Plans for an affordable housing project consisting of 75 to 80 homes in east Saint John are one step closer to reality.
Members of the city’s planning advisory committee unanimously approved the Sunnyside Tiny Home Community last week.
The project, announced in September, is a partnership between local business leaders, Saint John Energy, United Way Maritimes and Fredericton’s 12 Neighbours community.
It is being proposed on land between Westmorland Road and Rothesay Avenue, not far away from the Fernhill Cemetery and East Point Shopping.
The city received 19 letters from the community regarding the project, with 11 in support, five against and three being neutral.
Andrea St Pierre was one of several people who raised concerns during Wednesday’s committee meeting.
St Pierre said she and others who live in the area have noticed an increase in break-and-enters.
“My heart really does go out greatly to the people that are suffering, and I get it, but at the same time, there’s a lot of concerns that I have in placing this in the East Point [area],” she said.
“I’ve had my own office, where I’ve had a homeless person come into my office. Now I have to lock my doors if I’m alone, so it’s pretty scary. And this is without having, what’d you say, 150 people, residents in these new tiny homes.”
Consultant John Wheatley also raised concerns on behalf of several businesses that are located near the proposed site.
Wheatley said they are concerned about security and how the tiny home community may affect their operating costs.
He added they are not against a project like this, but feel that this is the wrong location for it.
“Our community’s got a problem and we must manage this current homelessness situation, and the development of tiny homes is certainly a step in that direction,” said Wheatley.
“The location selected for the tiny homes is very, very critical, both to the success of the project and to the impact that this may have on the community.”
A number of individuals and organizations also spoke in favour of the project, including Fresh Start Services, which helps those experiencing homelessness, and Saint John Energy.
Emergency physician Paul Atkinson also highlighted the impact that homelessness has on the health-care system.
“Homelessness significantly impacts emergency departments and hospitals across Canada, leading to increased health-care utilization and associated costs,” he said.
The development will also have a community building, which will have room for staff as well as wraparound services that the community members can use on-site.
It is expected to cost around $10 million, with United Way Maritimes planning to reach out for assistance from various levels of government and launching a fundraising campaign.
With PAC members approving the proposal, it will now go to council for a public hearing on Feb. 10.
