Revitalization

Chance to Save Sanford School

By Ryan McGreal
Published November 28, 2012

Paul Wilson at CBC Hamilton reports that there may be a chance to save Sanford School from demolition.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) plans to demolish Sanford School to make room for an expanded Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre. However, in response to public outcry about the planned demolition of an architecturally significant building, Cathy Wever Hub is holding a public meeting to look at alternatives to demolition.

If the neighbourhood meeting asks for a delay in demolition, HWDSB chair Tim Simmons will bring that back to the School Board to reconsider their prior vote to demolish the school.

According to Wilson, Cathy Wever Hub head Alex Moroz is open to ideas:

"If everybody says, 'Let's give some time to these developers and see if we can meet all the objectives,' then that absolutely makes sense," he says. "We didn't know there could be other options."

As it is, the proposal to expand Pinky Lewis Centre is only at the feasibility stage anyway and plans for the $12-15 million expansion have neither been finalized nor funded, so it's premature to knock down the 1932 building that stands in the way of the current proposal.

After its recent history of policy fiascos, HWDSB would be well advised to hit pause on the demolition button and actually allow a real open, public exercise to present and consider viable alternatives instead of hiding behind process and slamming the door shut on compromise yet again.

Ryan McGreal, the editor of Raise the Hammer, lives in Hamilton with his family and works as a programmer, writer and consultant. Ryan volunteers with Hamilton Light Rail, a citizen group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. Ryan wrote a city affairs column in Hamilton Magazine, and several of his articles have been published in the Hamilton Spectator. His articles have also been published in The Walrus, HuffPost and Behind the Numbers. He maintains a personal website, has been known to share passing thoughts on Twitter and Facebook, and posts the occasional cat photo on Instagram.

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By TDR (registered) - website | Posted November 28, 2012 at 18:05:52

Will Tim Simmons be there?

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By Chris Healey (anonymous) | Posted November 28, 2012 at 23:46:41

Yes, Mr.Simmons has indicated he is attending the meeting.

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By Gary Santucci (anonymous) | Posted November 29, 2012 at 07:15:56


Alex Moroz of the Wever Hub responded to my inquiry about the upcoming meeting and how to participate if one is unable to attend with the following email;


Gary,

The information meeting has a dual purpose to educate and clarify the role of the Wever Hub and what we do and do not do, as well as we are able to create an avenue to have a conversation regarding the demolition of Sanford. This is not an area that the Hub would normally be engaged in, but we felt that we had an opportunity to create the forum for communication.

I would suggest that the emails and concerns also be expressed to the Councillor`s Office.(bmorelli@hamilton.ca)

We have created an email address for comments. We will bring this information forward to the meeting.
Thanks
Alex

weverhubsite@gmail.com

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By Angry bird (anonymous) | Posted December 05, 2012 at 12:12:32

"After its recent history of policy fiascos, HWDSB would be well advised to hit pause on the demolition button and actually allow a real open, public exercise to present and consider viable alternatives instead of hiding behind process and slamming the door shut on compromise yet again."

Sadly, this is the rock they scuttled under yet again.
At the meeting, Tim Simmons said "This is a big machine, you don't just stop it!"

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By Joe Ramara (anonymous) | Posted December 08, 2012 at 18:18:38

Who will get the contract to rebuild and/or demolish and is there any connection to supporters of demolition?

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