Public give opinions on Memorial – Legion proposals

A total of six presentations were made Monday night, giving Belleville city council opinions on the four proposals for the Memorial Arena and the Canadian Legion Branch 99 building.

The comments ranged from the need for affordable housing to how the successful proposal will affect the future development of the city’s Downtown Common around city hall.

A presentation by the Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need for revitalization and attracting employers downtown.

There was an argument for maintaining the heritage of the city hall area.

Following the meeting, Mayor Mitch Panciuk told Quinte News the city has received 330 survey responses concerning the four proposals, along with emails and letters.

Comments at the podium

Mary McBride who lives on Front Street downtown referred to the city’s summit on affordable housing. “I want to speak about the people who aren’t housed, the people I see on the trail lying on a bench, the people in tents that I’ve seen in different spots around here, the people that I know, which are my own family at times, that lie on couches….think about tiny houses, think about co-op housing, think about row housing, all the different things that are possible to have for those who struggle in many ways to have an opportunity.”

Belleville Downtown Improvement Area supported the proposals of RMS Holdings and Taskforce Engineering but indicated RMS Holdings would offer the greatest opportunity for growth both in its residential and commercial areas.

Chair Kathryn Brown indicated a written report had been submitted and told council, “Each of the shortlisted proposals will address both residential and commercial growth in a section of our core that has been silent for a long time. We’re looking forward to what can be achieved with the Downtown Commons project and the belief that the new investment in the Memorial Arena and the Legion properties will be a major contributor to our city centre.”

Chamber of Commerce Chair Gregg Sudds told council its decision will not be an easy one but the chamber is excited about the opportunity for revitalization in the downtown.

David Bently a longtime Heritage Belleville supporter emphasized the six-storey height regulation must be protected. He said Belleville has “three tent cities” that it must get rid of as soon as possible and supported the affordable housing proposal.

Urban planner Ruth Ferguson Aulthouse indicated her opinion was that “the RMS towers proposal does not respect Memorial Arena.”

Joe Mancuso of RMS indicated he remains open to suggestions for his proposal.

In November, the four applicants: Gurcham Cheema, Memorial Village Ltd., RMS Holdings, and Taskforce Engineering presented their proposals to council. The public can see them on the city’s website. Also the public can still write letters or send emails to the city clerk.

Council is expected to make a decision in January .