More support for local developer

For more than 10 years a group of likeminded people has participated in a ‘build committee' for a new public library in Sydney.

First, we had to prove that there was a need for such a building and then find a location. Several studies were done which supported our vision. Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking supported the project early and finally Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Mayor Cecil Clark and council joined in.

Requests for proposal were called and Martin Chernin — the best developer in Sydney — accepted the challenge by submitting the only bid. Our committee was happy as Mr. Chernin owned the adjoining land and progress was being made for a prime location on the waterfront.

With the 2020 fall municipal election, the CBRM council was transformed into a younger version and our committee expected a brand-new vision, energy and progress.

In reality, what we got was anything but!

The library committee met with new mayor Amanda McDougall on June 17 for a progress update on the library. In response to my question, Mayor McDougal essentially said that there would be no library on the waterfront and that council was waiting for Marty Chernin's options to run out on July 1. So much for transparency.

Council then turned down Mr. Chernin's proposal and the library project was canceled because of a lack of vision. They could not afford $500,000 for the design of a new library. (Strike 1).

Mr. Chernin then approached the administration to see what was possible. He proceeded to appear before council who rejected the request for development on the municipality land and his adjoining land. Another lack of vision. (Strike 2)

For many years I have worked with Mr. Chernin and found him to be a person of utmost integrity. He has stayed invested when many others left. He has had visions successful for the entire community. He has been a good citizen.

Council should be embarrassed with their actions. Marty Chernin deserved much better. Cape Breton needs more Marty Chernin's.

Vincent J. Maclean

North Side East Bay