| The Crystal Beach Strand Making Waves Since 2002 |
| Vol. X No. 3E |
| Latest Update March 26, 2012 |
| 1045 (+or-) Days until next Municipal Election |
| "Still making waves after all these years." © Sharon Bowers, 2012 crystalbeachstrand@gmail.com |
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| VISIT THE STRAND'S WAY BACK MACHINE For Past Articles |
| WANT TO SEE THE LIST OF MARTIN'S CONTRIBUTORS? CLICK HERE. |
Updates will appear on THE STRAND BLOG |
| GOOD NEWS, FORT ERIE We just gave away valuable beach front property And we're getting the promise of an outhouse in the sand! |
| The benefits to the community resulting from the development and paid by the developer are valued at $3.45 million and include: - a year-round multi-purpose community pavilion (Gone) - a large outdoor public event space (Gone) and beachfront promenade - open space improvements (landscaping, walkways, seating and other park furniture, lighting, etc.) (Most of it gone.) - beach accessible washrooms/change rooms and concession area (Our responsibility, if it is built.) - the reconstruction of Erie Road and the surrounding roads, including the installation of a gateway feature and parking lot improvements (Big deal. Makes their property look more appealing.) - construction of the condominium in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification requirements |
| WHAT DID HE KNOW AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT? Ron Tripp, Acting CEO told everyone in his announcement of September 13, 2011 that we would get the following from the deal with the Molinaros: |
| At the time Ron Tripp made these claims, he already knew that the site plan had to include a large area set aside for the Fowler's Toad (as per the well-known MNR requirements) because the toads' natural habitat would be destroyed by the construction. Except that he told no one and the truth finally came out after a Freedom of Information request revealed the plans for the Toad Habitat which, if approved by the MNR would wipe out most of the promised "amenities." So, was Tripp lying? You be the judge. Just follow the timeline. The pavillion is gone; most of the promised $3.45 million in amenities are gone. What we have left is a boardwalk and a proposed outhouse on the beach. Congratulations to the Molinaros. They took advantage of the stupidity of the town planner, mayor, CEO and four councillors. Of those, the planner is gone; so is the CEO and three of the four councillors. And the mayor only won by five votes. The condo, if built, will be dubbed "Martin's Folly" for all eternity. |
| Spring Break! |
| I'm taking some time off from The Strand. I will keep the Blog going as it is easy to update, but I have a lot on my plate right now and there is no real news about the Bay Beach situation until the decision comes down from Superior Court. In the meantime, I have to get ready for the upcoming elections in the U.S. I am a local volunteer for the group Democrats Abroad and that will be taking up a lot of my time for the next eight months. And, I am helping my fellow alumnae put together our 50th high school reunion. (I am so old.) Don't worry, I will be paying attention. The giveaway of our public beach front lands is still an issue that is really important to me. |