Raise the Hammer
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Joey Coleman covers Hamilton Civic Affairs.
Read more of his work at The Public Record, or follow him on Twitter @JoeyColeman.
Email: joey@joeycoleman.ca
At Least My Councillor Home-Delivers Blue Bins - If you had to complain to the manager every time you tried to buy a cup of coffee, you would conclude that the restaurant was not very well managed. Published April 10, 2017 in Commentary
The Public Record Kicked Out of City Hall Public Meeting for 'Broadcasting' By Tweeting - TPR was ordered to leave a public meeting of the Property Standards Committee today after the City Hall objected to the use of Twitter in the public gallery. Published March 07, 2017 in Media
How to Watch the Official City of Hamilton Livestream - Three easy steps to watch the city's Council and committee meeting livestream on almost any computer or phone platform. Published February 16, 2017 in Media
A Library Patron Explains its Relevance - Without computers at the library and access to knowledge, I would never have made it to university. Published January 25, 2017 in Commentary
West Harbour Pier 7 and 8 Urban Design Calls for 110,000 sq. ft. of New Residential - New report is the result of years of planning and a lengthy series of public meetings on the future of these valuable lands. Published April 27, 2016 in Special Report
CHCH All-Day Experiment Lessons Will Help Save Local TV - There are lessons to be learned from CHCH's experiment. Let's hope they don't give up and once this restructuring is complete, they get back to innovating, albeit it on a smaller scale. Published December 15, 2015 in Media
City to Release Video of Ferguson-Coleman Incident - The City of Hamilton security video recording of the February 26, 2014 incident between Councillor Lloyd Ferguson and Joey Coleman is to be made public on July 29, 2015. Published July 07, 2015 in Commentary
New Four-Storey Building Planned at 21 Main Street West - Staff report mainly positive but highlights concerns about lost surface parking and the pre-existing plan to widen Main Street. Published July 03, 2015 in Downtown Bureau
City Cancelled Sidewalk Inspections in 2012 due to Computer Issues - The City's beleaguered Public Works Department admitted in court that it did not inspect the City's 2,382 kilometers of sidewalks in 2012 due to "experiencing computer problems". Published June 11, 2015 in Special Report: Walkable Streets
Federal Law Gives Council Power to Order Move of West Harbour CN Yard - The cost of relocating the Stuart Street CN yard is significant, the timeline is likely to be nearly a decade, and funding will require focused leadership at the local level. Published May 20, 2015 in Feature
Funding Watchdog Journalism and the 1% Internet Rule: My Plan to Become Sustainable and Grow - Watchdog journalism is a public good. Everyone benefits from it, and we need to work together to fund it for everyone's benefit to ensure we have a strong society. Published February 24, 2015 in Media
How to Define Hamilton's Neighbourhood Boundaries and Localisms: East, West, North, South, Upper and Lower - With Hamilton being a large and growing amalgamated city, the terminology used to describe its various neighbourhoods and areas is being forced to change. Published February 16, 2015 in Commentary
Let's Talk Transit: A Discussion Event on Thursday, February 5, 2015 - Our discussion starts with a belief that efficient high-quality public transit is essential for Hamilton's economic future and quality of life. We believe this means HSR improvements are necessary and needed. Published February 04, 2015 in Events
City Hall Needs 'Compensation' for Making a Downtown Street Vibrant: The Latest in Red Tape - It's time for Council to send a strong message that cubicle thinking is no longer City Hall thinkingby removing these absurd "compensation" fees. Published January 12, 2015 in Commentary
Demolition Permit for Mount St Joseph Issued During Council Recess - On November 12, 2014, the City of Hamilton informed the Municipal Heritage Committee that Vrancor's King West Crossings Inc. applied for a demolition permit to demolish the heritage interest building at 354 King Street West. Published November 12, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage
Why I Didn't Endorse in the 2014 Municipal Election, But May in the Future - Updated - Analysis is important, news judgment is important. We are all busy. I want to do more to help you stay informed. Published October 28, 2014 in Municipal Election 2014
Clark LRT Play Highlights Problems With FOI Process - Brad Clark's LRT Freedom of Information request process points to the need for serious FOI reform at City Hall. Published September 25, 2014 in Municipal Election 2014
City of Hamilton Bans Campaigning in Public Spaces Used by HSR - The ban is a direct violation of a 2009 Supreme Court of Canada decision protecting the Charter right to free political speech from unreasonable infringement by a transit agency. Published September 03, 2014 in Municipal Election 2014
Centenary United May be Headed Toward Demolition - As Centenary Church looks toward demolition, we need to talk about the future of church buildings. Published August 28, 2014 in Special Report: Heritage
No Way to Know Whether Painted Crosswalks Reduce Injuries - The City is only releasing 'safe' data: data sets that can be used for fun apps but do not provide for any critical review of governance, policy, or finances. Published July 20, 2014 in Special Report: Open Public Data
Charges Pending in Alarming Single Vehicle Collision on Main Near Victoria - Debris from the bus shelter was thrown over 30 metres onto the lawn of a long-term care home across the street, and glass covered the entire intersection. Published July 06, 2014 in Special Report: Walkable Streets
Ticats Highway Sign Could See Overthrow of City-Wide Sign Bylaw - The Ticats sign could be an opportunity for a gateway promoting Hamilton, but is it worth the consequences? Published June 23, 2014 in Commentary
The Ontario Election: What It Could Mean in Hamilton - Ontarians have elected a Liberal majority to lead the province. What does this mean for Hamilton? Published June 13, 2014 in Ontario Election 2014
Bernie Morelli, a Man Who Inspired and Mentored a Generation of Hamilton's Leaders - Had Bernie Morelli not given me encouragement after my first delegation to City Council, it's quite possible you wouldn't be reading this now. Published January 15, 2014 in People
Decision Day: Where Does the James Street Baptist Church Demolition Permit Stand? - Today, the Municipal Heritage Permit Review Subcommittee will meet to decide the fate of the 130-year-old James Street Baptist Church. Published October 09, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage
Surprise Demolition Permit Request for James Street Baptist Church - The City's Heritage Permit Review Committee has tabled a report requesting a demolition permit for most of James Street Baptist Church. Published September 26, 2013 in Special Report: Heritage
Time to Equip Police with Vest-Mounted Cameras - It is time for frontline police officers to wear vest-mounted cameras to increase public confidence and protect themselves when they are properly doing their duties. Published August 23, 2013 in Commentary
Open Data in Hamilton: Are We Getting There? - We will likely have open data this fall. With continuing public advocacy, we can encourage City Hall to launch open data properly with an apps contest and a dedicated open data office. Published March 27, 2013 in Special Report: Open Public Data
Hamilton's Choice: Bickering or Engagement - Will we have two more years of the current casino debate, or can we achieve better civic engagement for Hamilton? Published February 21, 2013 in Special Report: Casino
Hamilton Snow Coverage - It looks like Hamilton will be on the receiving end of our largest snowfall in five years, with 25 to 30 cm possible. Published February 07, 2013 in Events
Lincoln Alexander State Funeral - At 2:30 PM today, Hamilton will play host to a state funeral for Lincoln Alexander. Published October 26, 2012 in Special Report
Hamilton General Issues Committee Livestream - Livestream of today's General Issues Committee meeting in Hamilton, starting at 9:30 AM. Published July 09, 2012 in Feature
$1.2M Incentive for 275 King West Development - The City's planning and economic development committee has approved $1.2 million in financial incentives for a development on 275 King Street West. Published May 02, 2012 in Downtown Bureau
Accountability and Transparency Subcommittee Passes Gag Order Against Citizen Complainants - An accountability and transparency subcommittee that does not publish its agendas or minutes has now voted to gag citizens from speaking publicly about their integrity complaints. Published March 30, 2012 in Special Report: Integrity Commissioner
Hamilton's Newest Parking Lot: 55 Queen Street North - The property at 55 Queen Street North (at Market Street) is being developed into yet another downtown parking lot. Published March 27, 2012 in Downtown Bureau
City Council to Vote on LRT Report Thursday - This report recommends continuing scheduled LRT design work, with no final decision to move forward forthcoming until senior levels of government commit to a funding formula for capital costs. Published October 11, 2011 in Special Report: Light Rail
Another Friday, Another Secretive Communication from City Hall - Hamilton City Council to hold in camera meeting on Monday or Tuesday, but no notice was sent to the news media or the public. Published September 03, 2011 in Politics
City Needs More from McMaster to Justify $55 Million - Imagine the possibilities for downtown revitalization in a joint bid by McMaster and the City to build a student residence in the vacant Royal Connaught building. Published July 18, 2011 in Special Report: Education
Taking Action to Break the Poverty Cycle in Hamilton - We need Mohawk, and especially McMaster, to move into our neighbourhoods and build the dream of higher education in all our communities. Published July 14, 2011 in Commentary
Detailed Collision Data Could Help Resolve Pedestrian Debate - Open public data would allow citizens to participate more in building a greater city by being knowledgeable about the reasons for public policy decisions. Published April 14, 2011 in Special Report: Open Public Data
Live Rally Coverage from thespec.com - Both the Liberal and Conservative leaders are speaking tonight at rallies in Hamilton. Published April 07, 2011 in Federal Election 2011
Hamilton Groundhog Day Storm Coverage - Raise The Hammer will provide live coverage of the upcoming winter storm in Hamilton. Published February 01, 2011 in Local News
Market Committee Decision on Stallholder Apeals - The Hamilton Farmers' Market Transition Sub-committee released its decision on appeals filed by vendors who were not granted space in the renovated market. Published December 20, 2010 in Special Report
Live Coverage of December 7 Council Meeting - Joey Coleman provides live coverage of the December 7, 2010 City Council meeting, starting at 2:00 PM. Published December 07, 2010 in Local News
Spectator to Lose Veteran Journalists - The departure of many veteran journalists will deprive the Spectator of experience and institutional memory, but open the opportunity to take the publication in a new direction. Published November 27, 2010 in Special Report
Time for Open Government Data in Hamilton - Open data is difficult to explain with words alone. A visualization combined with citizen delegations will give Councillors a full picture of what Open Data means and why they need to embrace it. Published October 29, 2010 in Special Report: Open Public Data
Live Coverage of October 12 Committee of the Whole - Joey Coleman provides live coverage of the Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the latest staff update on the proposed Pan Am stadium at the CP Rail Yard location. Published October 12, 2010 in Special Report: Pan Am
The Endless Debate About Who is a 'Real Journalist' at Hamilton City Hall, Published September 12, 2013 in Media
OMB Overturns City, Allows Lynwood Charlton Hall to Merge, Published August 29, 2013 in News
Time to Replace Accountability and Transparency Subcommittee, Published April 02, 2012 in Politics
Mayor Bratina Likes Mayor Ford's Media Policy, Wants to See it in Hamilton, Published November 01, 2011 in Media
Get Out and Vote: Hamilton Area Advance Polls Mapped, Published September 22, 2011 in Ontario Election 2011
Spectator Gets Torstar's First Metered Paywall, Published September 14, 2011 in Media
Hamilton City Council facing July Deadline for Velodrome, Published July 12, 2011 in Sports
Mapped: Hamilton's Heritage Interest Properties, Published May 24, 2011 in Open City
Starting Hamilton's Open Public Data Sets, Published March 24, 2011 in Open City
Hamilton Snow Coverage, Published March 23, 2011 in News
Family Day Snow Coverage, Published February 20, 2011 in News
Live Coverage of Council Meeting, Published February 09, 2011 in Politics
Map of Fatal Pedestrian/Vehicle Accidents in 2010, Published January 23, 2011 in Transportation
Council Needs Concrete Goals to Overcome Personality Conflicts, Published January 23, 2011 in Politics
Live Coverage of Market Committee Decision on Rejected Vendors, Published December 20, 2010 in News
Live Coverage of Council Debate on Merulla's Stadium Motion, Published December 15, 2010 in Politics
Council to Vote on Motion Making Farmers' Market Sub-Committee Decisions Final, Published December 03, 2010 in Politics
Mayor Bratina's Inaugural Speech, Published December 02, 2010 in Politics
Live Coverage of Ticats at Chamber of Commerce, Published November 10, 2010 in Sports
Joey Coleman Live at City Hall, Published October 25, 2010 in Municipal Election 2010
City Hires Gowlings and StrategyCorp to Manage Pan Am Stadium Lobbying, Published October 22, 2010 in Sports
Committee of the Whole Meeting Live Coverage, Published October 13, 2010 in Politics
Special Stadium Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, Published September 27, 2010 in Sports
Letter from Gary Lunn to Mayor, Published September 14, 2010 in Sports
Live Coverage of Pan Am Stadium Meeting, Published September 13, 2010 in Sports
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