PLEASE UPGRADE YOUR BROWSER NOW. INTERNET EXPLORER 6 IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED. 
Talks continue on Zwicks restaurant
Posted 1 year ago
Tue, Apr 24th, '12 - 10:27 am
It looks like a proposal for a family restaurant at Belleville’s West Zwicks won’t get underway this year, as negotiations continue.
At City Council last night, restauranteur John Alexiou outlined his plans to spend 200-thousand dollars upgrading the park’s canteen, and a five year lease at 28-hundred dollars a season. Also, Alexiou says, 100-thousand dolars of that improvement would remain the city’s if he left the site.
But some community groups say they’ll lose money. Dwayne Barrett of the Canada Day committee said his committee would want some of the revenue from the restaurant on Canada Day, since the committee brings the crowds to the park and would lose on its food.
Council instructed staff to negotiate an agreement with Alexiou, taking into account concerns expressed by the major users of Zwicks Park, and report back at the next meeting.
So very disappointed with the level of thought put forth by our elected officials, once again.
Why should one restaurant be given exclusive use of the only place to eat/dine at Zwick’s Park? What about a tendering process? What about other tax paying establishments having an opportunity to run a business there as well?
Do we really need another place for people to drink? Belleville seems to have a problem with parking lot brawls, bar fights, murders, etc. How can another bar/patio be a good thing when our police resources are spread thin as it is?
Where are the children going to get a drink, popsicle, etc. on a hot day in the wading pool? How safe will the parking lot be with people coming and going after inbibing a few? Give your head a shake I say, cause only in Belleville would they consider a patio bar in the middle of a child friendly, family park another stellar idea!!!!!!!
It takes the park away from its intended use… a meeting place for families to enjoy the outdoors, listen to some music, exchange ideas and cultural events.
Please, please don’t rob our children of a carefree place to be without the threat of drinkers in the parking lots, bathrooms, etc. Free of the usual arguments and nonsense that go along with a drinking establishment… oh and yeah, how many families will be able to afford to take their children there to eat while at the park? How many children will there be that will be excluded because of family income?
Really, can’t believe this is even being considered at all!!!!!!!!!!!