New City Hall?

[Florence]

I see by the report in EMC that Rosen's goal for 2010 is a new city hall. Personally I think this is a laudable goal. BUT having arrived in Kingston when the city fathers (and they were all male then) had removed City Hall portico rather than spend money on replacing it, I think they won't want to spend money to make a 'statement' with the architecture. Not paying attention to architecture DOES make a statement - "We don't care!"

I wonder if a new city hall could co-exist in the capital budget with a new bridge over the Cataraqui River?

[3aw6]

Wouldn't it be nice if the city took a serious look at purchasing the S&R building? Apparently the city is looking at budgeting $15 million for the 'new city hall' building. I would have to guess that buying S&R (wasn't it listed for sale at $4 million) and retrofitting it would come in well under budget. This would provide the taxpayer with the office space the city needs, in a location close to city hall, and under budget.

Now this is just an idea out of left field... but what if S&R was bought and converted into city offices. What do you feel the odds are of the main floor square footage being surplus? If the city could lease out the frontage on Princess St this would help pay the mortgage on the new building, and would provide commercial space at the foot of Princess St.

[Florence]

I quite agree with you. This is a perfect use the S&R building. BUT I am told that it is NOT going to happen. Does anyone know why it is not going to happen?

[Florence]

we all saw the tie (and therefore lost) vote on this issue at Council. It looks from the reports that Hutchison might be convinced to vote for it IF it can be put back on the agenda. I think that needs a 2/3 vote and the motion by someone who voted against it. Someone may be able to clarify the necessary action to get it back on the agenda. I'll personally bet that this is a dead issue.

[Valley]

It seems that the city has developed a bad case of 'edifice complex' in the last few years. With only one real proponent for new city office space it sound like the whole idea should go back to the drawing board for the next council to consider.

[R1zbear]

I quite agree with you. This is a perfect use the S&R building. BUT I am told that it is NOT going to happen. Does anyone know why it is not going to happen?

I'm totally agree with you !