Port development key for downtown growth

It is hard to believe that Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) council is trying to revitalize Sydney’s downtown with tax breaks.

Before Walmart and amalgamation, all downtowns were thriving.

But lower taxes attracted larger stores and box stores beyond the downtown borders. They offer large parking lots, wide aisles, wheelchairs and electric chairs ¬ all to accommodate our older population ¬ and they are located near fourlane highways.

Wages are probably a factor, too.

But in downtown Sydney there is not early enough parking close to the stores, roads are congested and there are crosswalks, etc.

Another battle for everyone is online shopping. I predict this will cut in-store shopping in half or more.

For Sydney, port development will do a lot for downtown Sydney. Hank Niesten Millville