Plans for an affordable housing project consisting of up to 75 homes in east Saint John have passed another hurdle.
Council gave initial approval to the Sunnyside Tiny Home Community following a public hearing held at last week’s meeting.
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.
Alexya Heelis is the senior executive director of central and southwestern New Brunswick for United Way Maritimes and spoke about the project during the hearing.
“This will be a well-managed community, that is our plan. It’s not a shelter, it’s not a tent encampment, but it is permanent supportive housing,” said Heelis.
“We will have 24/7 access to supports for the individuals that are on site. That’ll include all of the appropriate security measures like lighting and fencing and policies that are designed to keep not only the residents safe but also the neighbours and local businesses as well.”
Several residents and nearby businesses have raised concerns about the project both during the public hearing and during a separate hearing before the planning advisory committee, which also recommended it be approved.
RELATED: Planning committee approves tiny home development
Most of those who spoke said they are not against a project like this, but feel this particular location is not well-suited for it.
Heelis said the community will only be accepting individuals who are deemed to have low or moderate service needs.
“Somebody with a very complex mental health issue or that has an uncontrolled addiction that’s not able to function on their own without full support, so somebody that would need more one-on-one care at all times, would not be the right fit for this community,” she noted.
All residents must be able to live independently in their home and participate in a wide range of wraparound supports that are offered, she added.
While the site will not be considered a dry community, Heelis said alcohol and drug use in public spaces will not be tolerated.
“Like we all get to do in our home what we want, these individuals will get to do what they want in their homes,” she said.
The project is expected to cost around $10 million, with United Way Maritimes planning to reach out for assistance from various levels of government and launch a fundraising campaign.
Council is expected to hold a final vote on the project on Feb. 24.
