We don’t need the Auchmar money pit

RE: AUCHMAR RESTORATION STALLED (AUG. 29)

When will somebody get it? We can’t afford and don’t need Auchmar restored.

I have had several letters published in The Spec regarding Auchmar, all questioning ‘WHY.’ I wonder how many millions of dollars have already been spent on this building and property? And the plan for The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry assuming responsibility, although it sounds nice, can only happen at taxpayer expense.

Auchmar already is an endless money pit and with an additional $20.4 million required to develop the site, based on a five-year plan to complete, is without question a low estimate. If the restoration continues, it will take considerably more money, and maintaining Auchmar forever more money again.

And the idea of turning the Coach House into tea room will require unbelievable tea sales to cover even a tiny amount of these costs. I’ve stated previously, let this property be developed by the private sector who are in the business of developing to create a tax base for the city.

My last comment: I always smile when I read about The Friends Of Auchmar, likely a nice group of citizens who don’t mind committing taxpayer dollars for their cause. My suggestion: The Friends should put up their own money. Wonder how many Friends would be left?

Bob Melnyk, Hamilton