Something Ford and LRT haters would hate to have happen. It would even kill there "An LRT is a streetcar" argument.
City councillor wants third party to determine if controversial St. Clair project was a waste of money
The reason why I love this idea is it will show all of those who say the St Clair project went over budget. It did not, the city added on more work that needed to be done anyway.
The National Post March 30 2012 - Tired of Mayor Rob Ford and his brother slagging the St. Clair Right-of-Way, a city councillor wants the TTC to hire an outside consultant to determine, once and for all, if the controversial project was a waste of money.
Councillor Joe Mihevc, a strong proponent of the line that courses through his ward, says there is a lot of misinformation floating around about a project that climbed from an initial $48-million, to over $100-million after hydro and water main work was tacked on.
The Toronto Transit Commission has asked staff to report back in May on how much the review might cost before it decides.
Mayor Ford often uses the 6.8-kilometre project as Exhibit A in his case for subways, decrying cost overruns and snarled traffic on the midtown corridor.
“You don’t have to have a study of St. Clair … it’s a complete disaster,” the Mayor told reporters on Friday when advised of Mr. Mihevc’s request.
“Just go up there and drive. People know it’s a nightmare.” Councillor Doug Ford called the project a “screw-up” and blasted the councillor for wanted to spend more money on it.
That’s not what the St. Paul’s councillor sees at all. Riders are flocking to the line, new businesses are opening up, and development applications are in, says Mr. Mihevc.
Full story -
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03...aste-of-money/