Raise the Hammer
As of this morning, the parking lot at 20 Jackson Street West, on the site of a recently demolished office building, is still open to the public. Two signs advertise parking by the day or by the hour.
Parking lot at 20 Jackson Street West (Image Credit: Jon Dalton)
David Blanchard of property owner Wilson-Blanchard claimed in a Spectator article that the parking was provided for tenants in the neighbouring office buildings, which he also owns (presumably 25 Main Street West). As such, Blanchard argued the new lot is exempt from the City's bylaw prohibiting new surface parking in the downtown core.
However, the public parking signs clearly indicate that the lot is for public use, and not dedicated to the tenants of Wilson-Blanchard's other properties.
This claim itself has been discredited by RTH writer Nicholas Kevlahan in examining the text of the parking bylaw, and at last night's Council meeting, city staff confirmed that the parking lot does contravene the zoning bylaw.
Whether or not Wilson-Blanchard's defense held any water, what we have clearly before us now is a willful contravention of the City's rules and a brazen defiance by the owners of the City's and community's efforts to rein in their harmful practices.
By Robert D (anonymous) | Posted December 12, 2013 at 17:40:52
I wonder if this is one of those cases where the city will just hold off acting until someone files an official "complaint" or whether they will be proactive in taking action.
By Jonathan Dalton (registered) | Posted December 12, 2013 at 19:16:39
This seems like a Wilson-Blanchard consolidation strategy. Since they own and manage so much office property, they can end leases knowing the tenants aren't going far. This way they cut down on vacancies and tax expenses without losing much if any rental income. It's a sound business decision, but a less destructive way to divest oneself of surplus property is to sell it.
By Noted (anonymous) | Posted December 13, 2013 at 14:36:35
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/city-charges-developer-with-operating-illegal-parking-lot-1.2462828
By Noted (anonymous) | Posted December 13, 2013 at 14:39:04 in reply to Comment 95967
https://twitter.com/Mattatthespec/status/411557759125975040
By seancb (registered) - website | Posted December 13, 2013 at 15:05:20 in reply to Comment 95971
this is awesome
By you aren't (anonymous) | Posted December 18, 2013 at 00:03:04 in reply to Comment 95973
Not really, we don't have enough surface parking downtown. How am I supposed to shop at your bike store if I can't park my car somewhere?
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