Suspect in 10 synagogue robberies arrested

Suspect in 10 synagogue robberies arrested
No hate crime involved
The Suburban, February 15, 2012
By Joel Goldenberg

Montreal police recently arrested a 41-year-old man suspected of robbing synagogues in the Station 9 (Côte St. Luc-Hampstead) and Station 26 (Côte des Neiges) areas in recent months. Station 9 commander Sylvain Bissonette told The Suburban last week that the individual is charged with eight break and entries and two of stealing less than $5,000 – instances where he walked into the synagogues in broad daylight and stole money. In each case, petty cash was stolen, nothing was vandalized, nothing religious was stolen, and the incidents are not considered hate crimes, he added. The suspect was also charged with four counts of breach of parole conditions.

“The person was arrested in the Station 26 territory while he was doing a break and entry,” Bissonnette said. “At Station 9, we were trying to find him. We linked him to several cases. There were nine cases in Station 9. He was in court last week and he is now detained.”

Commander Bissonnette said police are proud of this arrest. “Last year, at around this time, we had synagogues that were vandalized, so we paid special attention this year [with the cooperation of Côte St. Luc and Hampstead],” he explained. “We were wondering if something would happen at the same time of year. We did an operation with several stations and it was during that operation that this person decided to do a break and enter. Probably just bad timing for him. “He was caught red handed. There were video cameras inside the other synagogues, so that’s why we were able to identify him for the other robberies.” The video footage also revealed a robbery of which officials of one synagogue were not even aware.

Bissonnette thanked Federation CJA officials involved with synagogue security for giving the information to synagogues regarding the robberies, giving police “a clearer picture.”

In my opinion:  Kudos to Commander Sylvain Bissonnette and to Federation CJA Community Security.  They have worked on this case for more than a year and were intent on solving this case.  I also thank Cote Saint-Luc Public Security agents and volunteer Citizens on Patrol along with CSL Public Safety Director Jordy Reichson for playing an important role in safeguarding the community and in working closely with the commander on this and other cases.

Residents worked up over workout centre’s closure

Residents worked up over workout centre’s closure

NDG Free Press, February 14, 2012

By Isaac Olson

Nautilus Plus, a private gym located at 6585 Mackle near Cavendish, is closing its doors at the end of February, leaving its customers feeling more than a little frustrated and a city looking to help where it can.

“We have been at the Cavendish location since 1986,” stated customer service representative Sylvie Linteau in an email after the Free Press tried, through various means over a period of nearly two weeks, to get an interview. “We have done our best to maintain the activities of the club. Unfortunately, the operations have not been successful for several years and with the lease coming to an end, the company has made a business decision to close the club.”

Côte St. Luc residents like Estie Radowitz-Walsh and George Anisef have confirmed that, in a circulated notice, members were invited to either cancel their membership or use one of the company’s other locations. But the closure is frustrating for people like the 84-year-old Anisef, who moved to the area so he could be closer to the facility “There’s a group of us that play squash, racquetball and handball, but we have nowhere else to go,” said Anisef. “We’re hoping somebody, maybe somebody who already owns similar facilities, will be interested in the gym and take it over.”

Ratowitz-Walsh said she regularly used the exercise equipment at the Nautilus and is not interested in travelling outside of CSL to train. She said she and fellow members are trying to convince the city to improve the fitness component of the new Aquatics and Community Centre (ACC).

Councillor Mitchell Brownstein noted there is an effort by city officials to augment the ACC’s fitness facility and other features to make up for the closure but, he added, “We can’t really add squash or racquetball courts at this point.” If, prior to construction, the city had known Nautilus was planning on closing, there may have been more opportunity to add different features that accommodate residents. As it is now, every room has its purpose, he said, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. “I’m sure there’s something we can do,” said Brownstein. “I’m sure we can find some room for some more equipment somewhere.”

Related articles

• Nautilus Plus in Côte Saint-Luc to close (gjnashen.wordpress.com)

Toyotas stolen cars of choice in mall parking lot

Toyotas stolen cars of choice in mall parking lot
Station 9 Police Watch
NDG Free Press, Feburay 14, 2012

Police say it appears an order might have gone out to steal Toyotas, after two were stolen from the Cavendish Mall parking lot and one was taken in Hampstead. Both incidents in Côte St. Luc happened on February 1 in the mall’s parking lot at 5800 Cavendish Blvd.

A brown 2009 Toyota Venza belonging to a 43-year-old Laval woman was stolen some time between 8:25 am and 3:40 pm. Also taken, between noon and 12:35 pm, was a blue 2009 Toyota RAV 4, owned by a 59- year-old woman from DDO.

In both cases, the car doors were locked and there were no signs of forced entry, such as broken glass on the ground.

“We’re not sure if this is going to be a continuing pattern, but if you own a Toyota or, for that matter, any other car there are measures you can take to lessen the chances of having your vehicle stolen,” said Constable Vincent De Angelis. “Make sure your car doors are locked and your windows are rolled right up. Park in areas where there is a greater volume of people, rather than in an isolated area. And it’s always a good idea to have devices like a car alarm or an ignition kill switch.

Developer still eyeing Meadowbrook, but city officials voice concerns

Developer still eyeing Meadowbrook, but city officials voice concerns
NDG Free Press, Feburary 14, 2012
By Isaac Olson

As the years tick by, Meadowbrook Golf Course’s development plans may seem trapped in a bunker, but the quest to build a residential community on the site remains strong despite opposition or a lack of support from the cities its grassy reach touches.

“Côte St. Luc is determined to retain Meadowbrook as a green space for the benefit of not only our residents, but of the residents of the entire western part of the island,” explained CSL mayor Anthony Housefather. Councillor Dida Berku, who has been working to preserve the property for some two decades alongside Les Amis de Meadowbrook, said, “The location is absolutely critical for the preservation of some kind of green corridor and for filtering out the effect of heat islands — which we know is very harsh in Lachine and rail yards — it’s an oasis on a heat map of red.”

Berku continued by saying: “We need whatever green space we have left in order to counter the effects of climate change.” The property is landlocked between rail yards, neighbourhoods and industrial buildings, making it difficult to access, said Berku, and Montreal has declined to invest in needed infrastructure.

St. Laurent borough mayor Alan DeSousa, who heads up the Montreal’s Meadowbrook file, said the subject has been quiet for nearly two years and the city’s position, as far as he knows without re-examining the issue, likely remains unchanged. With other investments taking priority back then, he said “Meadowbrook and the needed infrastructures were not going to be on our radar screen any time soon.”

On their side, CSL officials limited the site’s zoning to golf a few years back. That zoning led to a still unpursued legal challenge. Suzanne Deschamps, the vice president of development and legal affairs at the site’s owning c o m p a n y , G r o u p e Pacific, said her office opted to not push the lawsuit forward.

“This is a 6 . 4 -mi l l i o n s q u a r e – f o o t property that’s straddles two cities and there is more than enough to develop for the rest of my active career on the Lachine side,” said De s champ s , noting CSL’s portion will likely remain a nine-hole golf course for many years to come. “I don’t need to plan two complementary projects in two different cities that have different by-laws and zoning.”

As for the rest of the site, Deschamps said the hope is to work with the environment rather than against it.

“I came at this from an environmental and human perspective because I believe people are part of the environment just like the trees and the trillium and the birds,” said Deschamps, noting the plan allows for better maintenance of the surrounding lands, more open access to the green space by area residents and a community concept that incorporates some commercial in with the residential to lessen the dependance on cars. “For me, it’s about doing something interesting with the land.”

As far as access to the site, she said that closed-in feel will be a selling point as it will create quiet streets where kids can play without vehicles speeding through.

“This will be an open property with mixed use and affordability built into it,” she said, noting environmental options such as green and white roofs will be worked into the project. “It will truly be building a community.”

However, concluded Deschamps, “We cannot do it alone. We need collaboration from both the community and the political powers that be.”

Similarly, Berku cited a need for all levels of government to legislate and provide protection of what little natural spaces are left. Berku said as more people stand up for the importance of protecting the city’s remaining green spaces, “Quebec leaders are coming to terms with what people want — they want to protect their environment.”

For more information from two different angles, check out: lesamisdemeadowbrook. org and groupepacific.com.

In my opinion: We must not give up the effort to retain this precious green space to benefit the entire southwest section of the Island of Montreal.  Two decades of persistence has proven successful so far.  This land was originally preserved as recreational grounds for employees of the railway. The vision of the railway executives almost a century ago should continue to inspire the owners, politicians and community today, for future generations.

CSL bylaw draconian?

Suburban Newspaper, Feb. 15, 2012

What a strange headline in last week’s Suburban Newspaper.  ”Draconian” is defined as a small offence with a heavy fine.  Cote Saint-Luc’s new bylaw prohibits smoking predominantly in areas frequented by young children. Smoking in a child’s area is no small offence.  And a $50 fine is no heavy fine!

CSL’s priority is housing for young people: mayor

CSL’s priority is housing for young people: mayor

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban
February  8, 2012 

Family members seeking to set up a senior’s residence in a Côte St. Luc duplex say they have had problems getting zoning approved.

Côte St. Luc resident Sarita Benchimol said that before buying a local duplex with her daughter and son in law on Kincourt, they called the city to see if there would be any issues with zoning. “We all received the same response, there is no issue about zoning,” she said at the January Côte St. Luc council meeting. “After signing and just before going to acquire the deed for the residence, we came to try and get the certificate and we were told there were two types of residences – totally private, and public and related to hospitals. This meant we were no longer able to get a zoning permit for the premises we were purchasing. “That caused a setback,” she told Mayor Anthony Housefather.

“We received quite a bit of help from your [urban planning] offices – Christian Chiasson, particularly – who told us they would try to do something regarding the bylaws, and let us know.”

Benchimol asked why Côte St. Luc would give zoning permits for residences for non-autonomous seniors, and “would be reluctant” to provide it for a residence which she said is “really called for in our environment – residences for autonomous or semi-autonomous residents. Ours has a very different concept – continuity of contribution to society, particularly within their own municipality.”

Housefather apologized if there was any misunderstanding from city staff. “There has been no proposal that has come from the urban planning department to council to study, related to anything to do with this issue,” he explained. “From the e-mails I received, I understand the intention was not to deal specifically with your issue, but to allow for spot zoning in different locations for any type, not just for [a seniors residence].” Spot zoning is the zoning of one parcel of land, with different zoning than properties in the same area. Housefather said permits for nonautonomous residences are covered by the Quebec government, and the municipality cannot – by law – refuse applications from residences that have affiliations with hospitals. “The other type is totally within the purview of Côte St. Luc,” the mayor said.

“We’ve been extraordinarily flexible with the number of senior residences in the city. There are more senior residences per capita in Côte St. Luc than any other municipality on the island of Montreal. “And to be honest, the priority of this council has been to encourage younger people to move to Côte St. Luc, and not to continue to further zone for seniors residences. That has been the policy articulated by this council since 2006, and it continues to be the general principle we follow.”

Benchimol said the situation creates a predicament for three residents “who have made a very serious purchase and commitment on the word of people who respond at the city. That should be looked into and corrected.” Housefather asked her to identify those who allegedly provided wrong information, and promised to follow up.

Benchimol also responded that according to a marketing study connected to their business plan, “there’s a crying need for more [seniors residences] in Côte St. Luc. The needs are still there.”

Housefather said that if the city allows for spot zoning, they would want to see information demonstrating the need for such a residence. “I think we all agree, there’s a need for autonomous seniors to preferably remain in homes and not go into institutions, and they want to be in places that are congenial – we totally understand that,” he added. “The question is, where does the city prioritize the desire for people to relocate here? What we’re really prioritizing is trying to bring younger people to Côte St. Luc so we do not have the image of being the oldest city on the island.”

Housefather also contended that if the residence is zoned the way Benchimol wants, “we would be allowing this practice all over the place, and that might encourage many people to do this. That is not necessarily what the city wants. “If we come up with spot zoning plans and we see you have this great desire, the city will look at it. Right now, we don’t have that ability; it’s not in our bylaws…. If Mr. Chiasson is bringing it forward – [urban development] director Charles Senekal is the person you can talk to, to find out what’s happening, he’ll look into it- we’ll look at it at that time.”

Benchimol said she hopes consideration is given to three residents “who are very productive in Côte St. Luc.”

Henry Aubin: Demerger has served suburbs well

Henry Aubin: Demerger has served suburbs well

 

Support is growing for the re-consolidation of Montreal: Here’s why doing so makes no sense whatsoever

 

By HENRY AUBIN, The Gazette February 14, 2012

 

 

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Henry+Aubin+Demerger+served+suburbs+well/6148032/story.html#ixzz1mPbnkkVh

 

Jean-Paul L’Allier is one of most esteemed figures in urban affairs in Quebec. The stunningly ambitious and beautiful transformation of Quebec City’s old quarter took place largely during his lengthy stint as mayor (1989-2005). He’s Mr. anti-immobilisme.

 

So it’s interesting to know what he thinks of municipal government in Montreal.

 

In a speech Sunday at a meeting of Projet Montréal, he said the megacity’s 2006 demerger has “weakened Montreal.” L’Allier, who oversaw the relatively successful merger of Quebec City, says Montreal’s demerger of 15 towns and the simultaneous decentralization of power to the city’s remaining 19 boroughs prevent Montreal Island from bringing all its players (“forces vives”) together. “Some day,” he said, “this must be corrected.”

 

L’Allier thus lends more respectability to the wacky notion of a forced re-merger. Vision Montréal’s Louise Harel, who designed the original merger when she was municipal affairs minister, adores the idea. A popular La Presse columnist is touting it. I’m also starting to hear ordinary Montrealers scapegoating the demerger for the city’s problems and favouring re-merger.

 

This reminds me of how the whole merger concept began more than a decade ago. A few politicians spoke up for it; most people paid little attention because the idea seemed preposterous. Then the francophone media embraced the bigger-is-better premise, the politicians got bolder and before you knew it, whamo, it was done.

 

There was no public debate then. Promoters spewed nonsense (“economies of scale,” “lower taxes”) and refused to respond to fact-based counter-arguments (that have since proven accurate). They dealt with critics by ignoring them.

 

And that’s what’s happening all over again as the remergerites try to build public support. They deal with contrary arguments by pretending they don’t exist.

 

I invite these promoters not to hide from such critiques but to address them. Here are some:

 

–The demerger itself is not a problem. The megacity still claims 87 per cent of the island’s people, and the megacity can impose its will on the remaining 13 per cent when it comes to all intra-municipal matters (police, transit, arteries, fiscal help to poor areas, etc.). Note that not even Jean Drapeau, the most powerful Montreal mayor of our time, had such clout over the entire island.

 

–Granted, because of the decentralization of power to the boroughs, a mayor of Montreal has less power than his predecessors over the city proper. Borough power has created certain problems not in the public interest (for example, duplicated jobs, policies that are not co-ordinated with neighbouring boroughs). But it has also brought real benefits (citizens have a greater voice, services are better tailored to neighbourhoods’ needs). True reform would entail prudent, nuanced adjustments – not a wholesale return to centralization.

 

–Don’t blame the immobilisme on the demerger or on decentralization. The central city has had its hand in virtually all the major projects that have been stopped or delayed: the Casino, Griffintown, the extension of Cavendish Blvd., the covering of the Ville Marie Expressway, the modernizing of Notre Dame St.

 

–Empowered boroughs and demerged towns have almost nothing to do with the scandals staining Montreal. The waterworks contract, the SHDM mess, city hall’s roof and the auditor-general’s emails all reflect on the central city. That’s where the main rot is.

 

–The megacity’s first four years – that is, the time before the demerger – were no Golden Age. Operating expenses grew by 16.3 per cent, 2½ times the inflation rate. Real World 101: Units of governance get more inefficient the bigger they are. Demerged suburbs are using small size to make economies. Why stop them?

 

–What people expect most from municipal government is decent services. Angus Reid polls have shown that residents of demerged suburbs are consistently happier with their services than are residents of areas that were merged into Montreal. That’s no accident: Small units of government not only deliver services more cheaply, but better, too. They have closer supervision.

 

The case could be made that many people might gain if Montreal were to allow a further demerger.

 

That would make for a stimulating debate.

 

But we’ll never see one, not so long as serious, thoughtful deliberation over Montreal’s governance is taboo.

 

haubin@montrealgazette.com

 

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

 

 

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Henry+Aubin+Demerger+served+suburbs+well/6148032/story.html#ixzz1mPbdN1oy

Related articles

• Henry Aubin: Loud silence on merger milestone (gjnashen.wordpress.com)

Côte Saint-Luc adds new limits to smoking in public places

Côte Saint-Luc, February 14, 2012 – The City of Côte Saint-Luc adopted a by-law on February 13 to update prohibitions on smoking in public places, continuing the city’s long-time leadership on this health and safety issue.

By-law 2374 entitled By-law to Regulate Smoking in the City of Côte Saint-Luc replaces by-law 2202. Côte Saint-Luc first adopted a by-law prohibiting smoking in April 1985, with updates in June 1997 and March 1999. The Quebec government enacted the Tobacco Act in June 1998, which set out a series of measures aimed at restricting tobacco access, promotion, and use.

“Côte Saint-Luc has always been a leader among municipalities in the area of health and safety,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “We decided to broaden the provisions of our existing by-law to add additional locations where smoking was prohibited and this is consistent with actions beginning to be taken by municipalities outside of Quebec.”

The new Côte Saint-Luc by-law adds additional prohibitions against smoking (1) within 20 meters of any playground, splash pool, or sports activity, (2) in all municipal parks during a special event, and (3) at all municipal outdoor pools. A copy of the by-law is available at CoteSaintLuc.org.

“Basically, what this new by-law does is take the rules against smoking one step further,” Councillor Steven Erdelyi said. “Smoking in a public place, even outdoors, is a nuisance for all those close to the smoker. Our new by-law recognizes this and makes it possible for people to better enjoy the outdoors, whether at a child’s soccer game or at large public events like a winter carnival activity.”

The fine for contravening the by-law starts at $50 for a first offence. 

Related articles

• Quebec town’s new bylaw makes it illegal to smoke in parks, playgrounds (theglobeandmail.com)

Côte-St-Luc passes anti-smoking bylaw – CBC News

Côte-St-Luc passes anti-smoking bylaw – Montreal – CBC News.

District 4 Councillor Steven Erdelyi sponsored this piece of legislation, which I seconded, and it passed unanimously at last night’s Council meeting.

 

The new by-law will ban smoking within 20 meters of children’s outdoor playgrounds and near municipal sports fields. We will also ban smoking in our public parks during special events like Canada Day. For those who break the law, a fine of $50 will be issued for the first offence and $100 if you do so again.

 

I use the parks often with my young children and find it incredible to see people smoking in such close proximity to youngsters. A park or playground is an area where a child or an adult should be able to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to a pollutant such as second hand smoke.

 

It makes no more sense to smoke in a playground near children than it does in a hospital next to a patient.

 

Cote Saint-Luc has once again taken a progressive stand and I’m proud to have played a leadership role in each of the public safety initiatives of the last 21 years.

Cote-St-Luc bans smoking in public parks | CTV Montreal

Cote-St-Luc bans smoking in public parks | CTV Montreal.

Police Station 9 back on overnight patrol

In the last few weeks you may have noticed that Station 9 vehicles back on patrol during the overnight hours in Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Montreal West.  When Montreal threatened to close the station five years ago the three municipalities agreed to withdraw the overnight patrols being controlled out of Station 9, and moved them to Station 11, provided that the local station remained open from early morning until late at night.

Thanks to the persistent advocacy of PDQ9 Commander Sylvain Bissonnette, overnight patrols have finally been returned to the Cavendish Blvd. station.

What does this mean to Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Montreal West residents?  It means regular patrol vehicles dedicated to our three municipalities, prioritized locally, rather than out of NDG.  PDQ9 officers are familiar with our streets and our issues.  They are more aware of local particularities, hot spots and residents.  They are better suited to serve and protect our three cities than are other officers from neighbouring stations.

Welcome back to late night in Cote Saint-Luc.  We’re glad to have you on duty.

CSL population grows 2.9% to 32,300 – Census

2011 census figures are now in and show that the City of Cote Saint-Luc is the second fastest growing city on the Island of Montreal.

With 32,321 residents, CSL experienced a 2.9% growth rate since the last census in 2006.  Only Kirkland experienced a greater growth rate.

Census Profile – Census Subdivision.

Bowser and Blue sing the Montreal Infrastructure Song

Leave it to this witty and dynamic duo to come up with jingle about Montreal’s crumbling roads and bridges.  ”Driving on crack” has become the norm for Montreal motorists who will laugh from this song because the alternative is to cry!

Lucky for Cote Saint-Lucers that we continue to upgrade our own roads, water system (which we took over from Montreal with demerger in 2006) and facilities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFgA0dMU7fg&feature=player_embedded

CSL to ban smoking in parks, outdoor pool

Cote Saint-Luc has been, and continues to be, a very progressive city with regard to health and safety issues.  I have been proud to be involved in leading the way for a healthier community for more than 30 years.  I have been at the forefront of banning smoking in restaurants in the early 90s as well as in city facilities and vehicles even before provincial legislation was enacted.

Now, City Council is preparing to enact a complete ban on smoking at the municipal pool, a ban on smoking within twenty meters of a playground area, splash park or sports activity area and within the entire park when a special event is occurring.

A notice of motion, indicating Council’s intention of voting on new municipal regulations has been given.  The vote will take place at one of the next public meetings.

While I will second the motion being put before Council by Councillor Steven Erdelyi, I’m interested in your feedback.  Please click on COMMENT and offer up your opinion.

 

The Free Press, Jan. 31, 2012

Related articles

• Smoking banned in Metro Vancouver parks (cbc.ca)

CSL Winter Carnival Valentine Dance Feb. 11