1 June 2007
Corkum Takes Firm Stand on Roundhouse
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Kentville mayor Dave Corkum.
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Kentville Nova Scotia - Kentville Mayor Dave Corkum has
made a formal response to criticism aimed at town council regarding its recent decision to demolish the former railway roundhouse.
Through a news release issued 31 May 2007, Corkum expressed the town's distress at what it perceives to be an uninformed
and unnecessarily aggressive attitude apparent in a recent statement made in the form of a news release from Sherri Turner of Steam
Mill.
He said she describes her position in her statement as assisting with PR for, or on behalf of, transportation historian Dan Conlin,
Nova Scotia Railway Heritage Society president J.P. Underwood and Kings County Museum curator Bria Stokesbury.
Corkum said he wishes to assure the author of the statement and those she represents, but more specifically the residents of the Town
of Kentville - the taxpayers council represents - that the renewal and redevelopment of 15 acres of former rail land in the downtown
continues to be a very positive series of events and a continuing work in progress.
He said references to Shannex are, for the most part, incorrect and misleading. As one of the province's most successful and reputable
developers and operators of seniors' residences, the company is interested in acreage adjacent to the old roundhouse structure. Shannex
has made it clear that its most recent configuration does not necessitate the use of the land occupied by the structure. If the town's
plan to remove the roundhouse structure proceeds, it's hoped that Shannex will incorporate that area into its development plans as
well.
"Kentville is seen, with good reason, to be a favoured place within Nova Scotia to live and work. We are blessed," Corkum
said. "I certainly hope and intend that any issues that arise during this continuing process of revitalization of our downtown
core can be addressed with the same positive attitude for which our community is both known and admired."
Several Years Planning
Corkum said the town has spent several years in the planning stages for the acquisition, clean-up, and development of the
railway lands. Its unique location within the town affords opportunities never before available to create housing opportunities for
those who wish to be close to services, stores, and medical facilities. This type of development, in turn, creates the support and
demand for new and existing retail and recreation facilities.
He said council has leaned heavily on professional advice and local input, including that received from the Kentville Community
Development Committee, all of which has been very helpful in giving a citizens' and business perspective to the development of the
land. The mayor said he and council want to express thanks to this group and to all others who have given valued input to council as
the citizens' representatives.
"Kentville's council certainly welcomes all comments from all interested persons and groups," Corkum said. "We do trust,
however, that such input will be positive in nature. This entire process has been founded on the principle of providing development
that is the most beneficial for the residents of Kentville. Our aim is to keep all communications on a positive,
forward-looking level. There is no room for negativity in such a process."
Corkum said every town councillor is compassionate about the preservation of historic landmarks and icons. He assures citizens that
they have given a good deal of study to the structure referred to as the roundhouse.
"It is unfortunately all too clear to us that it's not financially sustainable to preserve it, given the cost of renovation,
management, and year over year maintenance that would fall upon our taxpayers," Corkum said. "Yes, the structure could be
saved; but it does not meet either the environmental or the economic model we are using."
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