Metrolinx buys land downtown to address GO parking shortage
Brampton Guardian By
Peter Criscione
Apr 05, 2016
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Brampton councillors said Monday they want a clearer picture of what Metrolinx has planned for the nine properties recently acquired around Nelson and Railroad streets.
“Are they are going to turn the downtown into a parking lot?” asked Sprovieri.
The regional councillor for Wards 9 and 10 said he wants guarantees from the transit agency that redevelopment of that block of land will include mixed-use facilities. He also called for a traffic impact study.
Regional councillor Elaine Moore, who also chairs the committee, raised concerns that the proposal would remove a number of rooming houses, displacing low-income residents.
Metrolinx spokesperson, Vanessa Barrasa, told
The Guardian that addressing overcapacity at the downtown GO station parking lot is a priority for the transit agency.
With respect to a mobility hub for rail and buses, Barrasa said discussions continue with City staff regarding planning studies for the area as well as Metrolinx investments at the station.
Barrasa did not mention Metrolinx plans for mixed-use development in downtown Brampton.
Joe Pitushka, executive director of planning and infrastructure, encouraged committee members to reach out to Metrolinx for clarity.
He said such a plan could have major implications on the downtown core.
“When you start assembling this amount of land it’s going to affect the downtown,” said Pitushka.
Last year, Metrolinx locked horns with area residents and council opponents over a $1.6 billion proposal to drive a Light Rail Transit line from Mississauga’s lakefront to the downtown GO station via Main Street.