By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A troublesome alleyway in downtown Chatham may be blocked off by the municipality.
This following a motion from Chatham Coun. Conor Allin to explore the possibility of Chatham-Kent putting up gates at the entrance to the passage between the Daily Planet and Maholo Liquidation on King Street. The alley, which is private property, backs onto the rear of Hope Haven.
Allin said the request, valued at between $12,000 and $15,000, was made by the Downtown Chatham BIA.
According to Allin there have been “numerous complaints” of people buying, selling and using drugs in the alleyway. Needles are scattered everywhere, he said. A couple of fires have also occurred and the alley has generated more calls to police than any other alley.
Allin said erecting the gates is “an easy way to show support to local businesses.”
And while the motion passed 11 to 6 at a recent council meetng, some members of council didn’t think Chatham-Kent should be paying for improvements on private property.
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville said she was concerned that installing the gates would show “favouritism” to only a couple for businesses.
“Are we setting a precedent?” Jubenville asked, adding that supporting the request poses a “slippery slope.”
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson spoke in support of the motion, saying the alleyway presents a municipal concern and a public health issue.
“I think it’s a decent motion when we look at it from that portion of things,” Anderson said, noting the loitering problems are not the fault of the adjacent businesses.
In response to questions about the location, Mayor Darrin Canniff stated the alleyway directly affects what’s happening on King Street.
“It’s a joint effort to try and improve the area,” the mayor said.
Chatham Coun. Amy Finn entered a successful friendly amendment that will see the municipality consult with BIAs in other parts of C-K.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor advised that previously conducted CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) audits be included in the report, as the alleyway has already been designated as an area of concern.
Administration will be reviewing the request to come up with possible solutions as well as a funding stream.
