January 20, 2020
The historic Simpson House will be fully reconstructed by the developer, Main Street Clock Inc. (MSC Inc.), who will also be penalized $200,000, after an unauthorized demolition. MSC Inc. has accepted a stringent set of conditions imposed by the Town of Newmarket to ensure the rebuild of the historic Charles Hargrave Simpson House, at 184/186 Main Street South (Simpson House) in a heritage fashion, as well as the completion of renovations to other associated properties (188/190/192 and 194) on Main Street.
The conditions include:
- A commitment that the Simpson House will be fully reconstructed by MSC Inc. in a full heritage restoration, acceptable to the Town of Newmarket. Other associated properties, (188/190/192 and 194 Main Street), that are part of the development must also be completed according to approved plans and permits.
- A letter of credit in the amount of $300,000 to secure the completion of the Simpson House reconstruction and completion of work on other associated properties (188/190/192 and 194 Main Street) to the Town's satisfaction and to the full satisfaction of the Chief Building Official and the Town's Heritage consultant.
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Penalty payment of $100,000 by MSC Inc. to the Town.
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Withdrawal of Community Improvement Plan (CIP) funding of $100,000 by the Town that would have been provided to MSC Inc. for the entire project under the previous agreement.
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Acknowledgement of unauthorized demolition by MSC Inc.
After the unauthorized demolition of the Simpson House by MSC Inc. in October, the Town immediately launched an investigation and issued stop work orders and compliance orders under the Building Code Act. The original scope of work and conditions for the building permits were only to conduct interior alterations to the Simpson House building. During the Town’s investigation, the developer MSC Inc. acknowledged the unauthorized demolition of the Simpson House.
MSC Inc. has provided the following statement regarding its actions:
“Main Street Clock Inc. acknowledges and regrets that the Simpson Building was taken down without proper permissions. We accept the penalties and conditions being imposed by the Town and we are committed to a full heritage rebuild and the completion of the adjacent restorations.”
For more information please view the full media release and the amended Minutes of Settlement.