Here is the text of an e mail sent to supporters earlier this week. If you share our concerns, come to our meeting next Wednesday...
Hi there
We are neighbours.
Many of you signed a petition earlier this year against the Slessor Square development, and we are now inviting you and others who share our concern to a crucial meeting in Newmarket Library's multi purpose room on Wednesday 12 December from 7pm - 9pm.
After endless months of negotiation between Town and developer, things are now coming to the boil.
The Slessors are keen to press ahead with their gigantic twin towers on the Slessor site but they know there is vocal opposition.
So now, at the eleventh hour, they are proposing an alternative, which is just as oversized as their original proposal, in the hope of getting the Town to agree.
Details of this so called "settlement option" can be found here in the planning applications page on the Town website. Scroll to 17645 Yonge Street (Dwight Slessor Holdings Ltd.) Go to “Without Prejudice” documents and open “Slessor Conceptual Design Package (November 2012)”.
The Slessors have now gone to the Ontario Municipal Board, by-passing our local council, hoping they can force their massive development through.
Fortunately, the OMB has given Shrink Slessor Square (SSS) "party status" and we can speak out on behalf of residents.
But we need your backing or the OMB will not take our voices seriously.
For a modest membership contribution of $1 you can be part of the SSS residents' group. You can vote on key decisions, stand for election to our Board if you wish, and help shape the future of our neighbourhood and Town.
As a non profit organisation of residents, we are seeking "incorporation" to be able to demonstrate our solidarity to the OMB. If we stay silent, the developers win.
We know there are fears this could lead to expensive fees to hire lawyers. But we have absolutely no plans to hire lawyers, and, in any event, the OMB makes it clear that lawyer representation is not essential.
We are also proceeding on the basis of advice from other active residents groups with experience in OMB dealings (including Glenway and the recent mega-quarry victory).
Closer to home, perhaps you know people with legal or technical skills that would help us strengthen our case.
Feel free to forward this e mail to friends, neighbours and acquaintances who may share your concerns about this monster project. Our group is open and welcoming, so please spread the word.
It’s time for all of us to unite to shrink Slessor Square.
Let us know if you are thinking of coming along to the meeting on 12 December. It helps with the planning.
E mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Best Wishes
Gordon Prentice and Bill Chadwick
on behalf of the Shrink Slessor Square Residents' Group
