There. That's better. Still learning the ropes of various programs. Originally, I took one of the Molinaro Plan pictures; tweaked it to show the real proportions of what people will encounter at Bay Beach and then added the circle and slash. Since then, I found a template for the universal "prohibited" sign. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, I hope this picture makes it very clear that those of us who are opposed to the building of two condo towers on public beach front lands think it is really a stupid idea. Now to add to the stupidity is the recent revelation by town representatives at a Crystal Beach Neighbourhood Plan Reunion Brainwashing that the town is giving the upland portions of the Bay Beach Properties to the Molinaros in exchange for the building of amenities on the old dance hall foundation on the beach. This is definitely a WTF? Moment (tm Keith Olbermann.) What do you think?
85 comments:
Grab the pitch forks and remove these lame duck, can't think for themselves idiots! right out of Town Hall and lets take back our town NOW!
I double-dog dare you to try it.
What ever happened to tar and feathers. Martha would look good in them.
I'd like to run them all out of town (figuratively.) Don't like talk of torches and pitchforks, tar and feathers. We can do this legally and peacefully. The town is wrong in this and it is up to the good residents of this town to educate themselves on this issue and to make their opinions know to their elected officials.
I have already made my opinions known to the town. I am glad to see that they have accepted them.
Why dare me? afraid your Brown Nose won't be in the taxpayers trough anymore?
Remmber The BASTILLE!
Least We Forget...
65 years ago today (June 6) Canadians, British, and Americans, with our other
allies landed, at Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah, and Omaha beaches.
God rest the souls of the departed and God bless those that survive.
Forever Grateful,
your countrymen
So Say We All
So the truth comes out!
The developers and LAME DUCK council and out of control senior staff have LIED! as was fortold.
They will do anthing legal and ILLEGAL TO MAKE THE MILLIONS WHILE THEY DESTROY OUR BEACH, THEY DON"T CARE ABOUT ANY ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY!!
This morning on 610 AM the disscussion was on how consultants write reports the way the employers want them too and that they are BIASED!!!
Let the community hold a public meeting and we will see the TRUTH!!!
The LAME DUCK coucil will LIE for their developer overlords. To bad no one on that council has the courage and or balls to stand up for our community. What a shame.
PS. Where is Mayoral candidate Noyes in all of this? If you want to be Mayor then try showing some LEADRESHIP!!
You know .... nothing this council does anymore surprises me.
Let's face it folks, the mayor and council that was elected in this past election has disgraced our community.
To you Kim Gallagher, because I know our council has no balls or sense of right or wrong, I apologize to you on behalf of them for totally discounting your invited opinion, and basically saying "What you say means nothing to us".
This town is not owned by council or the mayor. It is owned by the citizens. We pay the taxes. It is our town and they people supposedly working for us ars raping us. They should be impeached and that joke of a city planner be fired.
It is uncanny how they ( the council) can totally ignore the concerns of their community. We know at least one councillor is aware of this blog as his wife has posted, but he doesn't have the courage, nor even care enough to respond to any comments made here. All he wants is his paycheck which WE are flipping the bill for.
If any councillor has any shred of decency, they would listen to their constituents, realize that council of the day is working adversely to their concerns, and step down from office.
After next election, when the are all voted out, I doubt that they can look anybody straight in the eyes, and will walk around with their heads down in shame. And you know what ..... they deserve it.
We all know it's a done deal and they will build on the beach. It's too bad the people of Fort Erie have no say ion what goes on in this town. Buyin a race track is a joke. Building a waterfront condo high class shops/restaurants is a joke. No road repairs are a joke. The council is a joke.
BUT NO HOSPITAL IS NOT A JOKE!
I am sorry I have not responded to the recent spin put on the FOCUS group. After several calls to THE town,no information was sent to me. I was told by the town (Rino) that the report was still a draft,and could not Email me a copy. Then a report lands in my lap that another group was picked by the town 7 people who just happen to be brainwashed by the granduer of the project, and told how this project would increase their businesses. NOW in the report it says R Mostacci indicated that he made it clear to them that the project IS council driven and that ALL staff actions on this matter are a result of the authorized direction from council. they were also directed to CALL staff with any questions about the proposal.I GET NO ANSWERS? The report went on to say due to the amount of inaccurate information and statements being made by some individuals. Imagine being part of this focus group and talking to the others present that this is inaccurate information. How DARE THEY. it goes on further to say what was the result of the random focus group? Opinion on the matter was BALANCED. ALL agreed "something" needs to be done in Crystal Beach,the status quo is not acceptable.
Participants felt that this new form of housing was something that was required in Fort Erie,as it allows members of the community to "age in place" in a housing form that required less maintenance. Imagaine this we told the town that there is TOO much developement going on now, and many are unfinished. How dare they use our elderly population as an excuse to build condos.
Full results of the survey will be provided to the public once
it is presented to council. I resent greatly that not only was I invited to this focus group and then be called a liar,just to spin the whole thing that THE PUBLIC is in favor of their greedy scheme to destroy our natural and beautiful asset.We must keep all the Bay Beach properties in the publics hands. and one last example of this towns stupitity is just look what they have done to the Lighthouse. or should I say NOT DONE.
The Dark Towers is NOT a Done deal! They want you to believe it so you will not fight!
It is far from a done deal and opposition IS building. People and Media outside Fort Erie are begining to pay attention and the Seniors excuse is a discracful SHAME! How low of them to use seniors as a tool for their crimminality! IF they need to build "seniors condo" there is plenty of room elsewhere!
The lame duck council and staff are terrified that this will begome an election issue. When it dose the corruption will be exposed!
The june 27 rally will be HELD ON THE BEACH!!! Just like the hospital rally was held AT THE HOSPITAL!
People. The crimminals at Town Haul are scared! They will not win if we the People of Fort Erie fight them! We have truth on our side, as long as we stand together( excluding the TOWN ASSKISSERS ON THE "SECOND " foucus group) we will WIN!! and we will save BAY BEACH
PS: in the review today it talks about the hundreds of millions of dollars from government spent in Niagara region, yet what is Fort Erie getting and why can't Fort Erie not get funding to upgrade Bay Beach? They can but our CONCIL and the senior staff are corrupt and on the take by the developoer- ask Lockwoods roommate.
I also agree with the prior blogger, where is councillor and Mayoral candidate Noyes? she sure is not making any.
Lots of press lately about the issue - in an oblique way. There was an announcement yesterday of three skyscrapers to be built on the Loretto Academy property. Those who will live in the condos will have an excellent view of the Horseshoe Falls. Now there is a good place to provide "aging in place" for seniors. BONUS! There's a hospital nearby! The bogus "aging in place" idea for the Dark Towers will never work in Fort Erie. Remember, three cemeteries no hospital? Then, there's all those infrastructure and building "gifts" from the government recently announced. Not one for Fort Erie. Where was our illustrious head of the EDTC? Or the mayor? Too busy, I guess doing spin control on the race track and Bay Beach. Then there's the CUPE P3 report that says Public Private Partnerships are very risky and usually much more costly. Wasn't that what the Molinaros and the town said they were doing, despite the Molinaros having no prior history or experience in this sort of partnership?
(All this information will be available on The Strand today.)
THEY ARE GETTING DESPERATE! The proof of that is the grasping-at-straws announcement that the Dark Towers will provide "aging in place." That statement is nothing but a steaming pile of _____!
How do we make this an election issue at the next election when it will be signed, sealed and delivered by then?
There are ways to delay the process. An appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board is an option, but there are other ways to delay this and they are being implemented right now. Hang in there and support those who are fighting against this travesty.
I'm sorry but I fail to see any delays being implemented. Once the report of the focus group is presented it will be deemed to be the end of public consultation and full speed ahead.
Where's Councillor Noyes? To busy writing pointless editorials! What about other groups that have a vested interest. The Conservation Authority? Has the Shorewalk Association made any statements in support or in opposition. Public access to beach's is their mandate is it not? Passero to busy baking cookies? Funny how they're real vocal about taking back a few feet of landscaped yards here and there, but with this issue, not a peep! What about Kim Craitor? Why not get his support to lend credibility to the cause! All afraid to take a stand!
This is NOT a "done deal!" Not by a long shot! There are many more procedures to come, including several under the Planning Act alone.
The public consultation has still many hurdles to go, the results of a private consultant, hired by the town, will hold little water - especially the heavy-handed way they did it. The criminals involved want to circumvent the protocols because they know the process will run into the 2010 municipal election, and once that happens all the dirt and THE TRUTHcomes out. Another reason they want to move fast (but cannot) is because media, institutions and organizations outside Fort Erie and the Niagara Region are begining to pay attention to this development nightmare. Questions and investigations have begun. Undestand this clearly: the people and organizations involved are not "small time." The Dark Towers development is estimated to have a construction cost of $30 Million dollars! The Molinaros and their bought puppets and Town Parasites stand to make $100 Million dollars!!! Do think for a hot second that those who stand to gain will not spend $1-2 million dollars in a "black budget" to silence opposiion, bribe officials, pay to have puppet candidates run in the next election, begin and escalate smear campaigins aganst anyone who opposes them? Do you think for a $100 million dollars, they care about the town and the people? NOT A CHANCE. The project proposal is a JOKE! Ask any first year planning and architect students. This lastest SCAM is that they will use the Dark Towers as a seniors residence! How disgraceful! Remember people: this is "big city politics" they do not play nice or fair. No, this is not a done deal in fact if the people hold their ground the Dark Towers will blow up in the liars faces.Who knows maybe some elected officials and Senior Town Staff will soon be singing Jail House Rock.
V
May I add a comment, When I was INVITED to be PART of THE focus group I called town Hall to see who else was invited, They would not tell me as it was confidential, So I asked if the Media was to attend, I was told yes! I felt o.K. with that as with media there, things would not be spinned. I am sorry now I trusted that statement, This whole spin would NEVER HAVE TAKEN PLACE. The TRUTH would have been in the paper the next day! as to the general oponions of the group. Another Lie made by the town, I am so upset with myself for taking their word for that, it really shows,WE can not trust the TOWN OR IT'S WORD.
Councillor Noyes had taken a stand when she put in an editorial advising the public that the first "focus group" would not be allowed to pose comments in opposition to the development, rather the only comments that were to be accepted were those as to the appearance of the development.
She has voted opposed in council ( along with Councillor Steckley) to the proposal.
I fear that she may be intimitated by the bullies on council. She has already been attacked by councillor Whitless ( with his string pulled by his puppetiers).... kinda like Howdy Doody. I don't doubt that threats have been made against her by fellow councillors .... JMHO.
It's joke to read the councillor's comments on the town haul website. councillor Lickwood stresses her ministerial background. Wonder what God thinks of her activities now, what with her questionable real estate deal of late.
I recall reading an article in the Review regarding councillor Whitless' campaign where he stated he had his "people" canvass door to door for votes because he doesn't really like talking to people. Good qualification for a public servant. Oh, and by the way, even though his application for his wifes business to be operated at their home was denied over a year ago, they still run it ..... illegally.
Fort Erie's Council IS corrupt. It will all come out, and the good old boys can get real close in jail ..... wink, wink ....
The mandate of the Ontario Shorewalk Association is the same now as it has been since its inception - to promote and enhance public access to Ontario's Great Lakes shoreline.
We have been extremely successful in everything we have set out to achieve and I am proud of our efforts and results. A membership list that continues to grow and a dedicated group of individuals who work every day in the pursuit of our mandate locally and provincially.
A newsletter is going out to our members shortly outlining our latest success - the acceptance of a Shorewalk submitted resolution by an international organization at their AGM - which will lend tremendous resources and influence to Shorewalk's main objective -'Right of Passage' along the shores of the Great Lakes throughout the province.
Locally, we share the same concerns as others regarding Bay Beach.
We are awaiting the site plans and further details and then will make a comprehensive presentation to council if anything proposed conflicts with our mandate. Those who know me or have ever seen any of my presentations to council on behalf of Shorewalk know that I don't pull any punches - and I have been very successful.
Increased signage at waterfront locations denoting public use, removal of encroachments and obstructions blocking public access, Right of Passage bill awaiting second reading in the legislature, surveys and improvements ongoing at waterfront road allowances, assisting other groups around the province with their public access struggles - all these successes and we've never had to call anybody any names or scream at the top of our lungs.
So our approach to the Bay Beach situation may be more behind the scenes than people would like when we lobby our position to staff and council, may not be as flashy as people might want it to be, and may not be the stuff that good blogs are made of - but we're not going to change the template we've used to achieve all the success that we have up until now.
I don't mind if you disagree with our position, our methods, or just don't like me personally, just have the guts to post your name - i'll bring over some cookies and we can discuss it.
We're all in this together.
Stephen Passero
President, Ontario Shorewalk Assoc.
Good for you Stephen! Instead of name calling do some digging, like the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Species at Risk, etc. Consultants can make any project sound wonderful, but they still have to comply with regulations set out by all levels of government. You have to fight knowledge with knowledge not names.
Galvanized by Mr. Phil Smith’s recent presentation to Fort Erie’s Town Council, Phil, my wife Pam & I, and an INDEPENDENT group of like minded individuals, met and agreed to organize a lawful and open public rally in support of retaining all of the Bay Beach property in the public trust and opposing the Molinaro proposal for the site.
From the first meeting on, advice and input was sought and or offered from a variety of individuals, some of which are members of “The Shore Walkers” , FOCB, and other organizations. These folks participated NOT as official representatives of any of these fine groups, but simply as private individuals willing to act, on their own accord, in assisting with this effort.
To this day, the rally remains an independently organized event and we, as it’s organizers have not requested any “official” endorsement from any other group or organization. With that said, it should be noted that the FOCB was most generous when it offered to pick up the cost of those yellow and black “Bay Beach” signs you see all over town. The signs themselves were originally proposed by my wife Pam and initially paid for by my sister Sally McCarthy and her husband Tom.
The Friends of Crystal Beach were kind enough to cover the cost and in doing so requested that the www.focb.net be added to the message. That cooperation is gratefully appreciated. Given our “common cause” it makes a lot of sense.
As we get closer to the Saturday, June 27 1:00 pm rally, other organizations may or may not be considering similar cooperation. Rightfully and respectfully, that is their prerogative!
These groups need to be true to their mandates and their membership. Our organizing committee FULLY understands and respects that. In fact, that is exactly why we chose the INDEPENDENT route in the first place.
Our intent is to offer a peaceful, independent, open, and proper public demonstration in support of what many people feel is the best option for Fort Erie in regards to the Bay Beach property.
We have enjoyed Town Hall’s cooperation and guidance in organizing this event and sincerely thank our Town Clerk, Carolyn Kett for her professionalism.
As it stands, it now looks as though it’s just a matter of…
If you care…Be there !
For further inquiry please feel free to contact:
keepitallpublic@gmail.com
Respectfully,
John McCarthy
"all these successes and we've never had to call anybody any names or scream at the top of our lungs."
Take a lesson Editor.
This editor will continue to call 'em as I see 'em. Calling out lies and incompetence who are not working on behalf of the people who elected them is part of my mandate. Please do not hold me to the standards of others. I'm of the philosophy, and always will be, that being nice has its merits, but it also causes some people to think you're a pushover. The Bay Beach issue is at the point where "being nice will no longer suffice." There is a concerted effort to discredit, disrupt and disregard the opposition to the Molinaro Plan by those who have a vested interest in the scheme - some of whom are people who are being paid by the taxpayers. We forewarned the people of many of the situations and happenings that are now taking place. We were right. (I also wish that I could print the whole story but I can't until all the proof is in place.)There are people in office and certain well-paid staff at town hall who have openly lied to people; have acted unethically and incompetently; and carried on some of these activities behind closed doors. I will be publishing a letter I just received from the Ombudsman's Office regarding a complaint lodged by myself and others. I will continue to keep up the heat (and I promise not to be nice) until these miscreants are run out of town. If you want to read a Pollyanna-style newsblog, go elsewhere.
I have to agree with the Editor. It is all fine and well to address issues in a civil, friendly and ethical manner. And if organizations choose to do do so, well, that is their choice and their mandate is appreciated.
Their efforts would work well with a council that will actually listen to what they say and ACCEPT those words spoken.
Unfortunately, the council of the day rejects the opinion of their community, as verified by their recent dismissal of the comments made by the first focus group.
I appreciate the mandate of the Ontario Shorewalk Association, and respect fully the attitude in which they approach the concerns. However, as I had posted before,think about this.
What developer is going to promote a set of condo's situated on a lake and not include in their presentation the alure of boating pleasures associated with their condo. MARK MY WORDS ..... and refer to them in 3 years if this development goes through. There WILL be outbuildings built close to the shoreline to house boating needs, ( ie: lifejackets, fuel, etc.), there WILL be docking facilities extending into the water to accommidate said watercraft, there WILL be a walkway constructed from the condos to the dock and protected by a chain link fence and locked gates to protect the condo owners watercraft property. This happens everywhere where resorts, condos, gated communities are developed. No developer is going to build a development on lakefront property and not take advantage of the selling feature of unobstructed access to the water. THINK ABOUT IT !!! AND ...... will fight tooth and nail, with high priced lawyers to defeat anybody, or any organization, that attempts to thwart their objectives.
To the Friends of Crystal Beach .... again, I applaud your mandate and respect your objectives and means to meet them.
But the friends that are united today, WILL be dispersed should this development be realized.
You stand united now, but should this development go through, your local business' WILL suffer greatly during the construction phase, perhaps even go into closure. Your neighbours WILL not realize the value that they have invested in their property to better their neighbourhood and community. Their homes which house many family memories will be deemed inferior to the new constructions and will only be viewed as proprties to be bulldozerd down along with all the happy family times shared. No longer will you be able to walk along Erie Road and snack on an icecream on a warm summer evening, or grab a hotdog and visit the quaint shops. Your favourite restaraunt will be gone. Crystal Beach as we know it today WILL be bulldozed down, and it's history will begin again in 2010, with all of it's past erased as the blades of heavy equipment slice into your past.
So ...... as much as I respect your mandates and the way you choose to accomplish them, please respect MY mandates and not deny me the right to call a crook a crook, an irresponsible council an irresponsible council, and expose illegalites associated with this proposed development, and with the council of the day as I become aware of them. The current council has over it's short term squandered Fort Erie taxpayers of their money, turned it's back on it's community, let an aquired historic landmark trusted in it's hand succumb to a horrible neglected state, and a re not selling, but GIVING away a portion of probably one of the countries most desireable beaches, and have association with a company that has intentions to expand the destruction of our community to extend construction of similar projects all the way to Point Abino Road.
So excuse me if my words offend you, as you have worded your's with such grace ..... but our town haul is a disgrace and a vote of non-confidence would be in order.
And as much as I appreciate your having signed your name, I choose not to.
Respectfully,
Anonymous
Well said Blogger!
The people, united, will never be defeated...
It's your choice.
V
A united group of people didn't stop the rape of our hospital...
You might be right about the hospital, but that isn't over yet. There are rumours that there is hope yet. Just as I hope that people remember all this in the next provincial election and the soon to be called federal election.I hope people also remember who hired and approved senior staff at town like Rino Mostacci, who doesn't even live in Fort Erie, and who plans to leave his post as soon as the Bay Beach Properties are sold. Also remember who voted to develop the Bay Beach Properties. Peggy Fraser said in her recent letter to the editor: the hospital situation started way back in the Harris Government. Kim Craitor has worked tirelessly to save DMH, but he will probably be voted out of office merely because he's a liberal. I really hope that the electorate takes the time to research the issues before voting. Having said that: it's time for some housecleaning - on all levels of government. Read this:
http://tinyurl.com/mjfwz8
So the small community of Grand Bend can upgrade their beach but our incompentent Clowncil and corrupt staff cannot find grant money and need sell of our Public lands to get a return on investment!!!
How much return is the Clowncil getting for the Freinship trail, the Meth building, the riverwalk the joke called the race track( which will close next year- what a WASTE of $3million) and all the other "projects" the Clowncil has funded?
Sell off the riverwalk,fire senior staff and have Martin resign then we can do the job right.
The Dark Towers will not be built.
The People will have a New Council and NEW senior Staff.
PS Where was our"mayor" for the meeting of waterf ront municipalities? to ashamed to show his face! This Loser can't even control the staff of a small town.
Technically, the Niagara Parks Commission owns the River Walk- so you will have to take that issue up with their disfunctional board of directors. That area has yet to have a "Community Plan" assigned to it.....
Why is that noT a suprise?
My my how quiet are the town Asskissers.....nothing to say?
Speaking of the riverwalk isn,t that area of town booming now ?,don,t you remember that a--hole Redecrap at the opening of that waste of money riverwalk telling the people how this would be the revitalization of the south end of town just as the flower gardens on Garrison Rd. would revitalize that section of town and i remember Berry arguing with that idiot in a council meeting how this needless project would be a costly venture that we the taxpayer would be paying for forever with no benefit to the ratepayers of this town, i guess he was right. They can,t grow any thing in them with replantings on a regular basis and the astronomical costs of maintaining these weedbeds the plows that are smashing them to bits because you don,t put obstructions in the path of plow trucks you normally move them out of their paths because you don,t normally see these obstructions under 2 feet of snow.
Lets keep putting these corrupt leaders in positions that enable them to hire all their buddies and pals and allow them to screw the hard working and honest people that say anything that they don,t like or speak out when they see something wrong.
To Wayne and Dug and the rest of the corrupt council and the corrupt members of town haul your time is comming and if we can find some police that you don,t have influence over maybe we can put you in jail where you belong.
Oh was that what Riverwalk was supposed to do? The problem is that the almighty parks commission owns most of the property along the river and you cannot do a bloody thing without their permission.
The problem at hand is that you have to get the whole town involved, and treat this issue as a "Crystal Beach problem". We are a community of small villages that don't really connect with one another unless it has a common thread to it such as the hospital.
I just became aware that it was the Molinaro Group that bought Marcy's Woods a few years back. Does anybody know if this is factual.
I also learned that the Molinaro Group has also bought more beachfront property on Erie Road through a private sale.
As far as I know, Marcy's Woods was bought by the DiCiensa, a developer from Niagara Falls. He has assured everyone that he will retain the property as a family retreat. As to the properties along the lake shore, those are privately-owned and, if a developer wants to buy them, so be it. There may be a fight if they try to change the zoning, but that's another issue entirely. What we're saying is simply this: THE BAY BEACH PROPERTIES BELONG TO THE PUBLIC. They should remain public and they should be enhanced and improved. There is grant money and there are fund-raising opportunities to improve the properties - in phases. The town planner and staff have cooked up this deal with the Molinaros and the mayor, Councillors Annunziata, Shular, Whitfield and Lockwood have supported LOSING OF OUR LAST PUBLIC BEACH FRONT PROPERTY AND PARKING LOTS IN CRYSTAL BEACH ~ FOREVER. Once this travesty is done, there's no going back. If this goes through, we'll have two DARK TOWERS where we once had a view of the beach and parking (and don't even get me started on the"access" issue.) IT WILL BE AN ELECTION ISSUE January, 2010 an election year begins. Six months.
The Old Boys Club (OBC), including the Corrupt Senior Staff (CSS), Town Parasites and Asskissers (TPA) have begun a campagin of slander, spying with electronic bugs(which by the way the Niagara Regional Police refuse to investigate because Mayor Doug Martin is Vice-Chair of the Police Services Board) and defimation against anyone who is standing up to them and could be a threat to them in the next election.
What they fail to see is that the people have awakened to what they are and the danmage they have done to our community while they and their buddies grow fat at the expense of the taxpayer.
The people have begun to fight aganist them and on November 12 2010- just as the BRAVE people of Iran are standing up and against their oppressers so will the People of Fort Erie. There will be those who will try to discredit this truth but remmeber this: It matters not if the oppression is at the federal level or Municipal level, the opprression is still the same......
"And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and depression".
"And where once you had the freedom to object, think, and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission".
"How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror".
"I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which CONSPIRED to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor".
"He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demand was your blind obedince and submission".
V
Remmeber, Remmeber the 5th....12th of November.
Okay, let me get this straight. The Town has enough money and technology and time to electronically spy on Whom? Man, I didn't know that we had such a progressive and high tech local government. I'd like to actually see the development move forward. We need something to stimulate growth in the area. I'm guessing that this will be "moderated" and not posted.
We have proof that a local community activist's business was "bugged." admitted to by someone who had seen videos and heard audio tapes. The matter was turned over to the police, but nothing has been done to date. We suspect that is has to do with pressure by certain people who are on the police services board. As to your opinion that the new development will "stimulate growth in the area," please explain. I believe that's a chimera manufactured by the proponents to make people believe that things will get better in Crystal Beach when this development is built. The so-called "benefits" are rather vague. I just don't see it.
Hey I just came across this blog.
It's awesome!! Some banjo music would make it perfect.
Hey, send me a clip and I'll put it on the site. I'm leaning toward steel drum music or reggae, ya know mon.
You have proof of the story of the century and you won't spill it. Come on.
It may have to wait for next election - unless the police do something before. We'll sit on the story while it festers and let those who ordered the bugging sweat some more. It has elements of Watergate. In the meantime, we'll just "follow the money."
What is so hard to believe that The Old Boys Club is spying on it's political opponets?
It is the media that Federal Ministers Van Loan And our very own MP Rob Nicohlson are goiung to pass LAWS that will let police spy on YOU via your emails, internet, and track YOU via your cell phone WITHOUT A WARRANT and you think the crimminals at Town Haul will not do anything they can to keep their power? Have you ever tried to deal with Town Haul? Take a moment to stop grazing, lift your head up and look around to what is happening.
That "V" blogger is right. We are losing our freedoms and we are to blame. I will be voting in all elections from now on and I will fight this "dark towers" development.
Hold strong editor!
Bay Beach Resident
My advice to those who are thinking about running for council or for mayor-they should be getting their face out to the public so that we can see who you are. It frustrates me to no end whether it is at a municipal level or at a federal level that you see someone coming in at the last minute. People vote for familiarity- you have to remember it all comes down to a popularity contest.
It would be nice if that was changed and there were people running for the greater good of the WHOLE town, heck I would settle for the good of their own ward at this point.
wouldn't it be cool if we could summon Science Officer Spok from the future to run for Council. He could fix this mess for sure.
Editor, first let me state that I share yours and many other posters concerns regarding the proposed development and the shortcomings of our council. But i do have to pose some questions.
Regarding the alledged "bugging" of a local business, exactly what has been turned over to the police. Is it just a statement of this activity as I suspect that the video and audio tapes are in the possesion of the perpetrators.
That being said, the person who has actually seen these tapes must be in the company of those who have possesion of these tapes. You direct your discussion on this issue towards city hall, so you have lead us to assume that they are involved in this matter and you have an inside contact there supplying you with information or mis-information.
I do not undestand why you keep putting things off until the election. A lot can happen in a year and a half before the new council, or old, are sworn inTo keep putting off any action against the development until the election provides the current council ample time to vote this deal through.
As for the alledged tapes, this is a serious crime. You also are suggestion that the police are co-conspiring in this by not reacting and investigating this. Go to the RCMP. I would think it better to see the persons involved charged, jailed and removed from their council seats in a disgraced manner rather than making it an election issue where they simple lose the election over this issue.
We keep posting to get rid of this city council NOW, but when an overwhelming issue comes up that can certainly ruin the political careers of those involved, you choose not to react for another year.
I have to admit that you, the Editor, have a history of making statments suggestion an inpropriety and promising to report later on them, and they never seem to happen. You have done so three times in this thread already.
This is an earth shattering event, this alleged "bugging" that would rock city hall. Why wait?
As far as I know, the "bugging" issue has been brought to the RCMP's attention. I was told of this situation by those who were "bugged." I suggested exactly what you have, but they are proceeding in this matter in their own way. That is why I haven't fully reported on it. The NRP is aware of the situation; the "bugs" had already been removed; and the investigation was dropped - even though an NRP officer overheard a telephone conversation where one person admitted to seeing and hearing tapes of private conversations conducted in the place of business. Someone is stonewalling this investigation and, if I had the time and money, I would pursue it further, but I'm trying to concentrate on the Bay Beach issue as that it critical. The town is moving on the Bay Beach situation very quickly and we must stop it! I will reread this thread and try to keep any promises I made. Frankly, the last several months have been very difficult for me personally. I'm trying very hard to get back on track.
The Bugging issue is very real and shocking. It is no joke.
Legal consultaion is underway and higher level police forces are being consulted because threats have also been made against some of the towns political opponets.
Remmeber the director of EDTC has made threats against two Fort Erie Councillors and so far has gotten away with it because the Mayor will do nothing about this crime.
You are correct this is very serious and yes it IS happening in Fort Erie and YES at some point it will all come forward.
You must understand that the corruption in this town has reached such levels that some will do almost anything to cover it up and are attempting to do so.
The biggest question is Why is the Niagara Regional Police NOT conducting a proper investicgation and are doing all they can to stonewall it?
The evidence is real but this proccese must be handled very carefully because of the seriousness of this matter. Forget about the local media, they are Biased and will not speak the truth in case the Town dose not place an Ad wih them. Right Martha?
Congrats People of Fort Erie you reached the big times.
Spying Technology is cheap and easy to use, if you go against Town Hall they maybe spying on you as well.
Are you proud of yourselves?
If this is all true, then bring it out. As long as all the sources are true, there is no fear of litigation. All the hints and time will tell statements just doesn't cut it,sorry.
As it was said before, if there is anyone that is going to run in the next municipal election-get your face out there so we can see an know who you are. I know that down in my ward, no one even bothered come door to door. That says a lot, don't you think?
I believe it is true. I work for the Town and you shouls see what those ass@%$#s do to the workers.
We are constantly working in an enviorment of fear, made to do jobs that we are not supposed too and YES they do favors for thier buddies. I you speak out they will make it very unpleasent to work there so you either put up with it or are forced to leave. Forget about the Mayor and council. They do waht they are told by staff. I have a family to support and cannot say nothing. I hope that the truth dose come out and can understand why the Towns opponets are careful. My prayers are with them.
I brought up the "bugging" incident as an example of what certain people in this town are capable of to get what they want. This is a war we're in against the town and the Molinaros on the Bay Beach issue. They will (and have) spread lies and will (and have)used their influence and money to get what they want: another Burlington on Lake Erie. If you want to see high rise condos all along the shore of the lake from Crystal Beach to Point Abino, then support them, because that's what they're working towards. Just read the newspapers. It's all there! I'm trying to fins the time to put this all in The Strand because the people need to wake up! Go to the rally next Saturday @ 1:00 p.m.
To the anonymous town worker who gave a vivid and accurate description of the atmosphere at town hall: we fully understand what you're going through. Numerous town workers have expressed the exact same sentiments - even certain elected officials have expressed their frustration that everything that comes before council is STAFF DRIVEN - especially the Molinaro Project. We have also heard of the theft of gas and services by town staff; the use of town vehicles for private use; drunken driving in town vehicles; missing computers and office equipment; town workers being forced to do private work for "buddies" of certain staff; violations of labour agreements; threats and the overall destruction of the morale of the hard-working front-line workers. We are on your side and the side of the many honest, hard-working citizens of this community who deserve a whole lot better for their hard-earned tax dollars than what they're currently getting. We must clean out town hall of these people who have no respect for the taxpayers - the very people who pay their salaries. That will come in 2010 with your help. Right now, we need to stop the juggernaut that will destroy one of our greatest assets - our public beach properties. Please keep us informed of your struggle.
The people, united, will never be defeated...
It's your choice.
Remember, remember, the 12 of November! (2010)
V
Hey Editor.
I'm not up on my municipal laws but I was told by a friend of mine that if that "Crystal Beach AD" was placed in the Fort Erie Times by the Town and that Councillor Martha Lockwood works for the Times then is she not in conlict of interest? If she votes in the matter of the "dark towers" then she is subject to crimminal prosecution and remmoval from office. Is this true?
I have always maintained that Martha was in conflict of interest anytime an issue came up that deals with an advertiser in the Fort Erie Times, but she has gotten away with it so far. However, there may be a much larger conflict on her horizon: her life partner and roommate has a vendor's license to sell jewelry on Bay Beach in the building that houses the snack bar. If Martha is to benefit directly or indirectly from the proceeds of her friend's business, she would be in conflict. She was seen working at her friend's booth a couple of weeks ago - another conflict. That means that she cannot vote on issues regarding the Bay Beach Properties because she is benefitting directly from a business on that property. However, it is up to someone on council to draw that to the attention of the council at a council meeting if she doesn't declare a conflict. So far, she has been Teflon Martha. She has a lot of 'splainin' to do.
Monday, June 22/09
Well done, Phil, on the radio interview today. Hopefully you have opened eyes from farther afield who may not realize what is happening here in the Fort.
I hope they will join the rally on Saturday to learn more about what is really happening.
Is there any way someone could construct a small tower to actually show how tall a 12 story building would be? Or fly kites on strings with the same length of string to represent how high the towers would tower?
Just some ideas...
Again, plaudits to Phil.
Keep the faith.
ITA regarding Phil's excellent interview. I listened to 610 all afternoon and, on every newscast, mention was made of the rally, along with soundclips of Phil's interview. Kudos to him and to all the organizers of the rally. Good idea about the kites. Difficult to build something that is 120 ft. tall, but a kite might be a good example. Contact Phil or John McCarthy.
Yes truly well done Phil on the radio piece.
The only thing missing was a reference to why you're really opposed to the project - that it undermines years of exploitative and speculative real estate and rental activities in Crystal Beach.
Now that's ringing endorsement. Exploitative real estate practices have been going on in Crystal Beach since the dawn of the previous millennium. And now we are facing the biggest one of all! The dark towers looming over our public beach, inhabited by people who pay big money to avoid those people. We all know what will happen to our public beach. You'll be hearing some :ager in Place" yelling, "Get off my beach!"
hate to say it but martha lockwood didnt lie when she said she didnt want to see public lands sold. they are giving them away not selling
So true. Who'd a thunk that the town would be sooo stupid that it's giving away the land! I heard that the "amenities" will offset the assessed value of the land. Guess they're putting in gold toilets in the washrooms.
If these towers are so great, let Fort Erie put them in their own backyard not ours.
I have no real problem with high rise condos per se, but they do not belong on publicly owned beach property. There are many other places - even along the Lake Erie shoreline where such a development would be more appropriate. My problem is, and has always been, that the Bay Beach Properties are publicly owned lands and should remain for public use. Other communities treasure their public lake front lands and enhance the visitors' experience - not give away or sell public beach front lands. If the Molinaros - or any other developer, wants to buy private property and build high rises, within the parameters of the existing neighbourhood plans, then so be it.
I am hoping that our elected town officials have the intrest of the community regarding the bay beach RALLY not RIOT to-morrow and show up, because after all it is a community event. and if they don't show it would be out of guilt to even try such a unfeasable development. I hope they can see first hand just how upset they have made the great people and caring people in Crystal Beach.And to the great residents of the greater Fort Erie area. these towers are not in place to the area, Let there be development,but NOT AT THE BEACH. this means so much to many many in the area PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE BEACH. And keep all Bay Beach Properties in the publics hands.
If common sense would prevail, it should have been noted that these condos would not fit in with the local landscape at all. You have a serie of "Cape Cod" houses on what was Crystal Beach and then the rest of the village which comprised of cottages, some year round houses and a village center that has seen several themes.
There are many problems attached to this proposal that would require a great deal of money to fix it. Like the underground parking,and the additional stress to the sewers. If it still goes, you can still go to the OMB
Excellent points. We hope that it won't have to go to the OMB, but we're willing to go there if needed. We're hoping that, once the Molinaros fully realize that there is widespread opposition to their plan - reasoned, logical opposition - that they'll withdraw. After all, our dispute is not with them. They are merely doing what they do best. All the press and attention that those in opposition have received of late, has to be an aggravation that a professional group, like the Molinaros, does not need. The problem all started, I believe, with our Grimsby-based town planner, Rino Mostacci. It was his department that reached out to developers to come up with plans to develop the Bay Beach Properties; it was his department that convinced council that it would cost over $3 million to rehab the property; it was his department that used studies of parking and the Lobster House to build a case that the property was not giving the town "a return on its investment;" it was his department that has lobbied and convinced council members to look into private development of the property; and it was he that accompanied Martha Lockwood to Port Credit over a year ago for a "fact-finding" tour to see the lake side development there - all on private lands. Now he states, in the Fort Erie Post that the town had applied for grants to fix up Bay Beach, but they were "not successful." That statement needs to be challenged as this is the first time anyone has heard of the town applying for grants re: the Bay Beach Properties. Mostacci's original goal seems to have been to sell off the property, but his department has gone a step further - the town is now giving the property to the Molinaros. This is clearly beyond the pale and, in another community (one whose mayor and council are really working for the people who elected them,) such a recommendation would probably result in the firing of the staff member who suggested it. Instead, we here in Fort Erie are being victimized by a staff-driven recommendation that goes against the history, character and zeitgeist of one of the most unique parts of our community. This staff-driven recommendation, IMHO, is a travesty; one that we can never corrected if it is realized. We must work to see this stopped - if not for us - for future generations.
the town did not apply for grants to fix up bay beach, the post is wrong.
Did the Post misquote Mostacci - or did the Grimsby-based town planner allegedlygive misinformation? Certain remarks made by Mostacci that appeared in the Buffalo News front page article of June 9, angered residents along Erie Road in Crystal Beach. Mostacci, according to reliable sources, maintains that he did not say those remarks and was misquoted. Perhaps we're seeing a pattern here? All I know is that I have been following the Bay Beach Saga since 2002 and this is the first time I have ever heard of the town applying for grants to fix up the Bay Beach Properties. The FOCB has been trying to get the town to do this. It's the same story with the Point Abino Lightstation: the town finally applied for grant money to fix it up before it's too late, but, to the best of anyone's knowledge, this is the first time they have applied - and that was only after a local newspaper article and pressure from PALPS brought it to people's attention. It's "engineered blight," IMHO.
or did the post make a simple error ? did the buffalo news confirm those statements made by third parties with an agenda credited to mostaci, only anonymous statements, except those from yourself -- were you the anonymous person?
It was a misquote in the Post and will be likely be retratcted by next week
I'm not sure what you're talking about in regard to the Buffalo News, but what I had to say about it was printed in the news article. I did not make any anonymous statements - not my style. It seems that Mostacci's assertion that the $3 million price tag to fix up the beach may also have been incorrect. He has made conflicting statements about where or how he arrived at that figure, yet in the Post, he says that it came as a result of numerous studies conducted by the town, citing the Lobster House Study as an example. That study cost several thousand dollars to conduct and the conclusion was that it would cost a lot of money to refurbish the Lobster House. Duh. We're all still scratching our heads over the Mostacci assertion in the Post that the town tried to get grant money to fix up Bay Beach. There may have to be a retraction, because we don't know of any grant applications that were "not successful." Just came back from the Rally. Great job by all the organizers. Good turnout. Will upload pictures and update The Strand shortly - after I treat my sunburn.
To the less than honourable Mayor Doug Martin and his band of disrepectful councillors. That would be Councillors Sandy Annunziata, Rick Shular, Tim Whitfield, and Martha Lockwood.
You were voted into office by your constituents under the guise that you would act in the best interest of the community. To date, you have done nothing, nothing, to benefit Fort Erie or the citizens therin.
As it appears, all action on you parts have been to benefit yourselves.
You will NOT see another term and you WILL be remembers as what you are ...... a bunch of selfish, crooks.
To Councillors Noyes and Steckley. You have served your constituents well, they should be pround. Further, you have served all residents of Fort Erie with respect, compassion and concern. Hold your heads high.
I cannot help but to laugh at the vision of Martin, Whitfield and Schular standing in the background of the rally .... like a bunch of ball-less babies, afraid to voice their assertions in this project, unless protected by their closed councilo meetings. Though I have great distaste for C ouncillor Lockwood and her selling out her own ward, at least she had balls to present her objection to the rally by passing out pro-development pamphlets. I can only say that she has more balls than the other political conspirators scowering in the background. Infact, as I understand it, none of them have balls larger than those found on a female snake. Dammit ..... you are supposed to be MEN, but you hide in corners, behind closed doors, behind ladies skirts, and as far as I am concerned ...... well, I am glad I am not like you. You all know of this blog, but don't have the guts to address your community through it ..... you are spineless wimps.
You WILL push this development through because you stand to lose if you don't. You WILL lose the next election, but not to worry, your pockets will be padded because you betrayed those who put their faith in you.
Sleep well Brutus .......
Has there ever been a less respected Councillor than Councillor Whitfield? My word...the man is the least equipped person to be a public servant I've ever seen. Please someone, any one, run against him in the rapidly approaching election. The thought that this man represents me is downright embarrassing. I know of constituents of his who call other councillors just to avoid dealing with the him.
Having trouble updating the website, but have you read Whitfield's comments in the Niagara Falls Review? And he calls the information at the rally misleading. He was asked to speak and he, as well as Martha declined. He's a coward to stand in front of his constituents and defend his position. All he can do is insult a female colleague at council or in the press. Read this: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1633514
Mr. Whitfield had only a shred of respect from me before this rally, but after reading the NF Article what little there was is now gone. If he feels so passionately about correcting any misconceptions, or the outright lies that he alludes to, what better opportunity would there have been than to speak to the people directly and answer questions? He could have cleared up any misconceptions right then and there.
After catching that little article from Buffalo and Martha's remarks ....she is but a legend in her own mind if she dares to believe that she is right and all the good people who attended the rally on saturday are wrong. I wouldn't vote for her again if she ran for garbage truck driver! Mad as hell
People, unless I missed something here --this is a dead issue!!! We the PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!!! Dont need to waste any more energy on studies, unless there's a problem with returning the payoffs, then oh well that sounds like personal problems.
Well, once again, we have a record of what they've said about the issue. I assume that Whitfield will be demanding a retraction from the Niagara Falls Review for "misquoting him," as will Martha, who was identified as a protester on the WIVB-TV piece. Then there's the town planner who has ALLEGEDLY demanded a retraction from the Buffalo News and the Fort Erie Post for printing "misquotes." He has ALLEGEDLY already admitted that the town NEVER applied for any grants to fix up Bay Beach. (I have to be really, really careful how I word things here.) I am being threatened (by e-mail) with a lawsuit by a lawyer who CLAIMS he has been retained by you-know-who. It seems I have ALLEGEDLY damaged his reputation in The Strand. Gee, I thought that no one read The Strand. Reporting that he was "formerly fired" was inaccurate on my part - very sloppy journalism. Mea Culpa. I should have said, "it is common knowledge, although unsubstantiated by hard copy proof, that a certain town planner was fired from a previous job as planner in another Niagara community." It is also my opinion, as borne out through observation; quotes in the media; ads placed in local papers; witnesses to the May 14 focus group; tapes of council proceedings; his long time association with the Molinaro Group (that's also on tape;) that our town planner has deliberately manipulated information and data to make it appear to the Molinaros that the people of this community are overwhelmingly in favour of selling/giving our public beach lands to be privatized. The Molinaros are beginning to understand, IMHO, that they were misled about public opinion. They are a class act and have a good reputation to uphold. The blowback from the opposition to their plan could be devastating.
As to another rumour that I printed in The Strand: I have heard from reliable sources at town hall (again, cannot be confirmed by hard copy or from someone who will go on record) that both our Grimsby-based, high paid senior staff members plan to "retire" back to Grimsby once the Molinaro Plan is completely under way. Let's just call this a prediction and leave it at that. And speaking of predictions, I said this years ago: Tim Hudak will be the next Conservative Premier in Ontario. (I just hope it isn't anytime soon. McGinty is no great leader, but do we really need a repeat of the Harris Years?)
Not trying to make light of the subject, but I find it freaking hilarious to reflect on Councillor Lockword's closing remark in her write-up on the town's website.
It reads. "As I campaigned people asked me how being a pastor and a politician would mesh. I told them everyone brings their values and morals to public office; the people of Ward 5 just have a better idea of what mine are."
Talk about pulling the wool over someone's eyes just to get elected. She feels that her constituents had, (not have because they have learned better since ) yet she doesn't give a rats a$$ about what they feel. And trust me, their values and morals FAR exceed hers. It is one thing to preach God's words and another to live by them. Sorry Martha, you just don't cut it if your values and morals are as high as you promote them to be.
Thousands have signed petitions, hundreds have gathered in protest on a number of occasions voicing their opposition to her and councils actions. She and they turn a deaf ear to their people. Jesus healed the deaf.
In as much as Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, so too is Martha betraying the people who put their faith in her. The difference being, we don't know the amount of the bribe ......YET.
You have to admit, it takes a lot of guts, or determination to have printed and pass out leaflets that oppose the views of the organizors that promoted the rally. There must be something there that motivated such action.
As for Whitfield, he is a joke. One which we will be laughing at for years to come.
Q: What do you call a councillor who likes to trash responsible, female councillors?
A: Whitfield
Hahahaha ..... I crack myself up !!!!
Q: What weighs 200 pounds, has strings tied to his hands and feet, and a hand up his butt to mouth the words he is told to speak?
A: Whitfield
OH-oh ....... Timmy, Timmy, Timmy ..... Dougy is going to poop all over you.
Politics 101: You do NOT announce your arch rival's candidacy for Mayor at an event that reflects her as actually having listened and caring for the concerns of the constituents. Where did you get your politics degree? From a matchbook cover. No wait, you don't smoke .....good for you. Didn't want to say it ( it's too corny) but, from a gumball machine.
Tim, do you, Doug, Rick, Sandy and Martha not realize that you are committing political suicide here. This fiasco that you have evolved yourselves in will follow you through your days with whatever political aspirations you may have.
You certainly Tim will not be re-elected. And I suspect your counterparts in this mess will realize the same. Councillor Noyes will be the next Mayor if she chooses to pick up the gauntlet, and then finally, with all of you gone, we will finally see some responsible governing of OUR town.
I got one,
Q: What's black and white and only 3 feet tall?
A: Councillor Lockwood in her sermon gown bending over to kiss Molinaro Group's butt.
Q: How many councillors does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: FOUR, with a Mayor telling them how to do it. Well, they screwed everything else. Might as well screw something that is productive.
But ..........
It only takes TWO responsible Councillors to be smart enough to turn on the switch. :)
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