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In Wednesday’s Bermuda Sun, columnist Larry Burchall suggested that the City of Hamilton was becoming a ghost town. As mayor, I join with my colleagues on the Corporation and our many hard-working city employees – who have first-hand knowledge of the many exciting development projects already underway and in the pipeline – to respectfully disagree with Mr. Burchall’s ‘sense’ of things.

His comments, however, do give us the opportunity to share our enthusiasm for the future of the city and a few pertinent facts with the Sun’s readers.

Ongoing meetings and discussions regarding new residential and commercial developments show that the City of Hamilton is alive, well and ever changing – as it should be. Developments by Sir John Swan, Gilbert Lopes, A. S. Cooper’s, Zane DeSilva, Gosling’s and Paul King are all about regeneration. In fact, the recent construction of new residential units has actually increased the full-time population of the city. And a roof-wetting ceremony was held last week at Thistle House, on the corner of Burnaby and Church Streets, which is just one of several new office buildings on the rise.

The Corporation fully supports this development by continuously improving the city’s infrastructure. Recent projects include additional long-term parking at Bull’s Head and retail parking at City Hall, upgrades to sewage and sanitation services, new sidewalks, new traffic and street lights, and improvements to the Hamilton docks and passenger terminals. The Corporation also works closely with the

police in support of CCTV and more community

policing to ensure the safety of those within its boundaries.

Quality of life

We give quality-of-life issues significant attention as well, in order to make using the city more pleasant. The beautiful new entrance to Par-la-Ville Park, Cedars Park and Jubilee Park continue the city’s long tradition of exceptional landscaping. Al fresco dining adds vitality to the restaurant scene and provides incentives for both locals and tourists to linger over a meal. In addition, we are pleased to announce that tender documents for making lower Reid Street a pedestrian zone have been drawn and will be available shortly.

Of course, the Corporation also hosts and supports its partners in many sporting and public events that draw people to the city, including Harbour Nights, the Bermuda International Film Festival, road races, parades, street festivals, boat races and the farmers market. It has provided banners and flag poles to brighten the city and herald events throughout the Island. City Hall facilitates public announcements and events of every variety on its front steps, and the galleries and theatre inside continue to attract thousands of Bermudians throughout the year.

The Corporation put forward its own proposals for the partial redevelopment of its waterfront, not only in response to the advent of Panamax vessels but also to provide additional opportunities for small business, retail and hospitality enterprises and, of course, entertainment for Bermudians. Discussions continue with the Waterfront Task Force, the Chamber of Commerce, developers, financial institutions and the cruise lines to ensure that any redevelopment serves the best interests of the city. The Corporation also continues to work toward a new hotel at the Par-la-Ville site and the redevelopment of City Hall car park.

Meanwhile, plans are progressing for the enhancement of Albouy’s Point, including the provision of a floating dock in 2006 to assist the tour-boat operators and further enhance the tourism experience.

Of course, the Corporation, along with Mr. Burchall and all Bermudians, regrets the demise of Triminghams and Smiths, and there is no question that the loss of two landmark stores has created a void in the area.

Shortly after the closure announcement, the Corporation met with HSBC to express its preference that the new development should encompass retail opportunities on both Reid and Front Streets, but the redevelopment of private property is neither dictated nor controlled by the Corporation. We will continue to press for the entertainment and shopping opportunities that make a visit to Hamilton a pleasure for tourists and residents.

The Corporation of Hamilton has great confidence in the entrepreneurial spirit of its constituents, who have served the city well in the past, and we are optimistic about its future as a thriving centre of business and culture. n[[In-content Ad]]

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