Building must come down
It compels me to write, after reading about complexities, quagmires and conundrums, in regard to tearing down an old building [“Inn at Westview agent appears before committee,” February 21].
When Seaboard Hotels bought the Inn at Westview, it was a thriving local business. Seaboard then shut the business down, more than likely to benefit its other interests. The Inn at Westview was left for years to deteriorate and now has become a dilapidated eyesore of a building in the heart of town where the public has spoken out loudly.
City of Powell River council has directed staff to notify the owner, and still nothing can be done, or so its agent says. It’s all about the money, we hear, and there may be other excuses such as asbestos, access and structural integrity of the building. The owner(s) of Seaboard Hotels have benefited financially from residents of Powell River for many years. We are a small town; we all know one another and who owns what.
Where is the Chamber of Commerce in this in regard to its past president, who is also the agent in question?
The building must come down for public safety, fire, rodent, eyesore, rising demolition costs and basically because it is the right thing to do.
If the city must bear the cost up front, so be it. Take back the land, invoice the owner and do whatever legal means are necessary to get the costs back from the owner.
I say this in hope that the owner will come to the table and demolish the building as soon as possible. I for one do not, and never will, support anyone or any business that does not purport accountability.
It’s really quite simple, taking responsibility for one’s actions is first and foremost a respected form of accomplishment.
Jim Agius
Hernando Avenue
Eyesore an issue
In a Peak article last week ["Inn at Westview agent appears before committee,” February 21], City of Powell River councillor Russell Brewer was quoted as saying "people have to ask themselves if this is more of a priority than other pressing issues we are facing," and added that he does not think the former Inn at Westview will be an election issue in the fall.
Prior to making my decision to run for mayor in the October election, I spoke with many residents and the removal of the derelict Inn at Westview building was a priority for the majority. They were appalled that after 10 years the city is no closer to having this eyesore removed.
In a 2016 article, [“Dilapidated hotel taints town centre,” August 31, 2016] the Peak reported that the Inn at Westview “continues to draw the ire of the community and harsh words at city hall.”
The city has the ability to arrange for removal of a derelict building after council approves the action with a remediation order. Section 80 of the BC Community Charter allows local governments to charge the owner of a property for all costs associated with the remedial action.
The mayor and some councillors have been hesitant to take action because of their concern it might bankrupt the owners. However, there is no precedent I am aware of for Powell River taxpayers to bail out a corporate entity or individual faced with bankruptcy as a result of their own actions.
In 2016, the property value was assessed at $326,000. Surprisingly, at the council meeting on February 16, city chief administrative office Mac Fraser indicated the fair market appraisal puts the value of the land at approximately $137,000. This purported dramatic reduction in the value of the land appears inconsistent with the rising value of local real estate.
Powell River property assessment increases for 2017 were the highest in the Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Powell River region. On the commercial side, building permits grew exponentially as more businesses moved into the area.
I believe removal of the Inn at Westview is an important election issue for the fall.
Ron Woznow
Marine Avenue
