It marked the third anniversary of opening his Charlottetown business. However, the former Afghan refugee who came to P.E.I. in 2007 is now unsure whether he’ll be able to continue operating his Halal restaurant called Sadat’s Cuisine.
Sadat is one of several business-owners and residents who will be affected by a proposed 81-bed dormitory Holland College wants to build on the corner of Grafton and Cumberland streets. Sadat had made a decision to not open in January and February, but he paid the rent anyway and planned to open again in March.
“If I can’t find another place, I’ll have to close my restaurant. I paid the rent for nothing. I wish I had looked at (renting) other places then because there were a lot of empty spaces. Now there’s nothing downtown.”
Another business owner and several residents raised their concerns with the development during a public consultation at the college Tuesday night.
The college has applied for seven properties in the area to be re-zoned to industrial use. It has also submitted an application for the city to consolidate the properties and grant a height variance for the four-storey building.
Holland College has offered to make the last two months in the building rent-free for residents before they move out in early July.
The college also said it would meet with individuals and businesses to help them relocate, including providing manpower for moving heavy items.
However, a number of individuals said the compensation wasn’t enough.
Madan Kumar Giri spoke on behalf of people in 15 of the 17 units, saying many of the residents are low-income and have to live in downtown Charlottetown because of medical needs.
He said two months was not enough time to find other homes.
“Because most of the apartment complexes in Charlottetown are very expensive and we can’t afford it,” he said. “The tenants who are living in (landlord George) Bassett’s properties are asking to be compensated for what we’re losing,”
Others raised concerns over the general lack of affordable housing in the city.
There were also individuals who spoke in support of the project.
Former Holland College grad Eugene Mcminns, formerly from Nassau, Bahamas, said although he felt for the individuals affected, the entire community has benefited either directly or indirectly from the college.
“We need to have faith Holland College is going to do the right moral thing,” he said. “I can tell you right now Holland College is listening and taking down your concerns and will do their best to meet your needs.”
Others suggested that the college re-design the new building to accommodate current businesses and residents.
“If they offered us that, it would be wonderful,” said Sadat.
Michael O’Grady, vice-president of innovation and strategic development, thanked those who spoke for their comments and said the college will continue reaching out to residents.
“We’ve listened to every word and I can assure you all, on behalf of this college, that we did take great pains to plan our steps and it was not without feeling for those who are affected.”
Project Timeline
April 28 – Holland College hopes to have a successful confirmation that council has approved rezoning and consolidation of the properties
May 1 – Target date for closing affected properties
May 2 – Intention to issue 60-days notice for residential tenants
July 5 – Partner with Habitat for Humanity to reclaim any salvageable materials
July 10, 2017 to June 30, 2018 – Construction period
July 1 to Aug. 31, 2018 – Commissioning of the building
Sept. 1 – Students will move in for the 2018-2019 school year
[email protected]
Twitter.com/Mitch_PEI
