Downtown Hamilton developers wrestle over Sirloin Cellar alley
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/52...-cellar-alley/
The city has delayed selling a stretch of downtown alleyway to a developer who has plans to give a lift to languishing office space above it.
Hamilton's public works committee has deferred a decision to sell a leg of the James Street North passage until its next meeting on Feb. 2.
Public works had recommended closing the alley, between King and King William streets, and selling it for $2 to Core Urban Inc.
But DeSantis, which owns the parking lot at the corner of King William and James, has indicated it's "very concerned about the proposed closure."
In a letter to the city, Scott Snider, lawyer for DeSantis, says the closure would "undoubtedly affect access to the rear of buildings that front on King Street West."
"Our client is concerned that by closing this portion of the alley it will detrimentally affect both the use and development potential of the DeSantis Lands," Snider said.
If the alley closes, Core Urban hopes to redevelop buildings on both sides of the passage.
The revamp would help breathe life into the long-empty office space in the buildings, said Glen Norton, the city's manager of urban renewal.
It would also clean up the foul-smelling alley, Norton said.
"It's probably the No. 1 illegal dumpsite. Quite frankly, it will take away the problem of public urination, as well."
In 2012, the alley, which abuts 14 James St. N., became a source of strife between the city and the former Sirloin Cellar restaurant.
The owners, which closed the eatery after 43 years, said the leaky alleyway had caused thousands of dollars in damage to their establishment.
For the past three years, the alley has only been open to pedestrians.
The city says it will avoid the cost of repairs and maintenance by selling the alley to Core Urban.
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