The real issues for downtown Dartmouth are ...

To the editor:

In response to a column by Nathalie Brun (All talk, not enough action in 2007, The Weekly News, Jan. 11), Brun is partially correct: what downtown Dartmouth needs are mid-sized market shops and restaurants, bistros, boutiques and bakeries. Unfortunately, all these businesses need people, and that is where the issue becomes primary for our business community.

The example of the Greenvale School development is a prime example of what could be and should be. HRM confirmed Dexel Developments as the developer of this site. Dexel, however, has other projects ongoing and so have opted over the past two years to proceed with those more profitable investments in Halifax. Like most businesses, they can only spread their finances so far.

The other issue relates to the need for apartments versus condos. Dexel has recognized this trend, and can adjust its plans within the current agreement and build apartments within this site and within the terms of any development agreement.

These changes, however, will cost money and time as the project moves forward and the community is hopeful we will see some movement on this site this year.

In fairness to HRM, however, it is not city planners, council or bureaucratic red tape that delayed this restoration; it is Dexel Developments. Perhaps that is the real issue on the future development of this site. Is there a sense of urgency at HRM to promote new development in the downtown core, and in particular on this site, and how long should HRM wait before cancelling the agreement with Dexel and looking for alternative private sector developers?

The Kings Wharf Project, on the other hand, has been bandied around HRM for almost three years. HRM has to be very cognizant that without some positive, pro-active and immediate action on behalf of the regional municipality, this $300-million development could look for a more development-friendly location in another part of the world. From the first announcement that the Dartmouth Marine Slips could be home to more than 2,000 new residents, an ultra modern hotel, state-of-the-art commercial space and harbour access for our residents, it should have been a priority of regional council.

The fact that it will add in excess of $5 million per year to our tax base should have been incentive enough for our local representative and the full council to assign this project to a senior planner and contract out associated planning services to ensure that this project did not get bogged down.

They didn't, and three years later we are at the point of resolving the final few issues, all of which have a reasonable compromise available to the developer, the public and HRM planning services. The developer, the consultant and HRM planning staff are poised to move this project forward to get regional council approval within the next two months.

It is the hope of the business commission and the community at large that council will approve the project and assign an immediate date for a public hearing. This major development project should not be delayed any further.

I would like to clarify one other point in relation to the Kings Wharf Project. There has not been a lot of opposition to this development, and in fact, the large majority of business owners, property owners and citizens in this downtown business district and surrounding residential area are anxiously waiting to voice their approval of the revised plans at the final public hearing.

Brun mentions the Masonic Square. However, I believe she is referring to the Founders Corner condo development on Ochterloney Street. This is another progressive and positive development for downtown Dartmouth that will breed new life into our core district and is exactly the kind of development that our unique community has been waiting for. We welcome continued progress on this development by Nova New England Ltd.

Dartmouth is on the verge of a great renaissance, but as with all revitalization projects, the immediate result must be a growth in our population. New housing of various types is needed before any entrepreneur is going to open a new boutique or bistro. That only makes economic sense and when it happens, downtown Dartmouth will again be the "destination shopping district" that has been its trademark for over 250 years. Will it happen in 2008? It will continue this year, but it will take a number of years to reach the objective that all expect will be reached. It is not going to take "hope" that it happens, as Brun says. It is going to take a positive community attitude, support for our more than 300 existing businesses and a positive development environment that has the full support of our local politicians and municipal staff. Then watch us grow ... it will happen.

Tim Olive,

Executive Director, Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission