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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Final Decision On Peel Plaza Development Not Made










(Common Council - file photo)         

Still no final decision on whether the Peel Plaza development will go ahead even after a special meeting of Common Council. 42 million dollars is the estimated price tag for a revised and somewhat downsized development north of Union Street. Council rejected the idea of a public-private partnership as too expensive and instead wants bids submitted for each individual project starting with the new police headquarters. Councillor Donnie Snook is hoping the final price tag will be lower than the estimate.
Councillor Peter McGuire leaves little doubt where he stands believing the project will lead to private investment which the city desperately needs. He claims the economy of Saint John is at a crossroads.
A final decision is now expected in four to six weeks time when the tenders come back and the city has a better take on the final cost. Mayor Ivan Court, who again locked horns with Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase accusing him of not understanding the situation, is promising all the numbers will be revealed at that time.