The road to Longwood

Wow - who knew that when I got back from my vacation, there would be a brand new stadium site on the table.

I'm still digesting the news about council's decision to investigate the Longwood and Aberdeen site for the Pan Am stadium. On the surface, it seems to have it all - highway access, an inner-city location, and the potential to make both the city and the Ticats happy.

But dig a little deeper and you'll find some serious concerns about the site. First, the land isn't city-owned and the city has only a short time to negotiate with McMaster. Second, there's the recurring issue of parking and neighbourhood traffic. There's also a question of how the local residents will feel about the development and whether they'll launch any complaints to the OMB. Finally, the footprint the city's looking at for the stadium is only 15 acres - very tight for a stadium and 5 acres less than what the city said it needs.

Everyone wants to see a happy ending to the stadium saga. But, in your heart of hearts, do you think it will work? And if it does, will it be good for the city?

Comments

[Markalanwhittle]

Longwood Rd is a red-herring, it has Ivor Wynne and MIP nimbyism written all over it, truth be told.

The only honestly viable location is the east mountain Lobe and the commitments put forward by Mr. Bob Young, and the Tiger-Cats organization.

All council has to do is rewind to that fantastic partnership, and make it work.

Games CEO Ian Troop has thrown Hamilton another life-line, with which Mayor Fred wants to hang himself.

Go east mountain, or bust.

[Steve Sheen]

Well to be honest i don't think it will work,i was reading that there are already plans for the Aberdeen Longwood site with mac.And i just think the area is too concreted up as it is.Either way there are railway tracks near each location,and i don't see Aberdeen as the all in alls for traffic flow through.I wouldn't think having a big facility like a stadium near or across from a business district would be beneficial for traffic,the area already gets heavy traffic volume.And of course the area just isn't a tourist area.The west harbour has my vote.

[Andy]

Emma, you forgot the most obvious drawback: the fact that these are our most valuable employment lands. Not only are these lands owned by Mac, but they have plans for them - a high tech automotive research facility that will bring far more economic benefit to the city than a small $15m/year, 10 game sports franchise. Nor is it as simple as a landswap as these lands have the highway visibility that would appeal to major corporations seeking synergies with the research activities at the MIP. It is unlikely MIP would be able to attract such high profile corporations to the city's parcel of land tucked away off Aberdeen.

[Kathy Hagan]

I do not believe Mac will allow this site to be used for a stadium. Perhaps it is time to leave the {stadium} mess to Mr Young's team, they can continue to play at Ivor W. or build them a stadium at his expense.
I would say we will lose the Pan Am events and perhaps then this city can get back to dealing with real issues and let this particular farce die.