I have the following…

I have the following reservations about the plan to open up areas of the greenbelt for development and the overriding of municipal decsions about city border expansion.

1) The biggest need now and in the near future is in rental accomodation. Rents are increasing significantly and this impacts new Canadians, refugees and those of lower income. Growth should be targetted in the rental market with substantial growth within the city boundary. Hamilton's population is aging and an affordable rental market may encourage the younger generation to stay in Hamilton or come and live here..
2) I am concerned about the impact on our city finances. I have heard figures of $5b per year in lost revenue to Ontario municipalities due to the decreased development fees.
3) I am especially concerned about the environmental impact of these decisions. We need to get away from sprawl and fossil fuel dependent transportation.
4) This just does not look good. Some properties were bought by wealthy investors who donate to the PC party after the party was elected and after the premiere alluded to opening up the greenbelt. Even if there is nothing nefarious, this just looks bad.