Raise the Hammer

Very pleased with the OMB decision. Grateful to the OMB member for recognizing the underlying problem with the parking lot expansion ... that it would undermine the vision of the area's secondary plan (Setting Sail), which for this area, a brownfield site, is to become a mixed-use area.

[18] The matter before me is a second attempt by HHSC to deviate from the policies of Setting Sail. On this point, I agree with the residents in this area that what in fact is occurring is an incremental “chipping away” of the broader vision identified for this stable albeit fragile neighbourhood.

[19] For this reason, I cannot support the proposed site-specific OPA and ZBA as in my estimation, this does not reflect good planning nor is it in the public interest.

Also, the parking lot was said to be an interim use, but the lease between HHSC and Hotz (the land owner) was for 20 years. The site specific OPA and ZBA allowing the parking as a permitted use would be permanent ... it would require a future amendment to remove the parking lot as a permitted use.

The larger question is the overall impact of surface parking lots on urbanism. In the North End Neighbours' participant statement we referenced Jane Jacobs' comments on the deadening impact of giving over more and more space in cities to the car.

Our concern is best summarized by Jane Jacobs in The Death and Life of Great American Cities: “[I]f accommodations for huge numbers of cars get first consideration … other city uses get the leftovers. A strategy of erosion by automobiles is thus not only destructive to such city intensity as already exists; it also conflicts with nurturing new or additional intensity of use where that is needed.”

The unfortunate realization for me -- gleaned from testimony by HHSC execs at the hearings -- is that a major institution responsible for healthcare in our community doesn't see itself as being in a position offer strong leadership in moving us away from a "driven to drive" mentality in infrastructure investment.

I hope that the ruling will prompt some rethinking on that last point. It would be nice to see the next round involve the City, the NAs/residents of the area, and HHSC working together to find a better solution.

And to quote a fellow North Ender:

The badger digs in and wins. Congratulations Beasley, an important win for all the residents of Ward 2. Be Proud!

And a special thanks to Councillor Farr. He has been supportive of the BNA stance on holding the line on surface parking lots and was unwavering in seeing this thru.

Comment edited by RobF on 2016-03-15 10:11:49