ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Even through a computer screen, the frustration of residents from the Eric Street area came through loud and clear.
More than 30 of them tuned in for a virtual meeting with some St. John’s city councillors and staff members Wednesday night to express their thoughts about the potential construction of three townhouses on a green space that has clearly become a special part of the neighbourhood.
All the area residents who spoke were strongly opposed to the development for several reasons, including environmental and property concerns from water runoff, increased traffic congestion and the loss of valuable green space.
“One of the reasons I bought my house was for that green space,” 11-year Eric Street resident and single mother Stephanie Critch said during the 1 ½-hour meeting. “My daughter and I use that garden all the time. … The thought of losing (it), to me, is just heartbreaking.”
The public engagement was part of the process the city must first go through before giving the go-ahead for development. The land must be approved by council to be rezoned from open space (O) to residential high density (R3).
The property — a grassed field with some trees and shrubs — is located at 28 Eric St., adjacent to the Eric Street Community Gardens, which will remain untouched, and possibly enhanced, if development goes ahead, city staff say.
As part of its affordable housing strategy, which identifies city-owned land that could be used for housing, the city formalized its intent on Sept. 23, 2019, to give the land to Habitat for Humanity NL, a non-profit charitable organization that plans to build the three-storey townhouses to give low-income, working families a place to live.
Habitat for Humanity NL executive director Sandra Whiffen said the organization has built more than 60 homes, including 33 in St. John’s, since 1994.
“We build because everybody should have an affordable place to call home,” she said during the meeting.
“This is a project we’re very excited about,” added Colin Ryan, Habitat for Humanity’s board chair. “The neighbourhoods we work in and with, it’s always been a great relationship.”
Great conversations started by the City of St. John's on affordable housing
Posted by Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland & Labrador on Tuesday, November 10, 2020
But resident Christina Steele-Nash said, “I can guarantee that’s not what it looks like.”
Steele-Nash — chair of the West End Community Alliance, formed after the potential project was announced — said the proposed project has caused five families on the street to sell their homes, with many to follow if it goes ahead.
“It’s changing the dynamics of the neighbourhood,” she said.
Others let it be known that they’re also far from excited about the project.
“In the last few years, it’s caused a lot of stress and upset for neighbours,” said Chris Squires, who was drawn to the green space when he bought his house on Eric Street six years ago.
He said his basement often floods, and he fears tearing up the green space will only make the problem worse.
“One of the benefits of the green space was that it acts as a natural sink, with water coming down from Hamilton Avenue,” Squires said
Mark Noseworthy’s family has a long history on the street, as generations have lived there since the 1930s, when his grandfather built the first homes.
He said the water has been an issue in the last 15 years and the city has to investigate it before giving away the land.
“The city has a responsibility to do due diligence,” he said. “Putting houses there would exacerbate the (water) problem without finding out what the problem is.”
Natalie Falk agreed addressing the water issue should be a priority.
“Things need to be addressed at a public works level before they come to the development table,” she said. “It’s very alarming to think you’re going to dig up something without finding out what’s underneath.”
In the last decade, Sarah Messervey said, she spent tens of thousands of dollars tackling flooding issues in her Eric Street home as a result of ground water in the area.
“If my basement starts flooding again, I’m going to know it’s from that build,” said Messervey, whose family uses the space daily. “Who do I go to? What course of action do I have?”
Ed Moore added, “I don’t think the water issue is going to go away until the source is found.”
Education Minister Tom Osborne was among the speakers. He proposed that the provincial government trade land at the former Grace Hospital site for the green space on Eric Street.
“Is that something the city would consider?” asked Osborne, who lived for many years on Eric Street and represents the area as MHA for Waterford Valley.
Chief municipal planner Ken O’Brien replied that the city could look at it, but it would take “a whole level of analysis of what we could do there.” He said the city must first deal with the application for rezoning the space before looking at other options.
Peter Barfoot — who grew up on Eric Street, while his father and uncle still live there — said there may be other reasons the city wants the project to go ahead.
“What’s the hidden agenda? Is it tax dollars?” Barfoot said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”
Minutes of the meeting — which was facilitated by former city councillor Marie White — will be reviewed by council before a final decision is made. The city is still accepting written submissions.
Rosie Mullaley covers municipal politics for The Telegram. [email protected] | Twitter: @TelyRosie
