An appeal has been filed against the construction of a budget-friendly housing project in Amherst, N.S., causing a delay in the commencement of building the apartment complexes. The YMCA of Cumberland is spearheading the initiative to develop 36 units across two buildings on 1 Albion St., with plans for their housing outreach staff to operate from one of the structures. A third of the units are intended for supportive housing pending provincial funding approval.
Trina Clarke, the CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed understanding of the situation, stating, “We anticipated this potential delay, but we have faith in the process and our project’s success.” The Amherst town council approved the development agreement in July with a vote of 4-2, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong dissenting.
Ray Hickey, an Amherst resident, challenged the council’s decision through an appeal submitted on Aug. 4, citing concerns about conflicts arising from the proposed supportive housing and office presence in the vicinity. Hickey emphasized the adverse impacts on local businesses, services, and residents, attributing these issues to the existing situation. He highlighted problems like drug use in public spaces leading to decreased downtown foot traffic and safety concerns following a fatal shooting in April near existing emergency shelter and supportive housing units.
Ashley Legere, the executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, emphasized community engagement efforts post-incident, underlining the challenges in managing private properties where issues like open drug use persist. Legere, although not directly involved in the YMCA project, sees it as a step towards resolving housing shortages. The development garnered support from various local nonprofits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning phase.
Hickey raised objections regarding the lack of amenity space in the project, alleging non-compliance with the municipal planning strategy. While plans include just over 300 square meters of shared outdoor space without balconies, this falls short of the minimum requirement set by the land-use bylaw. Andrew Fisher, the town’s planning director, defended the project, stating that the negotiated development agreement allowed flexibility in adhering to the bylaw’s amenity space standards.
Trina Clarke estimated that the appeal process could delay the groundbreaking work for the project by six to 12 months, expressing disappointment at the setback amidst the growing housing crisis. The YMCA housing outreach staff supported 186 homeless individuals in the county over the past year, half of whom sought assistance for the first time. Clarke emphasized the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and the negative impact of project delays on the community.
Photo Caption: Trina Clarke, CEO of YMCA of Cumberland, anticipates a delay in groundbreaking work due to the appeal process. (Image source: elnewsmexico.com)