" has several different connotations. they could be referring to a high temperature, intense anger, a reference to fashion, a stolen good. i'm leaning towards one of those options as opposed to attractiveness.

like everyone else i'm surprised to hear those condos on york might be a go. those dudes at premier fitness should be ashamed. their property has become a terrible eyesore, not to mention the free parking they offer which has also had an effect on the neighbourhood. they'd better come through.

They should be ashamed in part because they offer free parking? Some of you people are freaking insane.

[SteelTown]

^ It becomes a major problem at night when all the guys park there since it's free and walk up to Hess Village. Once there done they walk back through the neighbourhood completely drunk causing problems around 3 or 4 in the morning.

[BCTed]

^ It becomes a major problem at night when all the guys park there since it's free and walk up to Hess Village. Once there done they walk back through the neighbourhood completely drunk causing problems around 3 or 4 in the morning.


So free parking creates troublemaking drunks?

[SteelTown]

You don't need to get all crabby, it's a forum ya know.

In any other situation, fitness clubs in any downtown core would have parking gates to only allow members to park.

[BCTed]

You don't need to get all crabby, it's a forum ya know.

In any other situation, fitness clubs in any downtown core would have parking gates to only allow members to park.


Call me crabby, but I cannot see how providing free parking for gym members is a disservice.

If gyms in other downtowns have parking gates in place, I imagine that those gates only exist to prevent non-members from filling the lots to capacity and taking those spots away from members... they are certainly not doing it out of a sense of community. In the case of this particular gym, I imagine that there are not enough non-members parking in the lot to cause any kind of problem for members.

[Lukey]

So free parking creates troublemaking drunks?

Alright, so I generally don't post but this makes me post.
Quite obvious to me, BCTed, free parking doesn't create troublemaking drunks. However, for the community the fact that there is a large free parking lot in such a close proximity to Hamilton's entertainment district, where young people go to consume large amounts of alcohol, a free parking lot is not a positive.

This is a useless post, however so was yours. I will not get into a back and forth arguement, so this will be my only post regarding this and a response is not required or request. So please, BCTed, when you think to post something like your above, please refrain as it is not needed in this thread.

[raisethehammer]

Call me crabby, but I cannot see how providing free parking for gym members is a disservice.

If gyms in other downtowns have parking gates in place, I imagine that those gates only exist to prevent non-members from filling the lots to capacity and taking those spots away from members... they are certainly not doing it out of a sense of community. In the case of this particular gym, I imagine that there are not enough non-members parking in the lot to cause any kind of problem for members.

it is fine if you don't mind your downtown looking like the Meadowlands.

[SteelTown]

It looks like work will beign with the Camco building soon. A moving truck has been going back and forth from McMaster to Camco a lot, moving employees back out of Camco to McMaster. Camco is suppose to be gutted out completely. I think McMaster wants the city to build the Frid St extension soon so they can go ahead with building CANMET next year.

[raisethehammer]

hey Steeltown. i think i recall you saying you live on west mountain.
you'll be interested in this:

www.chedokebrow.ca

folks along scenic drive all have signs with pictures of ugly commie blocks and a line through them.
a builder wants to make good use of one of the last remaining hunks of land overlooking the city and only a 15 minute bike ride from downtown on the rail trail by building a nice mixed-use area with singles and townhomes near the existing homes and then gradually moving into higher densities with some 10-15 storey buildings along the brow at the back of the property.
the residents are posting stories about the environment and protecting the land etc.... but in reality they are asking the city to make the builder build the entire development out of single homes and townhomes.
they have no interest in protecting land. they want more sprawl with 3 car garages and wasteful use of more city land.
the builder is smart to capitalize on the views from this property and build proper densities given it's proximity to the urban core.

I wonder if these folks can produce stats proving that the existing highrise development on the other side of their neighbourhood on Mohawk has negatively impacted their home values or resulted in crime/pollution increases.

Obviously not. it's more NIMBYism from folks not understanding the positive impact of proper, mixed-use development.
You live there, so maybe see if you can attend a meeting and chat with some folks. see what their angle is and maybe you'll even have some luck explaining the benefits of properly built intensification to the area's infrastructure and transit/walking use etc....

[markbarbera]

It is easy to get worked up about issues near and dear to our hearts, but I have noticed some terms being used out of proper context of late. Allow me to bring back proper context.

First off, the neighbour's preference to have single family homes in the infill development cannot be described as sprawl. Urban sprawl refers to the encroachment of existing city boundaries onto rural lands. The area in question is well within the city boundaries in one of the oldest neighbourhoods on the mountain. This can only be described as an infill development. One could argue an infill of single-family homes is not proper infill development, but it is not sprawl. Having said that, intensification in this neighbourhood beyond a mix of single-family homes and townhomes may not be effective infill either, given the existing infrastructure. There are many more underdeveloped infill sites with supportive infrastructure already in existence.

I am also seeing the term NIMBY being used a lot lately, and not always in its proper context. In order to illustrate my point, let me post a clear, accurate and succinct definition of NIMBY that I found online at Wikipedia:

NIMBY (an acronym of Not In My Back Yard) describes the phenomenon in which residents designate a development as inappropriate or unwanted for their local area, even if the development is clearly a benefit for many.

NIMBYism is really more about neighbourhood residents resisting developments because, due to stereotype or misinformation, they have an unfounded fear that the neighbourhood will suffer as a result of the development. It is usually the knee-jerk reaction to the development of such facilities as a mental hospital, a subway line, or shelters for the homeless which, for one reason or another, is seen as lowering the desireability of the neighbourhood. A recent example of textbook-case NIMBYism would be the resistence east mountain brow residents had to the development of the Kenilworth stairs, due to their poorly-conceived notion that it would increase drug use and prostitution in the area of the stairs.

So, one may ask, "How is it that opposition to the Scenic Drive highrise proposal is NIMBYism?". Well, residents have designated the development as inappropriate for their local area, so the first part of the definition rings true. However, there is no strong argument for the second condition. There is no clear benefit to the city to having a highrise infill at this particular location. Putting more people in a smaller space isn't always a good thing, particularly if that space does not have the supporting infractructure in place to handle the intensification. Jamestown in Toronto is a prime example of what can go wrong when land use is intensified without appropriate supportive infrastructure in place.

This forum is an wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas on the direction our city should take as its development continues into its third century of existence. For me, I am not yet convinced that the residents in this Scenic Drive neighbourhood are incorrect in opposing this particular proposal. Generally, I am quite supportive of intensification, but intensification does not succeed everywhere. They way I see it, a stretch of condiminiums along the edge of our escarpment would be repeating the error Toronto made by building a wall along their waterfront. Developers may make a lot off those million-dollar views, but a city already living with a natural division will have it compounded both physically and psychologically by a wall of high-priced condos. Hamilton's 20-year pause in development has given us the opportunity witness the development mistakes made further down the lake. Let's not squander the opportunity to learn from those mistakes.

[SteelTown]

I live in the Chedoke area, well not in the Chedoke neighbourhood but near it. I can sorta understand protecting some areas from hi rise but in some areas like think it's called the Moreland building (not 100% sure) it's an abandon building now, was long term but patients relocated to St Peter's. Don't get confused as Chedoke hospital has many campus grounds spread out. The main Chedoke hospital area will continue on as office and kitchen. All the rest of Chedoke grounds are up for sale and will relocate to the new General rehab hospital. That land can surely take a 10 story building, right now there are 4 storey buildings. The rest should be townhouses. Everyone in the neighbourhood will agree with condo townhouses.

Kinda funny I jog along that area most of the day and I always vision a new high end medium hi rise for that property. It's right next to the Chedoke trail, Chedoke falls, Chedoke golf (ski as well if it ever comes back), and beautiful natural surrounding which is all perfect for an expensive hi rise. I did a photo tour of this Chedoke trail about two years ago.

Scenic Drive is Hamilton Mountain version of Lakeshore Drive, expensive homes. All with spacious property with big houses and huge front lawn (could probably fit two houses).

[SteelTown]

Tomorrow when I go do my jogging I'll stop and take some pictures of the area in question. The view is great, I say it's better than the million dollar condo near Concession Street. You can to see the waterfront, sail boats, McMaster, Dundas valley and not so much of the industrial east.

[HAMRetrofit]

NIMBYism is really more about neighbourhood residents resisting developments because, due to stereotype or misinformation, they have an unfounded fear that the neighbourhood will suffer as a result of the development.

The residents are reciting stereotype scenarios for opposing this development without any comparible basis to back up their case.

It is usually the knee-jerk reaction to the development of such facilities as a mental hospital, a subway line, or shelters for the homeless which, for one reason or another, is seen as lowering the desireability of the neighbourhood.

How can adding mixed use development retract from property value? Any one who knows real estate will tell you property values increase when communities can plug into mix use amenities including grocery, cafes, and restaurants. This is the basis for the redevelopment of B.I.A.s Look at any neighbourhood that is actually worth living close to including successful communities in Hamilton like Locke, Westdale, or in Toronto including Danforth, Forest Hill, or Bayview.

So, one may ask, "How is it that opposition to the Scenic Drive highrise proposal is NIMBYism?". Well, residents have designated the development as inappropriate for their local area, so the first part of the definition rings true.

It is clear that they are mislead. They have not been educated on the benefits of intensification and are drawing from dated scenarios that occured in the 70s.

However, there is no strong argument for the second condition. There is no clear benefit to the city to having a highrise infill at this particular location.

There are actually many strong benefits for the city and the nearby community. The mixed use development will likely increase property values by providing a greater diversity of amenities in the area. Second, it will maximize the use of infrastructure in the area including water mains, storm sewers, sidewalks, roads, and adjacent green space. This will actually increase the liklihood of services being renewed in the area. Third, it will create a larger population base in the community which will increase the profitability of nearby businesses located on Mohawk Rd. Fourth, the development will reduce future demand for urban boundary expansion because it will accomodate a higher density of residents in a local area deep within the urban boundary. Fifth, it will further reduce future potential for urban sprawl by showing that Hamilton is a good place to invest in future mixed use development increasing the frequency and value of good developments. Sixth, it will provide more diversity in the availability of dwelling types, Hamilton is saturated with crummy post war single detached houses everywhere which are subject to reduced values as future trends demand better living arrangements.

Jamestown in Toronto is a prime example of what can go wrong when land use is intensified without appropriate supportive infrastructure in place.

Hamilton would be so lucky to have the healthy demographic mix that Toronto offers. Sorry, Jamestown is not remotely similar to this development proposed in Hamilton. No 1960s quality slab apartments have been proposed. Development will never even come close to reaching the scale of Jamestown.

For me, I am not yet convinced that the residents in this Scenic Drive neighbourhood are incorrect in opposing this particular proposal.

Most people aware of the implications of not taking action now to support intensification would say the neighbourhood is incorrect in opposing the development.

They way I see it, a stretch of condiminiums along the edge of our escarpment would be repeating the error Toronto made by building a wall along their waterfront.

This is no where close to materializing. A few pockets of mixed use development is a good way to distrubute a diverse population along the mountain brow and break it down as a boundary. Hamilton along the escarpment does not offer nearly as much of a destination as Toronto's waterfront. Sorry again.

Developers may make a lot off those million-dollar views, but a city already living with a natural division will have it compounded both physically and psychologically by a wall of high-priced condos.

The boundary you describe will be compounded by allowing more single detached McMansions to be built along the brow not from mixed use development that will support a greater diversity of demographic groups and social integration.

Hamilton's 20-year pause in development has given us the opportunity witness the development mistakes made further down the lake. Let's not squander the opportunity to learn from those mistakes.

The question is why is Hamilton making the same mistakes and repeating them even worse than Toronto? If you know better than actually start showing it.

[SteelTown]

The only issue I have with this development is that it's a very sensitive natural environment. I know there are foxes, deers, rabbits, tons of falcons and other special birds like eagles and wild turkey, seen beavers, and other animals. One 10 storey building will be fine but the density shouldn't be too high.

[DC83]

I'm on the side of the neighbours, too.
I HATE seeing big, bland, concrete boxes soaring over our gorgeous natural landscape (ie.: that one by the Wentworth stairs).

I think St Catharines has a bylaw for developers where they can't build anything over 3 stories at the top of the escarpment... and IMO, Hamilton should adopt this too!

I usually agree with you, RTH, but another ugly commie block (whether it have glass balconies or not) is not welcome on such a beautiful, natural landscape in my city! PUT MORE DOWNTOWN!

[Hammer Town]

As far a people doing what the do allso well In Hamilton ( whining and complaining) If they want to see the results of there we want single homes lets just close down one lane of the Linc and the 403 for about a week and let them see what sprawl will do to our city.

[raisethehammer]

The residents are reciting stereotype scenarios for opposing this development without any comparible basis to back up their case.



How can adding mixed use development retract from property value? Any one who knows real estate will tell you property values increase when communities can plug into mix use amenities including grocery, cafes, and restaurants. This is the basis for the redevelopment of B.I.A.s Look at any neighbourhood that is actually worth living close to including successful communities in Hamilton like Locke, Westdale, or in Toronto including Danforth, Forest Hill, or Bayview.



It is clear that they are mislead. They have not been educated on the benefits of intensification and are drawing from dated scenarios that occured in the 70s.



There are actually many strong benefits for the city and the nearby community. The mixed use development will likely increase property values by providing a greater diversity of amenities in the area. Second, it will maximize the use of infrastructure in the area including water mains, storm sewers, sidewalks, roads, and adjacent green space. This will actually increase the liklihood of services being renewed in the area. Third, it will create a larger population base in the community which will increase the profitability of nearby businesses located on Mohawk Rd. Fourth, the development will reduce future demand for urban boundary expansion because it will accomodate a higher density of residents in a local area deep within the urban boundary. Fifth, it will further reduce future potential for urban sprawl by showing that Hamilton is a good place to invest in future mixed use development increasing the frequency and value of good developments. Sixth, it will provide more diversity in the availability of dwelling types, Hamilton is saturated with crummy post war single detached houses everywhere which are subject to reduced values as future trends demand better living arrangements.



Hamilton would be so lucky to have the healthy demographic mix that Toronto offers. Sorry, Jamestown is not remotely similar to this development proposed in Hamilton. No 1960s quality slab apartments have been proposed. Development will never even come close to reaching the scale of Jamestown.



Most people aware of the implications of not taking action now to support intensification would say the neighbourhood is incorrect in opposing the development.



This is no where close to materializing. A few pockets of mixed use development is a good way to distrubute a diverse population along the mountain brow and break it down as a boundary. Hamilton along the escarpment does not offer nearly as much of a destination as Toronto's waterfront. Sorry again.



The boundary you describe will be compounded by allowing more single detached McMansions to be built along the brow not from mixed use development that will support a greater diversity of demographic groups and social integration.



The question is why is Hamilton making the same mistakes and repeating them even worse than Toronto? If you know better than actually start showing it.


sorry for quoting this entire thing, but this is a great discussion.
good points brought up by Mark and HAMretrofit with great responses.
The developer certainly isn't proposing commie blocks.
These will be some of nicest apartments (if not THE nicest) anywhere in Hamilton.
It's a well-planned development and HAMretrofit did a good job of explaining the benefits to the entire city by designing a well-thought out mixed-use development.
All it will take is to have a few successful projects built and people will begin to be educated on the benefits.
Skepticism is understandable. Hopefully city hall allows it to go through with good guidelines attached and it can become a model for future development.

[flar]

A lot of people assume that apartments or townhouses will have low income people in them. They probably think: Don't we all aspire to having our own single detached house? A person would only live in an apartment if they had no choice.

[raisethehammer]

i know plenty of people who sold homes in order to get an apartment or condo.
lots of folks like the centralized locations, no maintenance, no driveway to shovel etc....
the healthiest and most vibrant cities on the planet are ones with good levels of higher density housing in the form of apartments and condos.

[BCTed]

As far a people doing what the do allso well In Hamilton ( whining and complaining) If they want to see the results of there we want single homes lets just close down one lane of the Linc and the 403 for about a week and let them see what sprawl will do to our city.

Hammer Town has definitely typed something here.

[raisethehammer]

I'm lost.

[coalminecanary]

They should be ashamed in part because they offer free parking? Some of you people are freaking insane.

Free parking really sucks.

Please read this summary (http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:4tpdPO6_KI8J:www.trb.org/Conferences/RoadPricing/Presentations/Shoup.ppt+the+high+cost+of+free+parking&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=ca) (sorry that it is very poorly formatted -- but it's the best summary of data that I could find. For the whole story, The High Cost Of Free Parking (http://www.amazon.com/High-Cost-Free-Parking/dp/1884829988) is the best source)

[SteelTown]

I don't really care if they provide free parking and in fact it's a good deal for the members. But Family Fitness should have a parking gate to only allow members to park on that lot and help address the neighbourhood concerns.

[raisethehammer]

there's no such thing as free parking.
on to better things now:

looks like Ray's Boathouse is opening a place called 'The perfect wing and burger' shakes and malt house.
here's hoping they don't get run out of town by the locke street yuppies.

[SteelTown]

Ray's is opening up another place? Locke? I know he has a place on Dundurn St.

[SteelTown]

Why can't the city just knock that abandon building across from the LCBO on Dundurn and put up a for sale sign? I say within months someone will buy the property and put some retail and residential units.

There's no way to save that building. That last fire almost took the whole place down, kinda wish it did. Take that eyesore down.

[raisethehammer]

Dundurn South across from Zarky's there is a picture of a new 4-storey building coming soon with upper floor apartments and ground floor retail.
I don't want to get too excited, but lately it sure appears that Hamilton might finally be on track for some good urban intensification.
Let's hope it continues.

[SteelTown]

Ohh on Zarky's parking lot? Wow I didn't think Zarky's would let that parking lot go. Cool stuff. I haven't been down to Dundurn since the street closure. I'll drive by today.

[raisethehammer]

i get the feeling it will either be at the front of their lot with parking still in back, or the building might be at the back of the lot with parking in front.
hopefully they build to the sidewalk and have parking in the back. that would create a great streetwall in the area and allow for patios etc...

[SteelTown]

I've always had a special spot for Dundurn. Years ago it was a dump.

Dundurn will be kicked up a few notches once the Innovation Park is completed and Frid Street is extended down to Longwood. It'll be a good hang out during the lunch hours.

[raisethehammer]

if anyone is in the area, there is a groundbreaking ceremony at the old St Deny's site on King East at 1:30 today.
Weird considering they're already approaching the 2nd storey.
Bigwigs from all 3 levels of government will be there...basically, it's another photo-op in an election year.
don't think we'll hear any updated news on the project, but if anyone's around there, snap some pics.

Yea, I really think Dundurn will be great someday.
I've always hoped it ends up as the funkier strip in the southwest. Reminds me of Northwest Portland...23rd was the mecca street (like Locke) but got way to yuppified and expensive...21st became the place with the lavalamp cafes, 60's diners and cool record stores.
That's my vision for Dundurn. The funky, retro strip to offset the pricey yuppies on Locke.
So far Locke is holding true to form, now let's hope the work continues on Dundurn.

[LikeHamilton]

Affordable housing project begins in Hamilton
Jul, 30 2007 - 11:00 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - Ground has been broken on an affordable housing project for families and seniors in Hamilton.
The Terraces on King is located at 260 to 280 King Street East, and is being built as part of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The 11-storey building has commercial units on the ground floor and 123 rental units above.

The facility is expected to open next spring

[DC83]

Seniors, eh??
Looks like Deningers is gonna hafta expand like CRAZY now!! haha
Black Forest Inn's business is gonna BOOM!! I think, besides myself, senior citizens are the only ppl that eat there (since everyone is like 60+ everytime I'm in there)

[SteelTown]

It's not just for seniors, it's also for low income families and people with disabilities. Basically anyone with low income.

[LikeHamilton]

It's not just for seniors, it's also for low income families and people with disabilities. Basically anyone with low income.

Almost across the street at 20 Jarvis Street, across from the new Ti-cats office is an apartment building that is run by the March of Dimes. It is run under the same format that this building will have. Seniors, low income, famalies, disabilities. There is nothing wrong with this building as they run a tight ship. No crap and lots of staff to make sure evrything goes smoothly. If the run the St. Denys building this way it will be a nice building.

[markbarbera]

While any kind of infill development must be welcomed in the lower city, this development will have a generally muted economic impact on the International Village BIA and surrounding neiighbourhoods. In an area that already has disproportionately high levels of low-income earners, affordable housing will not do much to increase the pool of disposable income availble to the area shops and services. Perhaps this development will encourage other developments designed to bring higher wage earners downtown...

[SteelTown]

Yea I saw the rendering at Zarky's parking lot. Tomorrow I'll take a picture of it. It looks alright.

Yea if things went alright there be a condo development at the corner of William and Jarvis. But developer got sick. Perhaps down the road someone will take over that development plan.

[raisethehammer]

actually, I'm quite knowledgable about St Deny's due to some close relationships in the area.
The building will be like City Views and City Places, not like March of Dimes.
The economic impact on the area will actually be very significant.
Look for a lot of young folks to rent there too. And hey, more families living right downtown would be awesome. Vancouver has done good at getting families to move into their city core. Let's hope we continue to as well.

Also, took another look at that sign on Dundurn today. It says 'build to suit' so probably not a done deal yet.
Also, it looks to be at the back (east) side of the parking lot, which stinks cause it'll mean the parking still faces the street, but at least it's more infill.

Also they put a bike lane on the Dundurn Bridge. Now they pretty much have no choice but to put bike lanes on the rest of the street. Which is very easy. I could do it tonight with white paint and not affect traffic or parking one bit. Now that the lanes are on the bridge let's hope local residents badger the city to do the rest of the street.

[the dude]

anyone heard any rumblings about that property at the corner of dundurn and aberdeen? another good spot for some infill.

[raisethehammer]

Dell Pharmacy got it. moving across the street. Sounds like it will be quite the place...they may apply to the city to do a real green roof and grow medicinal herbs etc.....

[SteelTown]

I believe Dundurn St is part of the Innvation Park master plan. Dundurn St is suppose to get a new streetscape I believe. So gonna have to wait a bit until the plan is complete.

[SteelTown]

I think Locke St needs a new streetscape and new street lights. Currently the place looks great but the street lights give the area a commie look. Perhaps some funky colour for the sidewalks like red. Just add colour dye to the cement. Locke is a very colourful place with all different colour facade.

Also I wish there was bike lanes to Mohawk College. Currently there's no bike lanes on West 5th, Fennel or Garth. West 5th from Limeridge to Mohawk there's a bike lane but nothing from Mohawk to Fennel and that's a dangerous road to ride your bike on. For me I ride my bike in the neighbourhood streets to Mohawk. By the way I wish the city renamed Garth to Upper Dundurn Street. It's the only North/South street on the Mountain that doesn't have an "Upper" to it.

[SteelTown]

Wow I so remember watching Today's Special as a kid lol........

Former TV news anchor joins local election race
Jul, 31 2007 - 10:00 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - The provincial Liberals have named their candidate in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Former children's television actress and journalist Nerene Virgin will try and hold the seat, vacated by outgoing MPP Jennifer Mossop.

Virgin was the host of TV Ontario's Today's Special.

She also worked as a TV news anchor before leaving the CBC in 2005 to teach French to elementary students in Stoney Creek.

[raisethehammer]

yea, west 5th could use bike lanes. it has them south of mohawk, but not north. don't ask me why we need 5 lanes on West 5th at Fennell. This isn't Toronto for crying out loud.
No wonder everyone does 80km an hour there. you feel like your crawling along at 50 due to all the wide open road.

most lower city streets could use a nice streetscape. Locke may be able to eventually now that a BIA is starting to take shape there.
I'd like to see a BIA on Dundurn and I'm hoping that the King West BIA will extend over to Dundurn as was proposed last year.

[matt602]

I have no idea who that is but I DO remember Today's Special. I think that's obviously enough for my completely blind vote.

[SteelTown]

She was the black lady! Remember her?, think she was like the store's display designer. Then there was that mannequin guy and comes to life with the magical hat. I loved that show lol that and polka dot doors

[raisethehammer]

wow! i watched that too.
be kinda tough to take her seriously in politics. lol.

[LikeHamilton]

Wow I so remember watching Today's Special as a kid lol........

Former TV news anchor joins local election race
Jul, 31 2007 - 10:00 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - The provincial Liberals have named their candidate in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Former children's television actress and journalist Nerene Virgin will try and hold the seat, vacated by outgoing MPP Jennifer Mossop.

Virgin was the host of TV Ontario's Today's Special.

She also worked as a TV news anchor before leaving the CBC in 2005 to teach French to elementary students in Stoney Creek.

Here is a link to her shows.

Todays Special
http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows.php?main_id=1444

CBC News International
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDCC-1-74-2149-13140/politics_economy/joe_clark/

She also hosted on the Polka Dot Door.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9840/todaysspecial3bt4.jpg

For the people who don't know, that's her on the left.

[SteelTown]

Whoa man total flashbacks when watching Today's Special haha

But yea she's definitely a high profile candidate. Probably cabinet minister material as well.

[raisethehammer]

I want to see that guy in the middle run for office!

[SteelTown]

Sam Crenshaw for Hamilton Centre! lol