Concerns raised about Cogswell redevelopment prompt more public input

The redevelopment of Halifax'sCogswell Interchange passed another hurdleTuesday, but municipalcouncil wants more extensive consultations before the project comes back for its next approval.

About 60 per centof the design is now complete.

"This is really transformative. This is asignature piece of work for this municipality,"said Coun. Steve Craig.

However, a coalitionof 23 organizations has writtento council with concerns about the way the project will be financed, the roadway itselfand the lack of consultation on the detailed designs of the parks, walkways, plazas and transit hub.

Before any more work proceeds on the final plan, the groups will be listened to.

"I think a lot of the groups kind of woke up to the fact that Cogswell really is happening," said Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown HalifaxBusiness Commission, which is one of the 23 groups in the coalition.

"There really are some concerns here."

Councillors are open to the idea of more consultation.

"They have to be listened to, anything less would be arrogance on our part," said Coun. Lisa Blackburn.

Council has asked managers tobring the project back when 90 per cent of the design is complete.

As for finances, city CAO Jacques Dubetold council thefinancial plan isn't ready.

He said it could include notonly the saleof land to developers, but also taxes generated by the newbuildings.