Posted with permission from the Hamilton Spectator.
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 8, 2008)
The city has laid charges against the owner of the Dynes Tavern for illegally demolishing the beach landmark last summer.
Tony DePasquale tore down the tavern, operating since 1847, just days after a consultant found the historic building could and should be saved.
Tim McCabe, the city's general manager of planning and economic development, said the city charged DePasquale and his related companies this week with eight charges related to demolishing a building without a permit or council approval.
"We want to send a message that we have to uphold our bylaws," he said. "We can't ignore this."
The charges, if upheld in court, could total up to $700,000.
DePasquale said in an e-mail that he hasn't heard from city officials in months and he looks forward to the court case to hear to "their justification for their lack of professionalism in handling this matter.
"I hope the trial will put a spotlight on how this city operates and maybe this city can learn how to deal with businesses in an open and timely manner."
McCabe said the city followed procedure and it's clear a demolition isn't allowed without a permit.
"The charges should come as no surprise to anyone," said Councillor Chad Collins, noting the building came down without appropriate approval.
A land deal with Branthaven Homes worth more than $1 million depended on the demolition. DePasquale applied for a demolition permit in May 2007, but council delayed a decision due to heritage concerns. Demolition was put off while a third-party heritage assessment was completed. A city inspector arrived too late to stop demolition at the end of July.
nmacintyre@thespec.com
905-526-3299
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 8, 2008)
The city has laid charges against the owner of the Dynes Tavern for illegally demolishing the beach landmark last summer.
Tony DePasquale tore down the tavern, operating since 1847, just days after a consultant found the historic building could and should be saved.
Tim McCabe, the city's general manager of planning and economic development, said the city charged DePasquale and his related companies this week with eight charges related to demolishing a building without a permit or council approval.
"We want to send a message that we have to uphold our bylaws," he said. "We can't ignore this."
The charges, if upheld in court, could total up to $700,000.
DePasquale said in an e-mail that he hasn't heard from city officials in months and he looks forward to the court case to hear to "their justification for their lack of professionalism in handling this matter.
"I hope the trial will put a spotlight on how this city operates and maybe this city can learn how to deal with businesses in an open and timely manner."
McCabe said the city followed procedure and it's clear a demolition isn't allowed without a permit.
"The charges should come as no surprise to anyone," said Councillor Chad Collins, noting the building came down without appropriate approval.
A land deal with Branthaven Homes worth more than $1 million depended on the demolition. DePasquale applied for a demolition permit in May 2007, but council delayed a decision due to heritage concerns. Demolition was put off while a third-party heritage assessment was completed. A city inspector arrived too late to stop demolition at the end of July.
nmacintyre@thespec.com
905-526-3299