City staff say big box developments at Clappison's Corners will curb sprawl and help the local economy. Others, including representatives of local businesses don't agree. They're also not impressed with the public consultation efforts of the city.
The issue returns to City Hall at Tuesday morning's planning committee meeting where a staff report will recommend approval of phase one of the Flamborough Power Centre. Staff comments on the expected impact of the development are found in a required section of the report that is supposed to discuss whether proposals align with Vision 2020 and other city strategic planning.
There are two sentences in that section of the report: " The application . would contribute to the local economy through the creation of employment in the construction, retail and service sectors and would allow for the development of businesses that are non-polluting. The proposed development would also curb urban sprawl and suburban encroachment through the concentration of development within a planned business park."
Local businesses have a different view about the effects on their local economies. The executive director of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce says it doesn't make any sense "developing something of this scale just a mile from the existing Waterdown commercial community."
The Waterdown BIA (Business Improvement Area) is also unhappy but believe they can't stop the power centre. They are demanding that there be no stores smaller than 5,000 square feet. The Westdale BIA has also expressed its deep concern. Despite requests to be kept informed, it wasn't even notified about the public comment period last June and only "found out by happenstance".
Others who did get notices received them at the last minute. Three nearby residents who responded, all noted that the city's letter was dated June 11, but not postmarked until June 17, even though the deadline was "prior to June 22". Even the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, which has offices near the development, found out at the last minute "quite by accident", leaving them no time to formally respond.
The staff report on the zoning application can be viewed at
http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/Clerk/
agendas-minutes-reports/Planning-Economic-
Development/2004/Sept21/PD04252.pdf. It includes letters from various groups and residents.
