To no one's surprise, the city's heritage group has voted overwhelmingly against issuing a demolition permit for the historic Lister Block.
In a 12-1 vote yesterday, the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee also recommended that city council reject the proposal which would see the derelict downtown landmark torn down and replaced by a replica of its 1923 facade.
Council is not bound by LACAC's decision, but the vote will undoubtedly influence debate when the contentious issue is aired at a special public meeting June 12.
Joe Mancinelli, vice-president of the Labourers' International Union of North America -- which owns the Lister Block -- said he expected LACAC's brush off, which is why he didn't attend the meeting.
"I agree with LACAC's mandate ... but I also understand that they are purists," he said.
Mancinelli is confident council will still support the $28 million project which calls for demolishing, reproducing, and transforming the vacant six-storey building into a modern office complex.
"I have complete confidence in LIUNA's ability to convey this message to council and I have complete confidence that council, once they fully understand the scope of the project, is going to vote by an overwhelming majority in favour of the Lister reconstruction." Source. This way to my NEW BLOG.
