This
email has been posted with the permission of the author.
From:
Ian Chamandy
Sent: Thursday,
September 09, 2004 10:06 PM
Subject: A request...
Hi Tony,
I have a point of view about the ROW that is based on it being
a catalyst for the revitalization of St. Clair. In sharing my
point of view, I have been surprised not only at how few people
have thought about the ROW within this larger community context,
but also at how much it made them think more deeply about whether
to support or oppose it. I think anything that causes people
to think more deeply about this important community issue is good,
no matter what side they are on.
Ian
===================
Dear St. Clair community members,
As a resident of this community, I am asking that you support
the Right of Way (ROW) because I believe it will trigger a much
needed revitalization of St. Clair.
I think that the impact of the ROW extends far beyond its transit
benefits and that it will have a beneficial impact on our overall
quality of life, our property values, how much we shop within
our own community, the safety and security of local residents
and how we socialize as a community.
I have been conducting informal conversations for the past three
years with area residents about the state of St. Clair Ave. What
people have been telling me is that, with notable exceptions,
it doesn't have enough of the kind of interesting, quality shops
that residents want and need. For those who have lived here a
long time, they tell me it has been going down hill steadily for
about 20 years. It used to be great but now they do more and
more of their shopping outside the community.
I have consistently heard that residents would love it if St.
Clair was more like the Villages of Bayview (at Davisville) and
Bloor West: a mix of interesting, quality mom-and-pop shops with
a few essential retail chains. Unfortunately, St. Clair currently
has too many dollar stores, money marts, unsavory bars and vacant
stores.
Here is something that I can say with absolute certainty: Unless
something changes in our community, nothing will change.
The ROW will definitely change our community in a substantial
way. There will be inconveniences, for sure. There will also
be benefits.
I am asking you to consider the inconveniences within the context
of what I am convinced St. Clair will look like five years from
now if the ROW is built, which is more like Bayview and Bloor
West Villages. The ROW is a $30-$50 million dollar investment
in our community. In addition, money follows money. When business
people consider what areas of the city will be profitable for
their new retail locations, they will see a considerably upgraded
St. Clair as having great potential.
If you want a more community oriented quality of life, a more
aesthetically pleasing streetscape, a greater variety and quality
of local shopping, a safer community in which to live and higher
property values, I believe the ROW will be the catalyst for all
of these benefits.
I ask you to take action to support the ROW. If you don't take
action to influence what is happening, others will make decisions
for you about your community and your quality of life.
Here are some ways you can take action to support the ROW:
- tell your local merchants, the people who want your shopping
dollars and
who are vehemently opposed to the ROW, that you want them to support
the ROW
- phone councilor Cesar Palacio (416-392-0399), who has led the
opposition
to the ROW, and let him know you want the ROW to transform your
community
- phone city councilors outside of our area
( http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp
), who have the same number
of votes as Cesar Palacio (1), and let them know you want them
to support
the ROW
Thank you,
Ian Chamandy
Local resident
Editor's
note : The facts and opinions expressed in the above email are
those of the author and do not represent the views of MyStClair.com.
Our interest remains to act as a conduit for information regarding
matters relating to neighbourhoods along St Clair Ave W and the
Ridge. Anyone wishing to comment is encouraged to do so.
editor@mystclair.com
