Development is underway, but which wall is the ladder leaning against?
I stopped by the old Kress Hotel site the other day. It’s too late to be asking questions, but I have some anyway,
Do you remember the old Kress Hotel? One of the things it was famous, along with the Preston Springs (previously the Del Monte Hotel) and the Sulfer Hotel, for the sulpher springs and their healing powers. As I looked at the site there seems to be a body of water in the middle of the site. Is that rain water (we haven’t had much), or is it water from the old sulfer springs? Any strong odor of sulfer was absent so I am leaning toward rain water run-off.
However, does anyone know for sure if the sulfer springs have dried up or are they still there? If they are still there, what would prevent them from impacting this site in the future?
Information on the internet suggests three towers will be built on this site with heights ranging from 15 to 18 stories. Just recently delegates out at a council meeting regarding a proposed high-rise being considered for Dundas Street South near Branchton Road. One resident voiced strong objection to the proposal because it would significantly lower the vaue of her home. This makes me wonder if owners of property backing onto this Kress Hole site project have been compensated for any negative impact to the value of their property. If not why not?
Is enough consideration given to existing the impact to current residents and neighbours ?
How would you feel if after years of paying a mortgage for your home a decision by city council or the Ontario Land Tribunal resulted in the value of your home and property dropping by ten, fifteen or twenty percent? What are your thoughts. Leave a comment.
Development of the site continues. Although buildings continue to rise and the population grows the thing we see very little of is infrastructure growth. I don’t think the sewage treatment centre has changed that much since Earl Simpson looked after it back in the 1960’s. Other than new subdivisions, how many new roads have you seen built in the last twenty years?
They call it progress, and maybe it is. But, I hope it isn’t like climbing a ladder only to find when you reach the top you find it leaning against the wrong wall. What are your thoughts?
