Hi All
Here is some latest news concerning the vacancy issue in downtown Charlottetown.
Business gathering blames city for empty downtown buildings
A forum on downtown development held by the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday night laid the blame for empty buildings at the door of city hall.
'If we could get some of those buildings active we'd all be better off.'
— Steve DunnAbout 45 business owners and city officials attended the forum, filling the Georgian Room of the Rodd Charlottetown. Several business owners said the city isn't doing enough when it comes to the growing number of vacant buildings in the downtown.
"We can't sit idly by while properties deteriorate because the city can't do anything about it," said Tanya O'Brien, general manager of Dyne Holdings, operators of the Confederation Court Mall.
"It's not an acceptable response."
The mall is owned by Homburg Investments, which is currently suing the Tweel family, owners of several vacant buildings in the downtown. Homburg claims the properties are derelict and diminish the value of its property.
Business owner Steve Dunn also believes the city needs to act.
"We see these buildings for so long, you ignore them, and forget about them," said Dunn.
"But it's an issue. If we could get some of those buildings active we'd all be better off."
Mayor promises change
Even before Wednesday's meeting, the city had committed to action on empty buildings. At the forum Mayor Clifford Lee gave some specifics.
The city plans to change the way it taxes vacant buildings, said Lee. Currently, after six months taxes go down. With the new plan owners would have to pay more.
The mayor promised more action within the next month.
Lee said the issue of vacant buildings also lies with property owners, who have an obligation to the community to fill them.
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