Raise the Hammer

IBI did a traffic study in the North End and their estimate for Canada Day as of Feb. 2008 is 25,000. For the events, I read that the estimate of those driving is 1:3 therefore 8,000+ cars. Let us assume some people walk and take transit. As far as I know, HSR does not have a Canada Day shuttle. I am unaware of the number of people who attend Ti-Cat games, so I cannot make a comparison, but I doubt it is that high (25,000) on a regular basis.

Not all residents (Beasley, Central, North End, Strathcona) have driveways so many of us rely on street parking. On those kind of event days (according to IBI that one is the largest) a resident without a driveway cannot leave their house in their car or they can't get back home. Nor can we have visitors over, unless they walk or take the bus.

Our streets are gridlocked when the event is over. Think ambulance / fire.

LRT? Definitely needs to be part of the plan, but, will it??? Did Hamilton put concrete slabs on City Hall?

Where would you put underground parking without hitting water? Underground parking is NOT included in the business plan. In addition, providing parking brings traffic through residential neighbourhoods. That was why the business plan stated 600 parking places - to protect the residents. However, Council already made it clear that they want MORE parking because people want "tail-gate" parties and the "right to drive" to the stadium.

Free HSR shuttles are a good idea, but again, we are shuttling people PAST the downtown's cafes and restaurants, so the shuttles should have MANY stops so people can get off and on.

Most of those urban downtown stadiums that are often cited, include vast parking lots and at least in the states, are close to highways. Camden Yards, Oakland (parking for 10,000), Heinz, Louisville. And they run their highways through their downtowns. Or in Camden Yards case, to the stadium. Is that what we want?

But it is only 8 game days, I hear some say. The business plan calls for 40 events and 100 event days since some events are more than 1 day. What kind of events? As you might recall, after one memorable concert at Ivor Wynn, no more concerts. So, what kind of events?

Operates on a deficit. Every year. (but so is Ivor Wynn). Taxpayer money.

Job creation? 1100 jobs as it is being built - and 100 jobs after that. My guess is many of those 100 jobs are part-time, no benefits, minium wage jobs.

However, IF it is to be built there, we need it be environmentally friendly and a feast to the eyes. LEED certified, solar panels, low to ground not obstructing the view, lights inward, not outward. Check out Letzigrund Stadium (30,000) in Zurich.

Unfortunately, our mayor is quoted as saying it won't be a Cadillac of stadiums! We are going to build a 50 - 80 year legacy stadium that is NOT a Cadillac of stadiums. Sighhhhh.

I have lived here for nearly 25 years. But, I won't move even if they build it here. Hamilton is my home.

Comment edited by sselway on 2010-03-24 09:23:57