HALIFAX – On May 3, 2010, The Coasts’ Tim Bousquet wrote an article titled Proposed YMCA/CBC development will break HRM By Design height limits which covered the YMCA/CBC buildings deconstruction on South Park and Sackville Streets and the Y’s controversial future development in the same location. Nearly a year later, HRM By Design is hosting a public information session at City Hall in Halifax, NS tonight, Thursday, April 21st at 7pm.
As reported on the New Halifax YMCA website, the Public Information Session is a chance for the public to get a full briefing on the development proposal, by city staff and the Y’s development consultants. There will be an additional opportunity for questions and answers. Overall, the intent of the discussion is to shape the next HRM staff report to council.
WHAT: Public Information Session, YMCA/CBC development
WHEN: Tonight, April 21, 2011, 7pm-9pm
WHERE: Halifax Hall, City Hall, Grand Parade Square
HOW MUCH: Free
To summarize, the YMCA proposes to demolish its South Park Street building and the CBC radio building at South Park and Sackville and in both of the buildings places, build two high rises on the site. The development is controversial for the City of Halifax as the current CBC building is protected by a 75-foot height limit, which protects views of the Public Gardens from the Citadel and vice versa; preserves the scale around the Citadel; and provides sunlight for pedestrians on South Park Street and in the Public Gardens. Furthermore, the development would be against current HRM By Design planning guidelines for downtown Halifax.
Photo care of the New Halifax YMCA.
2 comments
Really – this building is too high? I find that ridiculous. Is it not downtown?
This is actually a fairly modest development proposal that is shorter than nearby buildings and would be a great asset to the area. The development includes a lot of public amenities and would increase densities in an area that could easily handle it.
Most of the people who spoke out against the YMCA at the public meeting were the usual suspects, people who tend to be against any new development. Others were from nearby condo developments, like the Martello, which seems fairly hypocritical.