The Corporation of Hamilton plans to live up to its commitments in North Hamilton, said Mayor Charles Gosling.

According to Mr. Gosling a meeting with business owners and residents last month was "relatively successful" with the Corporation now working to address four areas of high concern to residents safety, sanitation, infrastructure and vagrancy. There is a beginning of a realisation by the residents and business owners that we do mean what we say and we are living up to our commitments," he said.

"There are unfortunately a couple of individuals who are taking advantage of things that happened far too long ago to continue in their stance as to what the [Corporation] represents in that particular area and it presents a challenge to us to change. "[However many] are cognisant of the fact that we do meet with them, that we do respond to them, that we do actually react and are very proactive about it."

Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) business development officer Roxanne Christopher said the Corporation had made "some progress".

"I have to encourage the Corporation for listening to the concerns of businesses and residents in the area, but there is still much more work to be done.

"I am hoping that all of us can get there. I do believe that there is a will to make progress. I just hope that 'will' can understand the true challenge of the [stakeholders] and is committed to gearing the change and progress that is needed. We have to get to the point where the EEZ, the residents and business owners are part of the first thought instead of an afterthought."

Residents need to start thinking of North Hamilton as part of the city, along with Front, Reid and Church Streets, she added.

"There has to be a shift in many people's mind when you think of Hamilton. That shift in our culture and our mindset needs to be embraced by many people not just the members of the Corporation."

She said there were still some people who blamed Corporation members elected in August of last year, for problems in the past. Those people were "in pain", she said, and took advantage of the Corporation's more active and open approach to voice their concerns. "The Corporation is still relatively new and there is a trust people haven't trusted for many years and trust takes a long time to develop. The (Corporation) are making some progress. I definitely encourage them to stay with it."