The Jamesville mess of…

The Jamesville mess of unlived-in, decaying residences in the city of Hamilton, a city with a housing and homeless crisis is a disgusting example of city mismanagement and corporate overstep.

10 years ago, a thriving neighbourhood was gutted when residents were forced out of their homes by an overeager, unprepared city department and into a housing market that even then could barely accommodate them. The years passed with no action as the homes were stripped of doors and windows and then left to stand in the middle of a beautiful, vibrant neighbourhood, 2 km from downtown and meters away from a popular recreation area and park. The city seemed to drag its feet for a few years before putting out tenders and making plans for the replacement of the residences, with many designs and parameters discussed ad nauseam.

To further complicate this appalling situation, after a few years, Canadian National Railway stepped in to wield its mighty power. Objecting to the closeness of any residential development to its shunting yards due to possible future complaints by future residents of the development, they prevented the city from moving forward. Not recognizing that this was a development in the footprint of one which had existed for decades. Rescheduled meetings, cancelled meetings and other delaying tactics continue unabated.

The absurdity of CN's objections notwithstanding, their action has revealed a Federal corporation overstepping its authority and its mandate. Furthermore, it has proved again to be one of the worst community partners and insensitive government run agencies the citizens of this country could ask for.

As a homeowner who has lived within a stone's throw of the GO tracks, the CN yards and a train station for over 45 years, I can attest to the noise. This old neighbourhood settled more than 100 years ago, grew along side Sir Allan McNab's railroad. Its residents chose to live here with the full knowledge of the railroad and its noise, just as the future residents of Jamesville will. Never has the commotion in the yards been unpleasant, it is the background soundtrack of life in the neighbourhood, and to my knowledge, never has anyone complained to CN as they go about their business!

This injury to the citizens of Hamilton has gone on far too long. Tear Jamesville down as it should have been torn down when emptied decades ago and for the love of God, get this neighbourhood built!