Seems backward, though, doesn't it? Potential to cause documented societal harm -- in this case gambling -- yea. Potential to demonstrate acceptance and equality -- in this case gay marriage -- nay?
This hardly seems like a good candidate for demolition given that the original church is in sound condition (and occupied until very recently)and its in such a strategic location, seen coming up Wick Avenue from downtown.
I think this is a wise move by Council. The City has been paying too much for too long to subsidize parking for events. This will free up some of the City's money for other things; my suggestion is that a portion of the savings go to a) improved signage in the downtown to point the public to the numerous parking areas available in the immediate area and b) a few patrolmen walking the downtown on event nights simply to have a presence and give directions to folks who may not have been downtown in 20 years. Those would be minor costs compared to the contract with USA parking and would have a much more positive effect on the vibrancy of the City.
And, for those who may not know, street parking in the City is FREE in the evenings and there are dozens of lots that cost no more than $2 for the entire day.
Good point about the other property owners, bellab. This really is a systemic problem, and not necessarily a case of one poor landlord. Everyone in the Central Business District needs to be held to a high standard of maintenance; even moreso when the buildings they own are on the National Register of Historic Places. Without strict, enforceable standards, owners have no incentive, positive or negative, to maintain their properties. Negative incentives (i.e. fines) can be just as successful as positive ones in encouraging landlords to maintain their property properly.
I also have to applaud the City for their actions. I was very encouraged to hear Mayor Williams felt very strongly about the situation when he phoned into the Dan Rivers Show. This problem is not insurmountable and, as a community, I am quite confident that we will correct it. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."
Posted on May 8 at 11:08 a.m.
Seems backward, though, doesn't it? Potential to cause documented societal harm -- in this case gambling -- yea. Potential to demonstrate acceptance and equality -- in this case gay marriage -- nay?
Posted on February 5 at 2:32 p.m.
This hardly seems like a good candidate for demolition given that the original church is in sound condition (and occupied until very recently)and its in such a strategic location, seen coming up Wick Avenue from downtown.
Posted on October 30 at 10:12 a.m.
I think this is a wise move by Council. The City has been paying too much for too long to subsidize parking for events. This will free up some of the City's money for other things; my suggestion is that a portion of the savings go to a) improved signage in the downtown to point the public to the numerous parking areas available in the immediate area and b) a few patrolmen walking the downtown on event nights simply to have a presence and give directions to folks who may not have been downtown in 20 years. Those would be minor costs compared to the contract with USA parking and would have a much more positive effect on the vibrancy of the City.
And, for those who may not know, street parking in the City is FREE in the evenings and there are dozens of lots that cost no more than $2 for the entire day.
Posted on August 19 at 3:55 p.m.
Are "thrid graders" in "highs chool?" I guess they are just writing for their audience, Dr.G.
Posted on July 14 at 2:28 p.m.
A perfectly crafted editorial.
Posted on June 13 at 10:48 a.m.
Good point about the other property owners, bellab. This really is a systemic problem, and not necessarily a case of one poor landlord. Everyone in the Central Business District needs to be held to a high standard of maintenance; even moreso when the buildings they own are on the National Register of Historic Places. Without strict, enforceable standards, owners have no incentive, positive or negative, to maintain their properties. Negative incentives (i.e. fines) can be just as successful as positive ones in encouraging landlords to maintain their property properly.
Posted on June 12 at 4:51 p.m.
I also have to applaud the City for their actions. I was very encouraged to hear Mayor Williams felt very strongly about the situation when he phoned into the Dan Rivers Show. This problem is not insurmountable and, as a community, I am quite confident that we will correct it. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."