Not getting it on the waterfront
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John Drapper is fluffing off critics of the waterfront park rink/fountain project, marginalizing some pretty serious criticisms from legitimate voices. It is wrong to direct this at Mutton or at the residents in the harbour area. If we were to turn the tables on him by opening this kind of a feature next to his house, I bet his blog would ignite into outrage.
There are no sour grapes. Long-term planning has its merits, but to realize this proposal is four years old means it is not unreasonable to review it carefully in the current context. This project is about $1.3 million in grant money, not about anything else. If there wasn't the money, this would not even be on council's radar. The same is true for the community.
And, just because the DBIA likes the idea means little. If they are so keen, then let them pay for it. Let's see something more from these business people than the Santa Claus parade and complaints about the lack of parking, if it is so important.
When Cobourg's Northumberland Services for Women is about to raise nearly $1 million to expand its vital services to our community, the $1.3 million for a fountain seems ridiculous.
And, if the money must be spent on a recreational item, then give us a new arena. There are plenty of kids who would benefit far more and it would provide a much needed facility than a feature in the harbour.
Finally, somebody ought to get on to Councillor Bob Spooner. Anyone I have spoken to about the public meetings said the councillor denied any previous knowledge of the plans and was ducking any responsibility. He has no proof of the number of people in favour or against. There was not official poll or survey. He cannot publicly say people are in favour or against. Citizens are being conned once again.
Sorry John, council is not getting it right. This is the senior's centre all over again.
John Drapper is fluffing off critics of the waterfront park rink/fountain project, marginalizing some pretty serious criticisms from legitimate voices. It is wrong to direct this at Mutton or at the residents in the harbour area. If we were to turn the tables on him by opening this kind of a feature next to his house, I bet his blog would ignite into outrage.
There are no sour grapes. Long-term planning has its merits, but to realize this proposal is four years old means it is not unreasonable to review it carefully in the current context. This project is about $1.3 million in grant money, not about anything else. If there wasn't the money, this would not even be on council's radar. The same is true for the community.
And, just because the DBIA likes the idea means little. If they are so keen, then let them pay for it. Let's see something more from these business people than the Santa Claus parade and complaints about the lack of parking, if it is so important.
When Cobourg's Northumberland Services for Women is about to raise nearly $1 million to expand its vital services to our community, the $1.3 million for a fountain seems ridiculous.
And, if the money must be spent on a recreational item, then give us a new arena. There are plenty of kids who would benefit far more and it would provide a much needed facility than a feature in the harbour.
Finally, somebody ought to get on to Councillor Bob Spooner. Anyone I have spoken to about the public meetings said the councillor denied any previous knowledge of the plans and was ducking any responsibility. He has no proof of the number of people in favour or against. There was not official poll or survey. He cannot publicly say people are in favour or against. Citizens are being conned once again.
Sorry John, council is not getting it right. This is the senior's centre all over again.
posted by Robert Washburn at
3:34 PM
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