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skates. Councilior Jim Erb and family watches as the bubble at Waterioo Arena is inflated, endâ€" ing weeks of delRY. / mn xirkpy photo BUBBLE WATCHING First it was the City Hotel. Then the Krebs warehouse. Now, it appears, Erbs Garage and the owners of the Mennonite horse stable are negotiatâ€" The Toronto company wants to reâ€"develop &rt of the Uptown area between King and Regina Streets across from city hall. THe deal for the Krebs and City Hotel properties closes on June 30, 1988. Gary Richardson who is in charge of the project for Torgan refused to make any comments about the present negotiations, or the longâ€"range plans of Torgan for the properties. ‘"We don‘t have any comments right now," he said. ‘"We‘re still in the concept planning stage of what we‘re going to do. ing with Torontoâ€"based developers Torgan Invest ments Ltd. > An April 15 article in the Chronicle said that initial plans for the Krebsâ€"City Hotel site called for "both existing structures to be levelled and replaced by a multiâ€"level retailâ€"office development". "Once things are crystallized, we‘d be glad to sit down and discuss what we‘re doing." Richardson did say that a retailâ€"office complex is "a possibility. The zoning permits it." _ _ _ _ He also noted that in negotiating the sale of such a large block of land "one needs the coâ€"operation of a lot of different parties." s â€" Rick Merling, the owner of Erb‘s Garage says he has been told by his landlord, Russ Erb that his lease will not be renewed after it expires at the end of May. Erb‘s Garage has been located on the site since 1950, but Merling is busy looking for a new location. Russ Erb refused to discuss the negotiations with Torgan for the property, but Merling said "there‘s a conditional offer on this place,"when contacted by the Chronicle. O‘Neil knows his job, and there is no reason to think otherwise. City hall has big plans for the Regina St. area of the city. Gerry "O‘Neil, the industrial commissioner was quick to assure the Chronicle in April that Torgan has no intentions to buy the whole block, and that the company is reputable and responsible. However, there are some concerns. The Uptown area does not need any more ugly contemporary buildings. Whatever Torgan intends to build, let‘s make sure city hall works with the developers to ensure that we don‘t end up with another wretched glass and concrete building in the core. Also, have all the buildings in the Uptown area been properly surveyed to ensure that nothing of historical importance is left free of an historical designation to prevent demolition? For instance, Marbles Restaurant is rumored to be all that is left of the Alexander Hotel and is about 120 years old. A quick designation may be in order. Let‘s improve the Uptown, not just change it. Waterloo citizens will be asked to finance a $28 million increase in capital expenditures over the next five years as the city attempts to catch up on needed facilities and improvements. The preliminary capital forecast, preâ€" sented to council this week proposes spending $71 million‘ through 1992. Last year‘s fiveâ€"year capital budget called for spending $43 million over five years. The increase is mainly the result of recommendations of the parks and recreâ€" ation master plan and the Arcop Uptown study being adopted, said Commissioner of Finance Tom Stockie. The recent rapid growth of Waterloo, with increased demand for support serâ€" vices, and increased construction costs, is also reflected in the budget, he said. "It is the largest fiveâ€"year capital forecast the city has ever put forward," said Stockie. One proposal being considered to fiâ€" increase on the average Waterioo tax bill. The surcharge would be added to the Whopping increase in . capital expenditures regular tax increase starting next year. The proposed expenditures include: O$11.1 million for an uptown recreâ€" ation complex, with construction spread over five years. $3.2 million for acquiring land for parking in Uptown. 0$4.8 million to construct a parking garage in 1990 in Uptown. C$270,000 in 1988â€"89 for renovations of the historically significan Harvey Martin log house. _ â€" ($2.6 million for a westâ€"side recreation complex in 1989â€"90. $525,000 to convert the Waterloo police building into the Woldemar Neufeld Museum in 1990. C$300,000 for a joint gym development at Westvale Schooi’oin 1988â€"89. The record growth of Waterloo over the _ O0$2.5 million for a comprehensive trail system throughout the city. _ â€" _O0$1.1 million in 1988 for library furnâ€" ishings, books and computers. â€" several years has increased demands WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9, 1987 â€" PAGE 3 Stockie. As a result, more than half of the $14.2 million forecast expenditure for 1988 will be spent on public works. The operating budget will be approved on March 21, 1988. In referring to the budget at Monday‘s city council meeting, Coun. Andrew Teleâ€" gdi said, ‘"The changes will be very substantial for the city of Waterloo. The city has experienced substantial growth recently and now we are catching up on our programs and facilities. c&ff;rnte goals and objectives. "If there are revisions to the goals and objectives which impact on the capital budget, the changes can be made through the operating budget approval system," "It‘s important that we communicate with our public that we are just getting to where Cambridge or Kitchener already The capital budget is scheduled for final approval by council on Jan. 25, 1988 â€" the same date that the public is invited to appear before council to comment on the