CITY SCOPE

By Ian McCallum, St.Thomas Times-Journal

DEMOLITION DERBY
Dawn Doty loves the view from her front window. Mind you, her dear old neighbour across the street is a little down on her luck these days, there are even rumours of her demise, and that is why the Moore Street resident is on a mission to ensure the future of Alma College will be uncertain no longer. Doty will make an impassioned presentation to the Municipal Heritage Committee on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the face of what might be Alma’s last stand.

MHC chairman Angus Walton has the task of recommending to city council whether owners Alma Heritage Estates should be allowed to demolish the main building of the private school for girls which dates back to 1877.

Doty’s message to the committee, the London, Ont., owners and city council is simple … it’s too early “to give up the ghost.”
Furthermore, insists Doty, it’s time for council to get involved. “Put it (the future of Alma) in the hands of council and let them brainstorm and come up with some ideas.”

Unfortunately that process has not been a hallmark of success for this council, but the realization November’s municipal election is drawing near may provide motivation in the final months of this term. Walton is anticipating a substantial gathering will be on hand for Tuesday’s 7 p.m. meeting and the venue has been shifted to the council chamber at city hall.

Which elected officials will be in attendance to gauge public support for restoration of the city’s magnificent landmark?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Let’s see if we can come up with a reasonable answer for everybody. I really get upset when the purists only see black and white. And that’s not fair. It’s a case of what’s best for all of us.” Angus Walton, chairman of the Municipal Heritage Committee, on the need to explore all options available for Alma College in light of an application to demolish the historically designated main building.