I know most are aware that a decision was made to demolish part of the Richmond Street hub and put in a parking lot.
Prior to the council meeting I sent an email asking them to place this business on deferral. I can tell you that in 2023 when this was first brought to council’s attention, I agreed with the administrative report and recommendations. The building needed a new roof, administration was not successful in leasing the balance of the building that came with a multimillion dollar price tag and there was concern for parking if the seniors care home told us we could not use their private parking lot. For those reasons, council made the best decision based on the most current information.
Fast forward to now and we learn that the library board completed a space needs study and the current library does not meet the requirements. As a result, council directed administration to complete a fulsome report in regards to the library and future needs. This is why I felt deferral on the subject was the best thing to do. Unfortunately, during the council meeting we learned that not only was demolish of part of the hub included but work at the Golden Age building was there as well. This work has been started and as a result no change could be made as it pertained to the hub. Council’s hands were tied and they needed to go forward with this project.
In 2025, repairs to the roof are needed. This cost is projected to be $1,180,115. To finish the space left, we will need to spend $2,502,425. I believe a new strategy is needed.
Let’s not spend this money. As a landlord we have not been successful in filling the building. The current lessors have protection for the next 10 years. Capital Assist Valuations have told us that the town spends on average 30-50 per cent more to get projects accomplished compared to private business. They also indicated that we have more buildings than other municipalities of comparative size.
I suggest we declare the 320 Richmond Hub surplus, sell to a private organization that is better suited to manage this operation and put the money back into our parks.
Resident recommends sale of the Amherstburg Community Hub
—Rodger Hudson
Amherstburg
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