An independent group charged with helping to oversee the future development of Hamilton has been reconvened, the city's Mayor announced this morning.

The Mayor's Commission was originally set up by former Mayor Jay Bluck a year ago as an independent body responsible for undertaking a wide-ranging review of the management and development of the city.

This morning, current Mayor Sutherland Madeiros said he wanted to bring the Commission back because its 14 members represented a wide variety of experienced business people from different sectors, which could help the City of Hamilton.

As well as identifying and assessing commercial, residential and other development issues impacting the city, the Commission will be charged with reviewing the Hamilton City Plan 2001.

The plan is increasingly under pressure as developers want to build office or apartment blocks above the existing height restriction.

“I would like to thank the members of the Commission for agreeing to continue this very important work for the City of Hamilton. The City of Hamilton plan was approved six years ago and during that time Hamilton has evolved at a rapid pace,” said Mr. Madeiros.

“I am pleased that this group will be reviewing the plan and a wide variety of other matters affecting the City. I look forward to receiving their recommendations.”

The Commission members include J. C. (Kit) Astwood, as the Chairman, Henry Ming as the Deputy Chairman and Peter Adwick as the Secretary.

Other members include Wendall Brown, Teresa Chatfield, Zane DeSilva, Alan Dunch, Barbara Finsness, James Gibbons, James Jardine, Julie Marshall, Donna Pearman, Belcario Thomas and David L. White.

* For the full story and reaction see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.