Urban planning explained

To the editor,

Congratulations to Tim Bousquet for his article “Urban dreams” (May
28, News). It is one of the most concise and accurate accounts of what
has been going on for the past few years in the HRM By Design downtown
development fiasco. The issues have many citizens concerned about city
hall’s proposed processes. I am not confident that HRM council and city
planning staff will honour the intent behind HRM By Design, but will
continue to allow variances that conflict with approved concepts. I
agree that the plan “is worthless unless city council exhibits
leadership.” Unfortunately, most councillors and planning staff are
still locked in the 1970s. It’s also too bad mainstream media doesn’t
raise the same issues The Coast does. Then, what is one to expect when
one of the councillors states she “does not read that rag…” i.e. The
Coast?

—J.C. Smith, Halifax

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HRM By Design passes

What does it mean?

HRM By Design goes to Halifax council for approval

Urban dreams: Downtown planning initiative hopes to capture the positive vision of a modern city, but real estate consultant Mike Turner says don’t expect much in the way of new development

This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2009.