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Monday, November 18, 2013

City Looking For Greater Flexibility In Redeveloping Older Buildings

Common Council is meeting tonight to discuss what its priorities should be and whether they align with a strategic plan for the city from this year to 2016. There will also be an update on next year's city budget.

Uptown Saint John and Mayor Mel Norton seem to be on the same page when it comes to redeveloping the older buildings in the city core with one idea being a tax deferral to lower the upfront costs which can be high. There has been talk for years about upper storey development but those buildings would need elevators installed and that's a costly proposition.

The Mayor concedes the current provincial legislation doesn't allow the city to be as creative as it might be but he's expecting things to change for the better.