The true test of a good community decision is never made in the moment itself.
I have seen multiple posts over the past couple of weeks and significant dialogue about an open green space on South John Street by Jane Forrester Park in Belleville.
That land has been vacant for years, with little prospect for development due to contamination concerns linked to the historical use of the property.
Now, a staff report is coming forward to essentially give it to a local developer, while a local realtor and several citizens are opposed to the move.
Every time something like this comes up, I am reminded of a previous plan by a local developer at another high-profile location.
Many years ago, a plan was presented to transform Century Place and the old Intelligencer building on Bridge Street and turn it into high-end condos and a parking garage with a rooftop bridge.
That plan failed to get any traction or support from Council, and while what we now call Century Village has undergone significant renovations, the former Intel building still sits there abandoned (representing both risk and unutilized potential) and parking is still an issue.
Decisions like should consider the vision, potential development, risk, legal liability and also community benefit.
You don’t grade them the day they are made. That can only happen years later when you see what did, and didn’t happen, as a result.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
