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 intends to construct 36 units across two buildings at 1 Albion St., with plans for the organization’s housing outreach staff to operate from one of the buildings. A third of the units are designated for supportive housing pending provincial funding.
Trina Clarke, CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed understanding of the appeal, stating that while it was anticipated, they remain confident in the project and the process. The Amherst town council previously approved the development agreement with a 4-2 vote, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong voting against it.
The appeal was submitted by Amherst resident Ray Hickey, who cited concerns over existing conflicts resulting from supportive housing and associated offices in the area, affecting local businesses and residents. Hickey emphasized the negative impact on the community, including issues like drug use and safety concerns following a fatal shooting earlier in the year.
Community engagement has been a priority for Ashley Legere, executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, following the incident. Legere highlighted challenges in addressing issues on private property and emphasized the need to ensure safety for staff and guests.
Despite not being directly involved in the YMCA project, Legere sees it as a step towards alleviating the housing crisis. The development garnered support from various local nonprofits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning phase, with Clarke emphasizing its role in addressing long-standing downtown issues.
Hickey also raised concerns about the lack of amenity space in the project, alleging a violation of the municipal planning strategy. While plans include shared outdoor space, the absence of balconies falls short of the minimum requirement. However, town planning director Andrew Fisher defended the decision, stating that the amenity space was deemed sufficient and residents could utilize nearby parks.
Clarke estimated that the appeal could postpone groundbreaking work by six to twelve months, expressing disappointment in delays impacting efforts to address the growing housing crisis.