At the June W33AC we reviewed a letter from the June 5 NY Mirror that questioned the efficacy of the new city waste bins that we are starting to see in our ward and around TO. We also questioned the design of bus shelters that provide no shade on a hot summer day. (We wonder what is going to happen to all those old shelters will solid roofs and one solid wall for advertisements.)
In answer to your query re Street Furniture and Bus Shelters: The bus shelters being replaced as a priority in the Street Furniture program at present are ONLY those of older designs that are damaged or well past their prime. The design for the newest shelters under the Street Furniture contract were chosen because they closely resemble the most recent design before we began contracting the program out. This means that we can replace the oldest shelters and leave the more rtecent until the second half of the 20 year contract while still acheiving improved appearances.
ReplyDeleteThe contract allows for a desugn review with changes possible in year 5 of the contract. I have received your comments about there not being enough shade and have forwarded to the contractor. It was a compromise reached with citizens concerned with safety and blind spots while waiting at night. I will follow up during the design review because many have mentioned the lack of shade.
While we are on the subject, it is important to remember some of the principles of the Street Furniture Program established in 2006. These are as follows:
1)Bring together over a uniform approach to all Street Furniture over the life of a 20 year contract.
2)Contract out the Program so that in exchange for advertising revenue, the private sector company pays for all furniture and state of good repair as well as paying for street garbage receptacle emptying and litter pick-up through advertising revenue.
3)Eliminate advertising on Bus Benches (Deemed to be the least attractive by citizen survey)
4)Structure the revenue contract so that increased revenues for the Private Contractor also means an increased portion to the City, over and above the cost of the litter pick up.
These principles have been in the terms of the contractmet and a considerable cost removed from the property tax payer. While the recession has meant that ad revenues are not soring to great heights, the program is paying for city services.