Editor: I think the municipality should send the architectural plans for the new municipal hub back to the drawing board.
I, however, very much support the idea of the hub at the former site of the Sears store attached to the Downtown Chatham Centre. It will transform our downtown and get rid of a dead zone instead of leaving it to the next generation.
It seems to me the plans make it clear there are great restrictions for the municipality because of the site.
The former Sears building will be built out to the sidewalk of King Street. It can’t be pushed back because of the former Sears loading dock.
This addition will accommodate new council chambers, comprising of a room with chairs and tables. Nothing special here.
We could also lose the present civic plaza/patio with the clock. The clock could be moved.
If we’re building a new municipal hub, why not have beautiful council chambers like we have?
This addition also requires most of the landscaping to be eliminated. There is also less greenery at the front of the new building.
The new museum will be double the size of our present one but we are still are left with a small museum.
I’m left wondering if the museum would be better off in the Chatham library site.
Diane Gilhula
Chatham
