Main St. Clock Tower Developers Revamp Plans

The Town Clock issue needs a decision Click here to see TP's video at the tower

The clock tower is more than just a figurehead symbol for Newmarket, it is an integral part of its historical fabric which in turn is what makes Main St. a unique attraction for residents and visitors. I've always maintained I support the original plan on the clock tower and that extenuating circumstances would need to be present before I'd consider changing that stance. And perhaps with the latest updates provided to me in meetings at the Newmarket Planning Department and with the Developers themselves, and understanding the full scope of whats at stake, I may be sliding.

Let me explain something first.

I've examined the issue from all roads, and  no matter which we take, we arrive at this F Group being allowed to build above 3 floors. And, with deep pockets, likely close to the level they are asking, as I believe the additional studies done thus far indicate that such a project can be supported infra- structurally. It's too bad we are in this position in the first place but we are, and a long drawn out game of poker will still have the same results in my view, except we lose bigger and bigger each day we delay a decision. It's been three years now that property has sat empty, two for the businesses, and time is running out with the town's response time period now overdue.

I played some poker with the Developers too, and stated in the end I felt an O.M.B. might allow for 5 floors and asked about lowering it in their proposal. Colleen Forrest, wife to Bob, did not blink. To finance such a project, I was told, it was not plausible (and they'd likely appeal such a decision was my thought), that they've already revised it to the lowest possible footprint manageable, as such projects are often bigger - but has agreed to provide a revised one floor step-back version.

New- Upper floors stepped-back version should keep sight-line looking authentic for movies use

Their new proposal version allows for a sight line that while you are looking north down Main St., one can view only the tower until almost right upon it, protecting the integrity of that sight line and for which they've produced a video re-creation to highlight this important factor.

And FYI the revised proposal is for condominiums.

As far as parking goes, my understanding is that in addition to the (178?) spots it provides residents and visitors underground - I've just viewed solid samples of the ground from 45 feet deep under the clock tower property deeming it usable - which was a concern previously for water.  Essentially the "land swap" that keeps getting referred to, is not that, but what they want is to build an underground parking area, a portion underground not being used presently, underneath the existing library parking lot, without the library losing any parking and in addition allots an 22 parking spots for visitors. The number of parking spots to be made available to the town by the developers has not yet been decided however and that could prove crucial.

Good-bye Eyesore?

Hard glacial till found 45 ft deep

But this is a $50 million building which needs a developer that is willing to work with the town and which is willing to accommodate the costs associated with our heritage building guidelines and to that end, I believe they have done pretty well - although the start may have been rocky. The Forrest Group have since also added a respected Historical Architect, Chris Borgal of Goldsmith, Borgal and Company, whom I don't believe would allow the integrity of the tower to be infringed upon and am satisfied it's being built in accordance with the Heritage Conservation District as per the Heritage Act directives.

In fairness, the Forrest Group inherited a set of buildings attached to the clock that were already in a state of disrepair and in need of upgrading. To that end, I'm satisfied their plans in respect to those buildings to date are adequate and do support their plan to add 5 frontal units onto Main St while maintaining an 'original" look while saving original bricking where possible.

This project could cause a disruption to some local businesses there is no doubt, but at some point that is coming, and we will need to deal with any issues that arise at that time through a good on-hands Councillor and good communication which I've established now a rapport with in also meeting the the future building manager of the condos. Ms. Forrest also pointed out to me that concerns raised at the public meeting concerning construction traffic woes were heeded by adding a 7 car ramp system built into the site so that back up does not impede local traffic.

A traffic jam in my mind had always been where the extra parking would go since no one had ever done a study to find out the feasibility of an underground parking area there, since Newmarket sits on top the Laurentian Waterway system which runs 300 feet below us and runs from Georgian bay to Lake Ontario, predating the ice age, and confined by a thick layer of clay starting at 45 feet. This new hydro-geological groundwater report, provided by the Forrest Group and produced by Terraprobe Consulting, would seem to allay any legal re-zoning ruling fears based on this should it ever come to that. Developers are wily.

I could stick to holding my vote at 3 floors, however that initial plan was made not knowing all the variables we know today, including the ability to build undergrounds parking spots, and traffic studies indicators that seem to show it can be handled. And any legal body ruling on related applications herein will see this too. So the longer we wait, the tighter their grip will get on their winning hand, while our anti goes up and up, and our working relationship grows some tarnish.

The clock tower's sight line remains under the revised plan click here to see video reproduction

There are some important factors that make this initiative a positive addition to the Main St.. We're maintaining a flagship building while utilizing it and not just as a facade, and it instantly could add a number of new potential clients to help boost Main St businesses upon completion.

It may also go a long way towards attracting a grocery store to Main St., something seniors have told me is a dire need, and they too matter in all this too.

With new nearby rentals now also going up, Main St. condos option become feasible

Rentals Vs Condos

I don't believe it is a Councillors place to tell a private owned zoned entity what type of units they offer as long as they are zoned properly, but I would prefer a mixed housing model should it be up to me, which is isn't. It's likely too late in the game to have that revisited anyway but with over 220 inquiries from a mix of younger and older residents for condo units, who can blame them for responding to an obvious demand? In fact I have heard from a number of residents while campaigning who were disappointed that the Slessor development fell through - so there is definitely a market for condos, and pretty much we're assured of filled units regardless if this information holds true and not decrepit, empty ones like we currently have.

Main St's night life scene could liven up with more nearby residents

In the end, we are where we are with this and cannot change the past. We cannot go back in time despite it being a clock towe, and it is the responsible decision to take informed decisive action in order to move forward so we can get on with using our entire Main St. once again. All roads lead to the same place - but one will cost taxpayers a lot more. What shall I suggest or support?

Join us Oct 4 for the Ward 5 Newmarket Candidates Debate to find out ....
at the Newmarket Theatre on Mulock Drive.


Tom Trail Bits: I did get one concession however - an agreement that they would not protest me putting a street performer on that corner on occasion until construction begins.

Don't forget to vote - here is a link to the dates and places near you!

Tom Pearson...On The Trail
Reach TP @289-221-0928 anytime.