Getting a Census on the Block
The Lister Block is a part of Hamilton which is drawing a great deal of controversy. Though once an exceptional part of Hamilton, this iconic building is now generating a great deal of pessimism and confusion as it sits and decays. For those unaware, Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) currently owns this property, and the City of Hamilton has been in negotiations for the purchase of Lister Block.
My position has always been if we are to use tax payers’ money, that money should leverage significant economic development activity for the City. Currently there is a concept for a second phase that would see two eight-story towers built. The problem is the proposal for the Lister currently does not conditionally secure the second phase. Part of the motion that was passed last week was to make the purchase of the Lister Block conditional on the development of the towers. At this time, if the proposal remains as-is, I will not be supporting it.
If done effectively the Lister Block offers Us a vast number of economic development opportunities. The site could generate many jobs, a great deal of activity in the City, and needed tax dollars from a commercial source (thus helping to alleviate the burden on homeowners in Hamilton).
For now I support continued negotiations, as I still believe there is hope. I have been receiving a number of constituents’ comments regarding this, and I would like to hear from you too. I will not blindly vote in favour of spending tax payers’ money on something the tax payers do not want. Please leave comments or contact my office to let your voice be heard.
Personally I think the Lister Block should be returned sack and saddle to the union that owns it and let them pay the cost of restoration and rent it out to whom ever that can pay their toll. Then there is the horrendous gift to another owner of a building for removal of asbestos, etc.
I fully support the restoration of the Lister Block. Councillor McHattie put a great deal of effort into saving it for the right reasons and it must be saved (kudos to McHattie).
I’m not sure that Hamilton’s city council is any position to save it, buy it or do anything with it. It makes far more sense that a private developer should buy it, follow the restoration guidelines, put up the two residential towers in the second phase and reap the rewards of not only selling the units but contributing to the renewal of a much neglected downtown core.
Hamilton’s great charm is in it’s unique neighbourhoods, heritage buildings, and natural sites. Sometimes money just can’t be used to justify doing something for the long term benefit of a city.
Council should remove itself from the process unless it’s 100% committed to seeing it done the right way. I don’t believe they are.