MikeCohen.ca

Synchronization of Traffic Lights

In response to queries from residents, here is an update on the synchronization of traffic lights on Cavendish Boulevard.

We have been correcting minor issues with the Cavendish light
synchronization program over the last couple of weeks. There was one
serious problem (up to a nine second delay) and a few other minor issues (two to threesecond delays), which collectively offset the syncro by significant seconds (and thus made the system look like it wasn't function. Our staff have driven the circuit quite a few times over the last couple of weeks. Our traffic engineer in particular has spent quite a bit of time verifying and rechecking the cycles. It now appears to be working at optimal cycles now.
Monitoring of the system will certainly continue.

Superclub Videotron Exits Mall

Superclub Videotron, the superb DVD/Video rental store, has closed operations at the Cavendish Mall. I spoke to Mall management who confirmed to me that Videotron's lease was up. The Mall does plan to demolish that portion of the centre whenever their redevelopment occurs. It is regrettable that Superclub Videotron did not opt to seek a storefront location within the Mall itself.

As the city councillor for District 2, which includes the Mall, I am very saddened to see Superclub Videotron exit. I was among its loyal customers. The selection was excellent and with 4,000 square feet of space, there was plenty of room to walk around.

I am being told that some other video stores are already looking at a potential move to the Mall. And why not? It is a fabulous location, with a built in clientele.

So what are our options right now in Côte Saint-Luc? Well first and foremost if you are a member of our Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library you can borrow videos and DVDs from there. Children's videos and DVDs are free. Adults have two options: $1 per rental or buy a video card for $20 which entitles you to unlimited rentals for the year. We do not, however, have the same selection of a video store where they have multiple copies of most new releases.

Blockbuster Video at the Côte Saint-Luc Shopping Centre is much smaller than what Superclub Videotron was. I went there Saturday night, after learning that Superclub Videotron had shut down. I waited 30 minutes in line to pay.

The only other option for us is on Westminster Avenue in the Famous Delly Boys Plaza. That is where they have the $1 DVD rentals that you take from a machine. This might be a good option for some, but I among those people who likes the personal touch.

If Videotron does not decide to seek a storefront, I hope some other company like Rogers considers moving there.

Journalism Students

Côte Saint-Luc city council generally meets in public once a month. As was the case last year, Jack Branswell has assigned his first year Concordia journalism students the task of attending two meetings in 2008 in order to file stories. Our meetings are usually covered by two local papers - The Suburban and The West End Chronicle. The audience is not often very large unless there is a pressing issue. It is therefore quite a sight to walk out and see an entire class of journalism students taking notes on everything we say. This is deja vu for me. I attended the Journalism Program of Concordia - actually the joint Communications and Journalism Program - from 1982 to 1985. I think it is great that they are covering our meetings, scrumming us afterward and asking interesting questions. It is interesting to note that two of these students are actually big Canadian television stars - Jake Goldsbie (Toby) and Sarah Barrable-Tishauer (Liberty) star in the hit CTV program Degrassi: The New Generation. They've been on the program for seven years, since the ages of 12. Now they have moved to Montreal in the hopes of pursuing a career in journalism.