Peel Plaza information session

I attended the Peel Plaza information session this evening.  I experienced a few of the things that make public meetings vexing and great.

One member of the public offered a speech about the development being too interesting.  The speaker explained that he thought the design should be more subdued and plain.  His motivation did not seem to come from a desire for cost control, but for a desire that this development doesn’t become a focal point in the city.

Another citizen spoke passionately about his fear that every car in the parking garage will catch fire – citing a prison fire in the city’s past for his concern.  Someone else seems to believe that we shouldn’t build this because of Canaport LNG’s potential for explosion.

At the end of the presentation I left with two main thoughts.  First, the parking garage proposed (second photo) is the best element of Peel Plaza.  It is interesting and tall – something the other development elements are not. Second, there is more talk of the Carnegie Building being expanded for the Art’s Centre.  To me this would cut out some of the green space that is being used as a major selling point for this development.

Once the issues of tax rate were relegated to later discussions, talk tonight moved toward more practical concerns: how can this development be a positive – assuming it proceeds. 

Bill Edwards, the head of this project, pointed out that the city is open to proposals for the land if Peel Plaza does not proceed.  He also reiterated that development could include more elements including tax revenue generating commercial or retail development.

I’m still not convinced that this will pass a cost-benefit analysis.  I want to see more intense development, but at least this project does look good.  If it’s not the best use of the land, but can better the community (measurably) I will support this.