An appeal has been lodged against the construction of a new affordable housing complex in Amherst, N.S., leading to a delay in the commencement of building the apartment structures. The YMCA of Cumberland intends to develop 36 units across two buildings located at 1 Albion St., with plans for the organization’s housing outreach staff to operate from one of the buildings. If the province provides funding, one-third of the units will serve as supportive housing.
Trina Clarke, the CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed confidence in the development process despite the delay caused by the appeal. The Amherst town council previously voted 4-2 in favor of the development agreement in July, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong dissenting.
The appeal was initiated by Amherst resident Ray Hickey on Aug. 4, contesting the council’s decision based on concerns of existing conflicts in the area due to supportive housing and associated facilities. Hickey highlighted negative impacts on local businesses, services, and residents, citing issues like open drug use and safety concerns following a fatal shooting earlier in the year.
Ashley Legere, the executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, emphasized community engagement efforts since the incident. While not directly involved in the YMCA project, Legere expressed belief in the project’s role in addressing the housing crisis. The development received support from local non-profits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning stages.
Amenity space has been a point of contention in the project, with Hickey alleging a lack of adequate shared outdoor space. Plans include just over 300 square meters of common outdoor area without balconies, falling short of the minimum space requirement in the land-use bylaw. However, town planning director Andrew Fisher defended the amenity space allocation as sufficient, noting residents could utilize nearby parks.
Trina Clarke estimated that the appeal could postpone groundbreaking work for up to a year, affecting the YMCA’s efforts in supporting homeless individuals in the region. Despite the setback, Clarke emphasized the urgent need for housing solutions amid a growing crisis.