A non-profit housing organization’s attempt to get started on an affordable housing village in Charlottetown was delayed by city council on Monday.
The Kings Square Affordable Housing Corporation had a rezoning application before council at the regular public monthly meeting to create a village at 245 Sherwood Rd.
The city’s planning board recommended council reject the resolution on the basis that the proposed location was too close to industrial land.
Council defeated that motion 6-2, but that didn’t mean the village was given the green light. Coun. Terry MacLeod, vice-chairman of the planning committee, then moved a resolution to defer the matter at least one month to give the city time to sit down with the provincial government and discuss land options that might be more suitable for the village.
MacLeod said it’s his understanding that the province has done an inventory on land and may just have what the housing corporation needs.
MacLeod pointed out that Sherwood Road is a busy industrial area of the city with continuous truck traffic, that it’s not considered a safe neighbourhood to walk around in where people would be forced to cross major intersections.
MacLeod’s deferral passed 5-3.
J.W. Bill Campbell, president of Kings Square Affordable Housing Corporation, said the current business plan would keep the cost of a three-bedroom unit under $1,100 per month, a two-unit bedroom under $900 and a single unit under $800.
Campbell was happy to hear that each councillor rose to say they were in favour of the plan, even if they weren’t thrilled with the location.
“In a way, we’re disappointed there is a deferral in existence right now but if the deferral turns out to be something that allows us to lower rents (even further) for the tenants that’s going to be a wonderful thing, too,’’ Campbell said.
Campbell said concerns over being too close to industrial land are being blown out of proportion. The proposed site (near Winsloe Road) is closer to car dealerships and nowhere near the asphalt plant.
More than one councillor also voiced concern that the village isn’t close to amenities such as schools and transit.
Campbell said he’s been given assurances by transit officials that if they put more than 100 residents in this village, bus routes would be added to take care of them.
MacLeod said council wants to see what land the province might have first before giving the green light to the Sherwood Road proposal.
“We want the best spot for affordable housing,’’ MacLeod said. “If (the provincial) government has nothing than we can go ahead with Sherwood Road.’’
Twitter.com/DveStewart
