I live one block from the…

I live one block from the proposed Jamestown redevelopment in Hamilton, Ontario. It is absolutely appalling that this project has been on hold for years because of CN's concerns about the proximity of its rail yard to the redevelopment site, specifically vibrations, noise and odours that may impact residents. I have lived here for nearly seven years and not once have I received any communication from CN -- a warning in advance or an apology after the fact -- of vibrations, noise and odours. And I most certainly did not hear of any formal complaints lodged by the company when the City of Hamilton built a tiny-shelter community for local unhoused residents -- and that project is in direct sight of the busiest part of the rail yard. So I find it doubtful that CN is terribly concerned about the quality of life for anyone in this neighbourhood. What are CN's true motives, I wonder. Ultimately, we chose to live here and we are well aware of the frequent inconveniences associated with being near a rail yard (many of us, in fact, chose this area for its ready access to the West Harbour GO Station). The Jamestown site has been left to decay for years, creating a horrible eyesore in the neighbourhood, while thousands of unhoused Hamiltonians struggle on our streets. Many of them have set up camps in nearby Bayfront Park and the Strachan Linear Park, which, notably, is right across the street from the fenced-off, graffiti-ridden and windowless units of Jamestown. Those citizens have suffered outdoors, through the worst weather and temperatures, where they can plainly see a housing site being left to rot. It's cruel, plain and simple. It is not often I support the execution of a Municipal Zoning Order, but in this case, I believe it is entirely justified. This process has been stalled by the frivolous and vexatious claims of CN for far too long. The City of Hamilton must be allowed to move forward.