An appeal has been lodged against the construction of an affordable housing complex in Amherst, N.S., resulting in a delay in the groundbreaking for the apartment project. The YMCA of Cumberland is spearheading the initiative, which involves the development of 36 units across two buildings at 1 Albion St. It is anticipated that the organization’s housing outreach personnel will operate from one of the buildings. A key aspect of the plan is to allocate one-third of the units for supportive housing, subject to securing funding from the province.
Trina Clarke, the CEO of YMCA of Cumberland, expressed confidence in the project despite the anticipated delays caused by the appeal process. In a 4-2 vote in July, the Amherst town council approved the development agreement, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong voting against it.
The appeal, submitted by Amherst resident Ray Hickey on August 4, raises concerns about the potential conflicts arising from the proposed supportive housing and associated services in the area. Hickey highlighted issues such as disruptions to nearby businesses, services, and residents as a result of the current situation. He emphasized the negative impact on the community, citing incidents like open drug use and a fatal shooting in close proximity to existing emergency shelters and supportive housing units.
Ashley Legere, the executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, emphasized the importance of community engagement following these incidents. Despite not being directly involved in the YMCA project, Legere acknowledged the role of such developments in addressing the housing crisis and ensuring safety for staff and guests.
Despite receiving support from local non-profits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning phase, the project faces challenges regarding amenity space. Hickey raised concerns about the lack of sufficient outdoor space and balconies, citing violations of the municipal planning strategy. However, the town’s planning director, Andrew Fisher, defended the adequacy of the amenity space provided in the project, noting that residents could utilize nearby parks.
Trina Clarke highlighted the critical role of the project in assisting homeless individuals and expressed disappointment over potential delays caused by the appeal process. She estimated that the appeal could postpone groundbreaking work for the project by six to twelve months, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the growing housing crisis.