Belleville Councillor Egerton Boyce addresses city council on phase 2 communication issue, April 25, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
A Belleville councillor says “the integrity of council was put at risk” over the communication problem with the downtown revitalization phase two.
Councillor Egerton Boyce rose in council last night to say he experienced “embarrassment and anger” when he heard that the timing had been changed on phase two, giving business owners less than a week’s notice.
An obviously angry Boyce said he heard about it on his way to a conference, not from council.
Mayor Taso Christopher says it’s the present-day media reality.
MIT TASO
Staff indicated five businesses disagreed with the change, a dozen had concerns with the original plans.
New bus shelter
Belleville bus riders can look forward to a new transit shelter at the downtown bus terminal.
Last night council approved the $144,000 lighted and heated shelter.
Mayor Taso Christopher suggested since this was way under budget maybe a shelter could be built at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre as well.
Transit Chair Councillor Jack Miller said there is a budget and a list for transit shelters across the city.
Questions on these properties
Councillor Jack Miller raised some questions at city council last night regarding a number of properties, one at 32 Coleman Street, the site of a fire two years ago.
Director of Engineering Rod Bovay indicated a demolition permit has been issued for the building.
Bovay also said the issue at 45 Bridge Street East has not been resolved and is probably heading for court.
He also indicated the former Sun Luck Gardens on North Front Street is going to be demolished.
Skating in the downtown
A proposal to have skating in downtown Belleville this summer is getting a close look by city staff.
Spokesperson for the Downtown Business Improvement Area Andrea Mckibbon presented the idea to city council last night, calling on the city to close a parking lot so it can install a synthetic ice rink from July 14 through 17.
Hockey schools, public skating, entertainment, and a vendors area would be part of what will be called the Summer Skate Fest.
Council referred the request to city staff for a report.
