UPDATE: Remember when both Martin and Thibert commented on the letter written by developer Rainer Hummel explaining why he was pulling out of developing a small lot on Ridge Road in Ridgeway? Of course, Martin and Thibert blamed it on the present council and offered that, after the fall elections, developers may once again trust Fort Erie.
Well, thanks to acting CAO Tom Kuchyt, the truth finally trickled out. When Hummel bought the property in June, 2013 there with "a few stipulations which include a time frame for a site plan," according to a quote in the Fort Erie Times. Kuchyt goes on to say, "We wanted to see it (the property) developed quickly. It was getting close to those time lines to move forward and there was nothing there."
And there you have it, folks. Hummel had no idea what he was going to do with the property and he had run out of time to submit a site plan. So, he bailed, blaming the "poor treatment" of the Molinaro Group as his reason. So, I guess we have no right to call Hummel out for delaying a major part of the revitalization of Ridgeway? There was a doctor who had already put together plans for the property and was all set to go - until Hummel swooped in to buy the property.
Just as we figured. Yeah, Martin will do almost anything to destroy the reputations of the four councillors. Maybe Bob Gale would like to hear about this on his new Whistleblower website. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
WARNING: Trolls are out in force over this post. They must be afraid of Arlene White. LOL. Sorry, trolls. You'll get no attention here.
So, who is really against development? Certainly not The Four who have approved and encouraged development in Fort Erie. Sure, Don Lubberts from Ward 5 successfully ran for election with the promise that he would do everything in his power to stop the Bay Beach Project, something he was against since it was first pitched by long-gone town planner Rino Mostacci. Despite what others might say, this Fort Erie Council has voted in favour of many developments - unanimously - like the Canadian Motor Speedway. The fact-challenged screed from other sources is designed to make people believe that The Four are anti-development. This effort has been headed up by Martin and Thibert.
Well, now there is further proof that Mayor Martin and Jim Thibert, GM of the Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism are really against any development that does not suit their own agenda.
Case in point: a suggestion by Arlene White that a causeway-type connection from Netherby Road to Grand Island in New York State might be an option to consider for an international crossing.
Of course, Martin and Thibert jumped all over the idea, offering a wet blanket to snuff out the idea before it has a chance to breathe.
Martin called the plan "more of a pipe dream than
reality," which would have considerable impact on
people living in the area.
Like the Bay Beach Project was a pipe dream of a long-gone town planner? Some of us still smart at the statement by Mostacci that he envisioned high rises all along the bay in Crystal Beach. Thankfully, Mostacci is now realizing his latest "pipe dream" of an NHL arena in Markham.
Thibert added:
"There's no real credibility in this idea," he said,
believing officials should focus on trying to put a
second span on the Peace Bridge.
Remember folks, these are the same guys who helped run the Ambassador Bridge
developer out of town. We would have a second bridge to the US by now if not for Doug Martin,
Ron Reinas, Thibert and others. Some of us remember the dog and pony show that went on
years ago to distract people away from supporting the Ambassador Bridge. The promise of a
new bridge went away as soon as the Ambassador Bridge plan was abandoned. The "bridge
expansion" is nothing more than a Duty Free expansion on the US side. It has had "a
significant impact on the people living in the area."
I think that Arlene White has their number and fully expected them to react to her suggestion this way. Showing their true colours and bully mentality, they are the real reason that Fort Erie is in an economic slump.
The truth is that, like most towns, there are positive things happening: businesses are expanding; developments are under construction; and new people are moving to town. People with good ideas know better than to expect any support from the likes of Martin and Thibert - unless it fits in with their narrow view of what's best for Fort Erie -er-themselves. Whether the idea has an long-term merits remains to be seen. It is worth a look. Not going to happen as long as Martin and Thibert are around.
Just like Thibert did not acknowledge the positive effect of the Crystal Beach Ice Caves (a million dollars worth of free publicity that brought some 50,000 people to Crystal Beach,) we have learned that, for this town to succeed, it has to move forward without any help from the likes of the mayor and Thibert.
UPDATE: Job prospects are encouraging for Fort Erie. A recent report states that 19% of
employers in Fort Erie are planning to hire in the second quarter. That's good news for job
seekers in Fort Erie. Even better news comes from St. Catharines for those who are able to
commute where 30% of employers will hire in the second quarter.
since when has dougie been worried about ``considerable impact on the people in the area``.
ReplyDeleteSince someone brought up something that may impact his friends. You might want to call Martin a NIMBY after that statement. LOL
DeleteThe chances of a twinning the Peace Bridge and have it done is now about 15 years away, the Obama Government does not have the money to provide a customs and holding area for the new bridge planned for Detroit even if Canada builds the bridge. The man behind the Ambassador/Niagara Bridge is close to 90 years old, but the company that he foundered bought huge amounts of land from the QEW through to Black Rock. along side the rail tracks of the International RR Bridge. Mayor Martin who once served on the Peace Bridge Commission and still touts the wonders of his former connections, came out and basically killed the then proposal.which did not entail public money. The Peace Bridge was built with private money and the depression and lack of traffic made the entity bankrupt.That is how Ontario and New York became owners of the Peace Bridge.
ReplyDeleteso doug n the thugs want to destroy the area`s last and best beach for many miles in any direction but if anyone goes anywhere near his backyard there is hell to pay. I `ll give you one guess who one of the loudest trolls is. The one still with very close connections to the Peace Bridge. Connections that have paid off in the past and probably still do. Then he has the balls to speak like cares one iota about ``impact on the people`` after the complete screw job he laid on the west end of town so he could top off his pension fund.
ReplyDeleteThis man`s complete lack of ethics or character scream out to anyone paying attention.
Don't forget the Reinas connection. Coal Docks and Mentholatum Building also come to mind. Talk to the people on the West Side of Buffalo about what the Peace Bridge idling trucks have done to the air quality.
ReplyDeleteWow, the last few days I am beginning to see so much clearer and who the players are in the web. I am starting to realize how intertwined and entrenched all the old boys clubs really are. This is frightening!
ReplyDeleteWow. on March 6th the Editor writes:
ReplyDelete"the land itself is not very large and there would have to be more space between any new build and the buildings near it. Looks about the right size for a small building or park. Certainly not of interest to a "big time" developer like Hummel."
Then 8 days later she writes:
"So, I guess we have no right to call Hummel out for delaying a major part of the revitalization of Ridgeway? "
Not bad, from a "small building or park " to a " major part of the revitalization " in a week.
Guess it depends on what mood she is on that day.
You're right. I did downplay its importance because, according to the article, you'd have thought it was a major development that was abandoned. What has irked me is that there was an interested party who was going to build something that would compliment the scene. Somehow, Rainer Hummel became interested in the property, which is small. Now, we'll have another blank spot in the middle of town.
DeleteI hope you were as careful in understanding the point I was trying to make, rather than critiquing my choice of words. The point I am making is that the mayor and one of his PC buddies may have set up this whole letter scenario just to embarrass the four councillors. It hasn't worked because people see through it.
Martin's comment in today's FE Times about "reputations" is a real gem eh?
ReplyDeleteNotice also his reference to those who want to be elected (not reelected)
Spare us your horseshit dougie and just tell us you're done.
THAT would be an example of REAL DEVELOPMENT!!!
the set-up continues, scene three, Kimberly Zanko puts her two cents in, or should I say her script.
ReplyDeleteThe writing is clearly on the wall. The old boys club are clearly gearing up to take ``THEIR entitlement`` back. What the average unsuspecting taxpayer does not seem to realize is just how much this costs us all. Decades of their self serving cronyism has ran this town into the absolute mess it is in. You only have to look at Port Colborne to compare. It is ludicrous to suggest that 4 good men of conscience, 3 of whom have only been around for less than one term are responsible. Yet this is the message that doug n the thugs want us to believe because they stood in the way of his Bay Beach Pension Plan Top UP Scheme.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, my sincerest condolences to the Steckley family on their recent and tragic loss.
Yes, you are so correct.
DeleteI read yesterday of Mr. Steckley's death. I remember seeing Bob and his dad when together many times. Condolences to the entire Steckley Family on their loss.