A proposed residential development by Habitat for Humanity is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Nanaimo city councillors voted in favour of approving, in principle, to dispose of city-owned land at 897 Albert St. and 474 and 478 Pine St. to Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island Society for $1.
Habitat for Humanity is planning to build 12 townhouse units on 2,696 square metres of vacant land as part of a multi-family affordable housing project. The property has an assessed value of $401,000.
A staff report shows that the city would cover 50 per cent of the development cost charges associated with the project, which is listed as $67,000. The total cost to the city for the project would be $78,800 and would be covered using the city’s housing legacy reserve fund, according to the report.
Rob Hallam, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island, told councillors that his organization offers a pathway for families to one day own their own home with a conventional mortgage. He said their proposed project is worth around $4 million and would result in the construction of 1,390 square metres of housing.
“What we are suggesting is that we would build six three-bedroom houses, two three-bedroom houses that would be handicap accessible. We believe there is a huge need for that in the housing community,” he said, adding that the plan also includes the construction of two four-bedroom houses and two two-bedroom houses.
Hallam said the proposed location is “excellent” for families in the Habitat for Humanity program, as it is close to amenities such as schools and transportation.
“It supports the City of Nanaimo’s affordable housing strategy. It would be 12 additional units of property taxes being provided from this development and this particular land has been undeveloped for over a century,” he said.
However, there were a few concerns about the project raised by some members of the public.
Mike Preston, a resident and business owner in the neighbourhood, said Habitat for Humanity’s proposal would result in development near Cat Stream. He also said the development would also harm his family’s daycare business.
“I also made an offer on 478 Pine, as I feel that any development of that block will kill my and my wife’s daycare business,” he said, adding that the proposed road runs beside his property and would prohibit him from having children playing outside during the construction phase of the road.
Steven Maughan, another nearby resident, told councillors that he has concerns about the ecological impact of the development, believing that the property could never be developed.
“It would be a shame to destroy that land,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to live there with all that [construction] going on.”
Coun. Ian Thorpe said he supports staff’s recommendations on the project, explaining that council’s record for protecting riparian areas “speaks for itself,” adding that while he understands and respects the concerns raised, he believes council has to make it a priority to provide housing in the community.
“The Habitat for Humanity group has a proven track record for quality subdivisions and I look forward to this project moving forward to the next step, which is the open house,” Thorpe said.
Meanwhile, Coun. Jerry Hong said this is just the first step in the development proposal and residents will get an opportunity to see and review Habitat for Humanity’s plan during the open house.
“For us to move this forward, will get us to the next step for a better discussion with the public,” he said.
Hallam told the News Bulletin that staff have not determined a date for the open house yet. Councillors Jim Kipp, Bill Yoachim and Bill Bestwick were absent.