Halifax council to think about designating surplus land for reasonably priced housing

Halifax council to think about designating surplus land for reasonably priced housing

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HALIFAX, N.S. — A number of websites of vacant land all through Halifax Regional Municipality are being eyed as potential reasonably priced housing developments. 

On Tuesday, Halifax regional council will focus on designating seven websites of surplus land for reasonably priced housing initiatives. 

The merchandise on council’s agenda comes as town continues to face a housing disaster and an elevated variety of folks experiencing homelessness. 

4 of the seven websites recognized by municipal employees have been sitting vacant for years with plans put ahead for doable developments that by no means got here to fruition. 

Lot E-1 on Brunswick Avenue, nestled between Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and a residential constructing, was slotted for reasonably priced housing in 1980, based on a employees report back to be introduced to council Tuesday.

The property by no means noticed growth, nonetheless, and is at present getting used as a car parking zone by close by residents. 

Municipal employees be aware there have been two inquiries in regards to the property: The neighbouring church expressed its curiosity to buy the property “for parking and restoration lay-down house within the short-to-medium time period, after which for reasonably priced/accessible housing and parking within the longer-term,” whereas the proprietor of 5 properties south of the lot can also be fascinated by it for parking functions. 

However upon additional overview, employees famous “that the topic property could also be a very good candidate for the event of reasonably priced housing.”

The positioning at 19 Howland Court docket in Decrease Sackville had additionally gained some curiosity from a neighbouring property proprietor, who envisioned redeveloping the property with townhouses, however a planning utility was by no means submitted. 

Whereas it’s advisable the positioning be categorized for reasonably priced housing, “planning and growth has indicated {that a} request to alter the zoning of the topic parcel will probably be required to permit for residential growth.” 

Workers additionally put ahead 48 Pinecrest Dr. in Dartmouth and 31 Lister Dr. in Bedford as vacant land that might be developed into reasonably priced housing. 

Of the seven websites to be reviewed, three had beforehand been declared as surplus land by council however will probably be requested to be recategorized as reasonably priced housing websites.


On Tuesday, Halifax regional council will discuss designating seven sites of surplus land for affordable housing projects. - Tim Krochak / File
On Tuesday, Halifax regional council will focus on designating seven websites of surplus land for reasonably priced housing initiatives. – Tim Krochak / File

Municipal employees have advisable recategorizing many of the former Sunnyside Elementary Faculty web site at 18 Scotia Dr. in Bedford. 

“The property is positioned on the southwest aspect of the Bedford bypass and comprises quite a few encroachments from neighbouring properties,” reads the report.

“The intent is to allow the encroachments via sale/consolidation with the abutting properties.” 

A small portion of the 1.1-hectare web site has not been recognized as surplus as it’s to be changed into a pocket park sooner or later. 

Two neighbouring properties on Crichton Avenue in Dartmouth have additionally been advisable by employees to be recategorized. 

Halifax regional council is to satisfy at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.