Over the next four years (2019-23) approximately $31million is proposed for capital new works across Lake Macquarie under the ‘Diverse Economy’ focus area but of this total about $25million is for the multi-storey commercial development on public foreshore land at the Bath Street site, with nearly all of the costs forecast for the last two years (*p. 51).
By including these costs into its budget prior to lodging a DA, Council appears to be intent on ramping up to build this complex as the developer and perhaps explains why it is digging its heels in and doing lip- service to any community consultation regarding their 6-storey foreshore proposal.
Over the next year the ‘feasibility of the development of the Toronto Foreshore Masterplan’ is also being undertaken which includes tasks such site investigations, specialist studies, master-planning and concept designs. There are funds allocated from developer contributions to make this happen from 2020-2023 under the Lifestyle and Wellbeing focus area.
So we, the community, again have another opportunity for comment on Council’s plan, they want input, they say;
“Engaging with key stakeholders and the community is fundamental to Council’s operations, as it helps to improve and guide decision making by collecting and collating multiple perspectives and ideas from members of the community and people or groups potentially affected by those decisions. The end result is not necessarily about gaining universal support for a project or a decision. It is about fairness, transparency and involving key stakeholders in Council processes, as appropriate, so they understand the drivers of projects and what they mean for them as individuals and for their community or City as a whole. “ (*p20)
The document goes on to state “This Plan has been developed based on a range of feedback from stakeholders and the community.”
This is clearly not the case with the Bath St proposal. The community, a major stakeholder, has not been consulted about the proposed 6-storey-$25million development. Indeed community comments that have been made have been misrepresented and undervalued (Toronto Foreshore Park Masterplan-see April Chronicle) and ignored (Petition containing 5000 signatures).
With $25million being allocated under this plan, one would have assumed that the community concerns had already been addressed and brings the integrity of operational planning process into question.
The public land that spans the Toronto Foreshore Park from Bath St to Wharf Rd is our community asset, we are being invited to comment on how our council is proposing to spend our ratepayer dollars. The TFPG is advocating for an improved landscaped park with community facilities at the Bath Street site as part of the Toronto Foreshore Parkland.
The community has until 29th May to comment on Let’s Make it Happen - Draft Lake Mac Operational Plan 2019-20 and Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021*.
There are various ways to do this including making comments on an online map, completing an online survey or writing a letter simply stating you object to a $25million allocation for a development which the community has not had a chance to comment upon.
The TFPG and CPPA websites and facebook pages will be posting discussion points to consider in your submissions.
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