QUOTE (rforgiel @ Jun 9 2010, 09:31 AM) Adam,
I find the locals are all for tearing down the buildings.
Not being from the area but investing in Brantford, I find it disappointing and short sighted.
As the price of oil continues to climb and people resist urban sprawl downtowns cores will become the place to live. Also look at communities that have revitalized themselves. They have done it by refurbishing what is already their, keeping their sense of history and community. This decision will be seen as a mistake in 10 years.
It is my understanding there are no plans to replace the buildings taken down or does city counsel have a plan.
I just hope things get done properly now. Will the fronts of the buildings face onto Colborne Street of should they overlook the Grand River. I always found the layout of downtown strange in how it did not incorporate the water.
It also strikes me that the Six Nations will put up a fight when development starts. I have heard from a couple of well informed sources, that relations will get worse and it will be a couple of generations to resolve this dispute.
Keep us informed as to the developments of the down town core.
Ramon, you raise some important questions, many of which we share.
i do not know what the final plans will be, I have heard that the YMCA are looking to build on that location and Mohawk College is interested in locating there, pending federal government grants.
SC Johnson has donated $1 Million dollars to help both organizations build on that location.
I agree, Brantford has done a very poor job of waterfront planning, this is a real jewel that needs to be focused on.
in either case, I believe it presents some great opportunities for the city and the organizations involved.
I will keep things posted.
Any questions, please let me know.
