Raise the Hammer

this letter was found on the Durand Neighbourhood Association website. Based on this, you'd think the last thing they'd want to do is demolish beautiful heritage homes...

November 22, 2007

City of Hamilton Committee of Adjustment Hamilton City Centre 4th Floor, Suite 400 77 James Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 2K3 Attention: Carol Connor, Secretary-Treasurer

Dear Ms. Connor:

RE: APPLICATION NO. HM/B-07: 131 41 INGLEWOOD DRIVE (Ward 2) Applicant Antonio Gumiero

On behalf of the Durand Neighbourhood Association (hereinafter “DNA”), the Applicant’s request to sever the land on the premises municipally known as 41 Inglewood Drive, in the City of Hamilton, should be denied.

The Durand neighbourhood is the inner-city district bound by Main Street West, James Street South, the Escarpment and Queen Street South. The DNA was established in 1972 as a politically independent community organization and chartered as a not-for-profit provincial corporation. It is the DNA’s vision to be an active, resident-based voice that successfully addresses priority issues affecting the neighbourhood to nurture a vibrant downtown community.

Inglewood Drive is the southern most street in the Durand and the southern border of the inner-city. It abuts the Escarpment with grand, old, elevated homes that dominate the streetscape. It is a jewel in the crown of our downtown. It is a special area for the residents who reside in Durand. This is a streetscape that the DNA wants to maintain, preserve and protect.

In addition, the DNA supports the objecting neighbours and petitioners regarding the proposed severance.

The proposed severance would create engineering, environmental, and historic problems that are irreconcilable with the DNA vision. The DNA is intent on preserving the heritage and character of its landscape, streetscape and natural scenery. The proposed severance would compromise the Escarpment lands which it abuts. Severance of this property, and ultimately its development, would severely compromise the environment and the neighbourhood to which it belongs. This would not be consistent with a smart plan for intensification of our urban neighbourhood.

Please notify the DNA with your decision concerning the proposed severance.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you have any questions or concerns.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully yours, DURAND NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION

Per: Janice Brown Board of Directors