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, aiming to establish 36 units across two structures on 1 Albion St., with plans for the organization’s housing outreach staff to work from one of the buildings. A third of the units are designated for supportive housing, pending potential funding approval from the province.
Trina Clarke, CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed understanding regarding the delay, emphasizing confidence in the project despite the setback. The Amherst town council had previously approved the development agreement with a 4-2 vote, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong dissenting.
In response to the council’s decision, Amherst resident Ray Hickey lodged an appeal on Aug. 4, citing concerns about the impact of supportive housing and the associated office on the neighborhood. Hickey highlighted existing conflicts affecting local businesses, services, and residents, expressing frustration with the situation and the potential exacerbation of issues. He pointed out challenges like open drug use leading to decreased downtown foot traffic and referenced a fatal shooting in April near an emergency shelter and supportive housing units, intensifying safety worries.
Ashley Legere, executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, emphasized community engagement efforts following the incident, acknowledging challenges in managing private property issues and staff safety concerns. Legere, while not directly involved in the YMCA project, endorsed it as a step toward addressing the housing crisis. The development received backing from various local non-profits and Nova Scotia Health during the planning phase.
Hickey also raised objections regarding the lack of amenity space in the project, alleging non-compliance with municipal planning guidelines. Despite plans for shared outdoor space, he argued that the absence of balconies and insufficient amenity space per the land-use bylaw could negatively impact residents’ quality of life. Town planning director Andrew Fisher defended the project’s amenity space allocation at a council meeting, stating that the bylaw rules were negotiable for development agreements and residents could access nearby parks for additional amenities.
Clarke estimated that the appeal might postpone groundbreaking activities by six to 12 months, expressing concern over the escalating housing crisis and the repercussions of project delays. She highlighted the pivotal role of YMCA’s housing outreach staff in assisting 186 homeless individuals in the county over the past year, with about half seeking aid for the first time.