By Yvette d'Entremont - The Weekly News
Residents living in Sackville's Millwood subdivision may soon have an apartment complex designed for seniors built in their community.
Brad Johns, councillor for Middle and Upper Sackville-Lucasville, said the proposed complex would be located on a 10 to 12 acre parcel of provincial land directly across the street from Millwood High School.
"The province has the existing rights to do what they want to do on that land. It has actually been sitting there for 15 years with those rights," Johns said.
That same parcel of land was the subject of an affordable housing proposal about three years ago.
"Residents of Millwood were very upset at the time about the 60 or 70 units, all affordable housing, that were proposed at the time," Johns said. "They (the provincial government) have come back now with a new proposal. They want to put in a three- storey apartment (complex) specifically designed just for seniors."
After viewing the conceptual plans, Johns believes the proposal will be a welcome addition to the community. He said it addresses concerns about density that were raised following the first proposal three years ago. In addition, the long driveway would be located off Millwood Drive and the plans include the retention of many of the existing trees along the roadway.
"It's located in the far back corner of the property backing into the Twin Brooks development, and wouldn't upset many other residents," Johns said. "What I've been assured is that it's a seniors- only complex."
Last week, Johns spoke with the provincial official in charge of the project. He was told the province will soon be sending an information letter to residents whose homes abut or are close to the property in question. A public information meeting will likely be held within the next few weeks.
The need for more mixed- housing options in the area, particularly for seniors wanting to downsize, has been the subject of much recent discussion. The Middle Sackville Visioning process has identified it as a need, and Johns said the subject was brought up during the public hearing held for the Sunset Ridge development.
"It became very clear that a lot of people felt there was not a good variety of housing in the Sackville area, and a lot of people were moving out of the area to other communities where they could find apartments and condos," Johns said. "There's not enough selection, particularly in Middle Sackville. The province is looking at trying to address that need for seniors housing."
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
