I wanted to follow up on Council’s decision regarding the Cedar Crescent Village (CCV) at its Monday, February 24th meeting.
The explanation given about the Permit to take water needs further investigation. No one challenged why the type of permit was being changed. The Mayor has said all regulatory permits will be in place. Why did no one ask why this Permit was not?
The idea that the proponent is angry because of the SVCA exercising their authority and protecting the dynamic beach should be a caution to all of you. This proponent and his group do not care about the environment or the lake and beach. I for one do not trust that they will be careful about the fill they use or the environment they are building on. You (Council) helped them with their duplicity regarding the boardwalk being the delineation of the beach at the waterfront during the SVCA hearings. Former staff engineer who said the damage to the promenade was caused by the work done to fix the break wall, knew it was caused by high water at that time. We listened carefully and knew better.
To blame the SVCA for the wasted time and $$$ (when the original RFP was always about the land the project is on now) is duplicitous and concerning and you are a part of that ruse.
As far as funding and Libro is concerned when the proponent comes to you and the public to say it will be granted … but they don’t have it yet or haven’t yet met the conditions, this is folly. Until you have in writing that the financial backing and insurance is in place, you should not have granted the extension.
You have a fiduciary obligation to the community and needed to exercise it.
Concern about the size and scope is not “smoke and mirrors” as the proponent said. We were told that there would be no Banquet Hall or Convention Centre this too was a deception calling the central building a Market Space when indeed it can function as all three. The answer about licensed special events was also vague and not reassuring to anyone.
We do not need or want an American owned Dairy Queen franchise when there are two local existing small businesses on the Beach that sell ice cream fries and burgers. There are bakeries downtown Port Elgin and in Southampton for cakes.
Where is the Marina shop for the boaters?? Where is the Bike/Kayak/sup rental?
The answer about kids camps etc. was also disconcerting not flushed out in any way and who would be supervising and what background checks would be done?? The scrutiny by the police and town for such activity must be in place.
Why are you so thrilled with this plan?
I wish to thank Council Members Bud Halpin and Deputy Mayor Huber for their questions and their vote not to grant the extension.
It is disheartening that no one else saw through the facade of sincerity from the proponent once again.
I was sorry that Councillor Grace was not present to ask pertinent questions as she is always prepared and well researched .
Sincerely,
Peggy Corrigan-Dench
Port Elgin Beach Preservers
