A great big Thank You and three cheers to C. Meisner for the letter that you titled, "Park My Words". At the same time a big swift kick in the shins to HRM Council and Staff for not having the backbone to tell the public loudly and clearly about the very special status and respect that the Public Gardens commands. There are lots of places that would like to have just such a special oasis in their midst, but they don't and Halifax does and the tourists marvel over it, as do most residents. But now those 'fraidy-cats inside the walls of HRM are said to be considering lowering the bar on the Public Gardens. So, looking the other way when the couldn't-care-less-crowd, not only walk their bicycles through the Gardens but even ride them, will become acceptable as will lounging on the grass, catching a ball, having a picnic, letting the kids climb in the exotic trees ... you fill in the blank! Then voices like those of C. Meisner and many others including myself will be laughed at as if we have three heads and just want to spoil the "fun" of others.
At the end of his article Prof. Haiven says that in this election year the mayor and council might, "demonstrate real leadership and do something helpful here." May I echo that and challenge the mayor and council to "Be Bold" and exercise the stewardship with which they are entrusted by the electorate and stand up for the unique history and heritage of Halifax.
Isn't it long past the time for the members of Council AND Staff to pay attention to the citizens who pay them through taxes? And not listen to the developers who thump on their desks daily? The developers, most of whom come from the Sand Countries, don't care one bit about our history or our desire to preserve the views and our built heritage. When the tourists can no longer see the Harbour from the Citadel or the Citadel from the library, etc., they'll ask, "How could you let that happen?" Then they won't come back anymore. If the developers are (finally) forced to follow the rules they won't leave (unfortunately) they'll still stay and build but within the rules. Don't be afraid of them, they're bullies.
I'm not afraid of facing the cold hard facts on this or any convention centre. Plain and simple they say, "NO GO". Howard, it seems knows this. Ivan Sono. is another question. There are a lot like Ivan who climb on a bandwagon so that they can rub elbows with the tinkling cymbals. Even after the facts are made clear they beat the drums like zombies. It's underground, Ivan. The loading bay is in the sky on Grafton St., Ivan. It will be a self-enclosed city, Ivan, so that the inmates don't have to come out to visit the real city. It's just bad, Ivan.
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A. E. Edwards