In response to an article from Durham Post that our neighbor provided us, my wife and I would like to express our concerns with the following:
- First of all with regards to the changes in the overnight parking enforcement it is extremely frustrating that the General Public has not been properly informed of these proposed changes. How are we to provide feedback when there has been an unacceptable level of communication? At the very least some advanced warning in the local newspaper would be a start as this impacts a great majority of homeowners. Preferably some kind of flyer (without the legal jargon) delivered door-to-door would be the best option as not everyone reads or receives the local newspaper.
- With respect to the proposed year round overnight parking enforcement time extension from 3 hours to 5 hours– this seems very unfair for homeowners entertaining any visitors as they are required to leave by 1:00 am now or expect a ticket from the Town. Is Ajax now in the business of dictating time lines for social visits?? This is blatantly no more than a money grab allowing the Town of Ajax more hours to issue tickets!!
- We are even more upset with the proposed new prohibition for vehicles “hanging into the road” and the altering of daytime hours to 24 hour enforcement for parking on or over a sidewalk.
- We are already responsible for maintaining the sidewalks and our question is why are we paying the same taxes as those who do not have the sidewalks and have longer driveways? They clearly will not be penalized for “hanging into the road” or parking over any sidewalk.
- If this by-law is passed we should receive $1000/household off our taxes and double that for corner lots who have to maintain two sidewalks.
- The latest economic situation impacts more families that have kids forced to live at home as they can’t afford the rising costs of rents/ownership of homes and have an extra vehicle or two in the driveway.
- The Town of Ajax are the ones who approve the housing layout to begin with. The Planning Department approved homes but failed the residents in the northeast corner of Ajax. They are so close to each other with little space for vehicles let alone finding room for snow removal. It is not right that the homeowner pays the price of this oversight now.
- We have also heard that the timeline for these proposals would commence in October instead of November. In the past November would be logical as snow removal may be required – but October – not likely! This again appears to be a money grab during a time when many families are struggling.
- It should be public knowledge as to who specifically came up with these proposed new changes and how each Counsellor stands to vote on them.
- We would like to know which members are on the General Government Committee and if they would be directly affected by these changes themselves.
- As a matter of interest where and how many complaints are there in comparison to the hardship this will cause to many Ajax households.
- It is bad enough that we have had our taxes substantially raised in the last couple of years but Ajax has gone too far with these proposed measures.
- We feel strongly that the Revised Traffic By-Law changes be quashed altogether or at the very least the discussion set for Nov. 9th be postponed to allow a proper OPEN DISCUSSION and COMMUNICATION among the residents of Ajax. As one Counsellor states: “Communication is the foundation of building relationships and ensuring community engagement.
Note: This letter is copied by the author to Ajax Mayor and other officials
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