By Laura Lennie, News Staff
The City of Hamilton has acquired 82 per cent of a core area within the proposed Cherry Beach park site that would be the minimum number of lots needed to proceed with the park’s development.
But not all area residents are happy about the purchase.
“I was told that because of the population density, we need X-amount of green space,” said Third Private Road resident Al Doucette .
“When you build a development, you usually include green space in that development that’s usually part of the package; you can look right over here next door at Lakewood Landing – when they built the marina and the surrounding singles and condos and so on – they included the green space in that package.
“So why would you need a parkette here? That’s what makes me skeptical about the whole thing,” Doucette said of the area between First and Third Private roads. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. It’s a hell of a lot of taxpayer’s money that could be put to better use.”
Prior to amalgamation, the former City of Stoney Creek initiated an acquisition program, Creek Lakeshore Neighbourhood Plan and began accumulating property as early as the 1960s in the Cherry Beach area. Land purchases continued, even after Stoney Creek was amalgamated with Hamilton.
The properties, many of which were former cottages, were acquired to facilitate a future lakefront park.
“Since amalgamation and council’s re-affirmation of continuing to acquire properties in 2008, council has approved the acquisition of several properties in the Cherry Beach area and had approved funding in the capital budget for such acquisition in 2003-04, 2008-2010,” said Steve Barnhart, city acting manager of landscape architectural services environment and sustainable infrastructure. “To date, 26 properties (6.84 acres) have been purchased at a cost of $2.2 million with three remaining properties (1.48 acres) to be purchased. Purchases are funded through the parkland reserve.”
Barnhart said the city has been having discussions with the remaining landowners.
“At this point in time, agreements to purchase have not been made,” he said. “The city has been acquiring land as properties become available for sale on a willing seller basis. The final target date for assembly of all lands is not fixed, since the city does not wish to force the sale of homes within the proposed Cherry Beach park site.”
Doucette said he’s been approached by city representatives about selling his property.
“I’ve been here since 1984. I bought this place, tore (it) down and rebuilt it and it’s basically a custom-built cottage right now.
“I’ve put a lot of time and money into it,” he said. “I’ve got over 25 years now with Russel Metals, I’m 58 years old. If you want me out of here, retire me; it’s got to be worth my while. I have no interest, whatsoever, in leaving.”
