"Parkspace or Parking Space?"
Dear Councillor Gloria McCluskey, my name is Neil Melanson, and I am a resident of Downtown Dartmouth. I was walking by the Dartmouth Commons recently, and read the sign on Wyse Rd. regarding the upcoming renovation project. I read that there was going to be a revamp to the area, with more park space (Great!) as well as some (24) parking spaces being built. HUH? Concrete parking spaces being built on possible parkspace??? I needed more information, so I called HRM (490-4000). The representative suggested that the space would be a "park and go" public transport area for communters going into Halifax. While I am very supportive of conservation and public transport, the idea of having a "park and go" in this potential parkspace mystifies my sense of logic. First, I would like to know if I have the information straight. Are there 24 parking spots being built at the Dartmouth Commons and being used as a public transport "park and go"? If so, why isn't this space being built in Cole Harbour, Waverley, Portland Estates, Montebello, where people could park their cars closer to home (saves on gas and the environment) so they don't have to drive Downtown Dartmouth and catch the ferry/ bus to Halifax. If built in those areas, conscious commuters could ride the bus from THEIR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD! Second, how does having a "park and go" area in public parkland serve the citizens on Downtown Dartmouth? Downtown Dartmouth citizens aren't the people who will be parking their cars and then taking the bus to Halifax. Why is local parkspace being used for the convenience of non downtown citizens? If my attitude seems a tad irritated, well it is. Perhaps I have the wrong information. Perhaps the people who have "planned" this development really don't know what they're doing. Perhaps, while this email is to get your attention, you are not the person I need to be speaking with. Either way, this area, I believe, falls within your riding. And so quite possibly you know who to speak with to clarify my concerns. I respectively request confirmation of reciept of my letter, and a response as to the context of my concerns. Sincerely, Neil Melanson.
By Neil Melanson
