I was asked to post on my blog a copy of these questions by Chris Morris and Judy Perry, two colleagues of mine!
5 Questions to ask your councillor about the Clock Tower development
When the developer is gone, will our taxes be paying for any collateral damages?
1. The Clock Tower site is notorious for groundwater problems. Diverting this water could damage other properties. What assurances can you give me that my tax dollars won’t have to pay for any problems during and after construction?
2. Earth-shattering equipment will be used to dig 3 levels down. The foundations of some surrounding building are well over 100 years old. What concrete guarantees can you give me that my tax dollars won’t have to pay for any repairs during construction and after the developer is gone?
3. To make the project work for the developer, the Town will have to make available Town-owned land. Is this special and preferential treatment? Can you explain to me why it isn’t?
4. The Town’s own by-law says 290 parking spaces are needed for a development of this size. The developer proposes 199 spaces. Why would Council allow such a shortfall?
5. If Council believes that this development is such a good idea, can you explain why such key organizations as the Business Improvement Area Committee (representing Main Street businesses and owners) and Newmarket Heritage Advisory Committee don’t support it? Why are they wrong?
Tony Van Bynen – Mayor Tel: 905-953-5300 ext. 2000 Email: mayor@newmarket.ca
John Taylor – Regional Councillor Tel: 905-953-5300 ext. 2011 Email: jtaylor@newmarket.ca
Tom Vegh – Ward 1 Home: 905-895-7095 Email: tvegh@newmarket.ca
Dave Kerwin – Ward 2 Home: 905-895-8969 Email: dkerwin@newmarket.ca
Jane Twinney – Ward 3 Cell: 905-806-5258 Email: jtwinney@newmarket.ca
Tom Hempen – Ward 4 Cell: 905-717-9378 Email: thempen@newmarket.ca
Joe Sponga – Ward 5 Tel: 905-953-5323 Email: jsponga@newmarket.ca
Kelly Broome-Plumley – Ward 6 905-953-5323 Email: kbroomeplumley@newmarket.ca
Christina Bisanz – Ward 7 Cell: 905-717-9059 Email: cbisanz@newmarket.ca
