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Amherst town council is considering a 36-unit affordable housing project, but concern is being raised about the small number of parking spaces allotted for the pair of buildings.
The Cumberland YMCA is looking to develop two 3½-storey buildings on three vacant lots at 1 Albion St. The plan is for one building to have 24 units of affordable housing, and the other would include 12 units as well as office space for YMCA community development staff.
Under the proposal, there would be seven parking spaces. The municipal planning strategy that came into effect in March eliminated requirements for any parking spaces in new developments downtown, citing a surplus already exists.
“We know there may be many people who simply don’t have a vehicle because they can’t afford to have a vehicle,” said Trina Clarke, CEO of the Cumberland YMCA, in an interview.
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“If they can then afford a car payment, I hope we have a parking problem because that, to me, that’s a huge sign of success,” she added, noting additional spots are being secured at nearby locations.
Rhonda Perry, who lives on Crescent Avenue across from the development, said she believes the street will be overwhelmed with cars.
“It wouldn’t matter what was being built over there. I think it needs to have proper parking at the end of the day,” she said in an interview.
No recommendation to council
The planning advisory committee, which includes three councillors and three appointed community members, did not provide a recommendation to council on the development.
The development meets all planning criteria, according to town staff. There have also been letters of support from multiple community organizations including United Way Maritimes, which has a housing project of its own in high demand in Amherst.
Andrew Cameron, president of Northumberland Properties, said he supports the project and does not understand why there was no recommendation to council from the advisory committee if the development meets planning criteria.
He said public input is important but ignoring planning policies presents uncertainty for developers.
“Not knowing why a project would get approved or why a project wouldn’t, it makes it hard to plan them,” said Cameron, who’s developed more than 130 units in Amherst since 2012.
“It costs a lot but it also takes a lot of … calendar time to get a project together, get it submitted and go through the approval process.”
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On Wednesday, the YMCA hosted an information session on the development where about a dozen community members expressed support for a safe and vibrant downtown.
Clarke said the development is not an emergency shelter; rather, part of the vision is 12 supportive housing units if funding from the province can be secured.
Perry, who did not attend the meeting, wiped away tears while talking about an April shooting on nearby Prince Arthur Street. She said she fears the new project will bring similar events, as well as drug overdoses and mental health crises to her street.
“It’s been over two months and I just can’t shake that,” she said.
“It’s great to do something for people, like build something, but not in that location.”
Clarke said affordable housing does not equate to criminality. She said the development should provide tenants with more disposable income to support area businesses.
“I absolutely think that this will contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the downtown community,” said Clarke.
The project will go for first reading at Amherst town hall on Monday. If it passes, a public hearing will be scheduled.
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