All three challengers for the job of Ward 2 councillor say they'd scrap the controversial bus lane through Hamilton's downtown. And even the incumbent who voted for it isn't sure he'd support it again.
Jason Farr, who's spent one term as councillor for Ward 2, took heat from challengers Kristina Heaton, John Vail and Terri Wallis at an all-candidates event in Durand Monday night.
Heaton, Vail and Wallis all said they'd get rid of the transit-only lane that spans from Mary to Dundurn. The lane is a one-year pilot project due to expire just after the Oct. 27 municipal election.
"If elected, I will be getting rid of the bus lanes in downtown Hamilton," said John Vail, who ran for the Conservatives in Hamilton Centre last provincial election.
Wallis, an accessibility advocate involved in several local committees, also said she'd scrap the bus lane. Her transportation plan, she said, would involve a C-line along Barton Street and more articulated buses.
Heaton said after the meeting that she wouldn't vote to continue the bus lane either.
"It's complete confusion downtown," she said.
"I would not call our dedicated transit lane a success," Farr said after the meeting. "We had some challenges right from the start."
City studying downtown bus lane success
Three access points to the stretch of road were closed when the lane launched. The city also has signals that would have helped buses manoeuver from one lane to the next to reach the MacNab terminal, but it didn't use it, Farr said.
Even the paint faded on the street, prompting the city to redo it.
"If I'm to hypothetically look at a scenario of trying it again, there are some very definitive things that need to be addressed before I would ever contemplate it," Farr said.
The city is doing a study about the success of the lane. Farr's vote for or against would depend on the contents of that report, he said.
Farr took "some rotten tomatoes" for the lane, he said. But the lane was implemented as per the city's unanimously supported Rapid Ready report and designed to get Hamilton ready for bus or light rail rapid transit.
During the meeting, Wallis said the city needs to improve its infrastructure, particularly its sidewalks. She'd also like to see Ward 2's empty buildings converted to affordable housing.
Heaton said on a transit note, she's not in favour of light rail transit because with the evolution of transportation technology, LRT will be outdated by the time it's implemented.
Vail took aim at Farr in particular. When asked how he would improve the culture at city hall, Vail said, "Hire anyone else but the incumbent."
Mayoral candidates on McMaster downtown
Six Hamilton mayoral candidates also answered questions at the meeting.
Last month, council voted to give McMaster University a parcel of land to build another downtown campus. McMaster used the pledge to apply for a provincial grant.
Here's what the mayoral candidates said about it:
Michael Baldasaro: In the last election, he ran on the platform of giving city hall to McMaster.
Brad Clark: He is concerned about tax revenue, which is why he added the caveat in September that the city work with McMaster for a mixed-use development that would generate taxes for the city.
Fred Eisenberger: He agrees that it needs to be a mixed-use development. "There's a real opportunity to create a private sector, public sector partnership development that makes sense."
Warrand Francis: He "can't really figure out" the advantage of bringing students downtown, he said. But he'd like to see students from less-privileged areas have access to McMaster.
Brian McHattie: He supports the McMaster development because it will bring economic spinoff and "break the Westdale bubble" and encourage students to stay in Hamilton.
Michael Pattison: He's a fan of McMaster and Mohawk College and ways to engage students.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board trustee candidates for Ward 1 and 2 introduced themselves at the meeting. They are Christine Bingham, Chris Erl, Brian Gage, Simon Granat and Ed Sculthrope. Judith Bishop holds the seat but has announced her retirement.
The Durand Neighbourhood Association hosted the meeting, which drew about 200 people.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Council hopefuls say they'll get rid of the downtown bus lane
Dengan url
https://hemiltoninfo.blogspot.com/2014/10/council-hopefuls-say-theyll-get-rid-of.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Council hopefuls say they'll get rid of the downtown bus lane
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Council hopefuls say they'll get rid of the downtown bus lane
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar