An appeal has been lodged 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 orchestrating the development of 36 units across two structures at 1 Albion St., with intentions for the organization’s housing outreach personnel to operate from one of the buildings. A third of the units are earmarked for supportive housing, pending funding approval from the province.
Trina Clarke, the CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed that the appeal was anticipated, but the organization remains optimistic about the process and their project’s progress.
In a 4-2 vote in July, the Amherst town council endorsed the development agreement, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong casting opposing votes.
On Aug. 4, Amherst resident Ray Hickey lodged an appeal against the council’s decision, citing concerns about the existing conflicts arising from supportive housing and its associated office. Hickey emphasized the negative impacts on neighboring businesses, services, and residents, including issues like open drug use affecting downtown foot traffic.
Ashley Legere, executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, highlighted the focus on community engagement following incidents in the area. Legere emphasized the challenges faced in addressing issues on private property and the need to ensure staff and guests’ safety.
While not directly involved in the YMCA project, Legere acknowledged the project’s potential to address the housing crisis. The development garnered support from local nonprofits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning phase.
Hickey raised concerns about a perceived lack of amenity space in the project, alleging a violation of the municipal planning strategy. Despite plans for shared outdoor space between the buildings, he argued that the absence of balconies falls short of the minimum amenity space required by the land-use bylaw.
Trina Clarke estimated that the appeal could prolong the groundbreaking work by six to 12 months. She emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing housing crisis and expressed disappointment over the delays affecting developments like this project.