An appeal has been filed against the construction of an affordable housing development in Amherst, N.S., leading to a delay in the groundbreaking for the apartment buildings. The YMCA of Cumberland intends to build 36 units across two buildings at 1 Albion St., with plans for the organization’s housing outreach staff to operate from one of the buildings. Supportive housing is slated for one-third of the units pending provincial funding.
Trina Clarke, CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland, expressed confidence in the development process despite the anticipated delay caused by the appeal. In a 4-2 vote in July, Amherst town council approved the development agreement, with Coun. Dwayne Ripley and Coun. Nic Furlong dissenting.
The appeal was submitted on Aug. 4 by Amherst resident Ray Hickey, citing concerns about existing conflicts stemming from supportive housing and associated services in the area. Issues such as open drug use and a fatal shooting in close proximity to emergency shelter facilities have raised safety apprehensions among residents and businesses.
Ashley Legere, executive director of the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association, emphasized community engagement efforts following the incident. There are concerns about the lack of amenity space in the proposed development, with plans for shared outdoor space falling short of municipal planning requirements.
Despite the setback, the development has garnered support from local non-profits and Nova Scotia Health. The project is seen as part of the solution to longstanding downtown issues. Trina Clarke estimates that the appeal could postpone groundbreaking work for up to a year, impacting efforts to address the growing housing crisis.
