A 38-unit affordable housing project in Saint John’s south end is one step closer to become a reality.
Council has given its first approvals to rezone land behind the former St. John the Baptist Church.
Kaleidoscope Social Impact plans to construct a four-store building at the corner of Broad Street and Broadview Avenue.
Seth Asimakos, general manager and co-founder of Kaleidoscope, said the main target tenant is mothers with children.
“Specifically transitioning from addictions, getting their children back and being able to have a stable, supportive and affordable place to live,” Asimakos told council during a public hearing on Tuesday night.
Asimakos said the building would have 20 two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. The remaining 18 units would be one-bedroom or bachelors.
The hope is to have an organization take over the church rectory and provide support services to the women, he said.
“In order for it to work well in a community, transitional housing has to have the right services there or it could be a little chaotic,” said Coun. Paula Radwan.
If council were to pass the third and final reading of the rezoning application, Asimakos said the project is shovel ready.
Asimakos and his organization are also working to redevelop the former church into a creative hub with groups like Brilliant Labs, the IDEA Centre and artists.
Work on that part of the project has already begun, he told council.
Council voted unanimously to pass the first and second reading of the rezoning application. It will come back for third reading at a later date.
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