Existing land owners
New by-laws allow for exciting developments in the Main Street area. Although many land owners will find it beneficial to develop their properties, others will not. New by-laws don't allow buildings such as new storage facilities or adult entertainment. Existing businesses that fall into these areas have less reason to do development their properties. They may only be renovate, not expanded.
The Main Street area is unique in adopted by-laws that benefit the community. Residents, not money hungry builders, are the one who will benefit from the new vision. There are sure to be land owners who will always choose maximum profit over the good of the community.
The Main Street area is unique in adopted by-laws that benefit the community. Residents, not money hungry builders, are the one who will benefit from the new vision. There are sure to be land owners who will always choose maximum profit over the good of the community.
Walkability
Traditionally, zoning has encouraged developers to separate residential, retail and others services. This is how the HRM has been built over the last few decades. Burnside industrial park, Dartmouth Crossing and swatches of residential areas have made the HRM unfriendly to pedestrians. Main Street has not escaped this tradition. The area is covered in asphalt and littered with parking lots. The highway practically devides Main Street as crossing points are few and far between for those wishing to simply get across the street. Moving forward, new infrastructure will address this problem but will take time to solve it.
Transit
Even though there are over 2,500 jobs in the Main Street area and 45 health and wellness facilities, transit is only readily available from nine to five. Improved transit service will be a must for the area as new developments are constructed and new residents move in. The Main Street Business Improvement District has been pushing Halifax Transit for change but improvements are slow.
For more information:
Main Street Needs a Bus
Exploring transit role in Main Street community - Dartmouth Tribune
It's More Than Buses - Advocates for better transit in Halifax
For more information:
Main Street Needs a Bus
Exploring transit role in Main Street community - Dartmouth Tribune
It's More Than Buses - Advocates for better transit in Halifax
Recognizing changing trends
For generations is has been the trend to move away from cities into suburban homes. Although information points to this trend changing in the 21st century, it will not be readily accepted by those who have made millions building suburban "McMansions." If money can be made, developers will continues to push for new suburban growth. In Halifax, developers recently raised opposition to forming a greenbelt around the city.