Last night's speaking engagement was a success on many levels.Here's what I've learned
1. 19 cities tried to impose retail malls in their downtowns, 19 of those projects failed (including London Ontario's)
2. Every successful midsize city had 3 common elements
a. Protection of Heritage bldgs
b. a river or some other body of water
c. a post secondary campus
3. The benefits of a downtown campus are mutual. Some Universities benefits include:
a. Higher amount of applicants which yield a more prestigious student body
b. Greater recognition for graduates. Higher % of applicants that take jobs worldwide
c. Greater visibility increases ease of fundraising efforts
One of the problems that the speaker pointed out is that the continuation of this debate will help no one. A university Campus will come downtown only when the debate has ended.
Ross Paul made some comments that I can disagree with for good reasons. He mentioned "cobbling" together a smaller campus for another department might be a small start.
I disagree, as I think that would be an incredible victory. Our greatest problem is that we have no set and established vision for the City Center West Lands. Even a smaller campus created by the university would combine with efforts from the college to designate that land once and for all as a post secondary campus site with more to follow.
This would end all uncertainty for property owners adjacent to this land. For the first time in decades they could start producing plans for the surrounding 100 acres. It is not important whether the campus is not fully complete for a decade. If my hopes come true it will never be complete as it will always be a work in progress that keeps building. The point is that the process will begin whereas right now we sit in an unbearable limbo.
The first recommendation by the International Downtown Association Panel was that we make a decision regarding this land. Regardless of what the university decides to put on this land, a decision will be made.
Unfortunately too many people are caught up in the specific department that should come downtown where I agree with Dr. Paul that this is not what we should focus on. Finger pointing must end, we must work together as true partners to save our community.
The only other comment I felt that Dr. Paul made that should be addressed is his contention that the university is not only supposed to help downtown, its meant to help the entire region.
Well, he should remember that a successful downtown will also benefit our entire region. That is of course unless someone can point out a successful region that has turned their back on their downtown.
Remember this is not only about downtown, this is about the core of Essex County. Erie st., Ottawa and all the other BIA's will be affected by the decisions made to reinvest in the city's core.
Ross Paul made some comments that I can disagree with for good reasons. He mentioned "cobbling" together a smaller campus for another department might be a small start.
I disagree, as I think that would be an incredible victory. Our greatest problem is that we have no set and established vision for the City Center West Lands. Even a smaller campus created by the university would combine with efforts from the college to designate that land once and for all as a post secondary campus site with more to follow.
This would end all uncertainty for property owners adjacent to this land. For the first time in decades they could start producing plans for the surrounding 100 acres. It is not important whether the campus is not fully complete for a decade. If my hopes come true it will never be complete as it will always be a work in progress that keeps building. The point is that the process will begin whereas right now we sit in an unbearable limbo.
The first recommendation by the International Downtown Association Panel was that we make a decision regarding this land. Regardless of what the university decides to put on this land, a decision will be made.
Unfortunately too many people are caught up in the specific department that should come downtown where I agree with Dr. Paul that this is not what we should focus on. Finger pointing must end, we must work together as true partners to save our community.
The only other comment I felt that Dr. Paul made that should be addressed is his contention that the university is not only supposed to help downtown, its meant to help the entire region.
Well, he should remember that a successful downtown will also benefit our entire region. That is of course unless someone can point out a successful region that has turned their back on their downtown.
Remember this is not only about downtown, this is about the core of Essex County. Erie st., Ottawa and all the other BIA's will be affected by the decisions made to reinvest in the city's core.
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