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Reader questions affordable housing |
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Dear Editor, I have some questions after reading your article on affordable housing in Saugeen Shores (questions are in red) According to Susan Earle, in Saugeen Shores the new development at Market St. N., will provide 28 apartment units, three townhouse units and the private developer on Irvine provided 12 units. “These numbers will not impact the waiting list. Priority is based on date of application or the need for special priority, such as women in abusive situations.” Interesting that these new units hailed as new affordable housing “will not impact the waiting list”…So one has to ask if the people on the waiting list are not going into these housing units - who is going to be living in these units? – if the people on the waiting list are not deemed special priority???????? This quote also begs another question…”Are the people who are going into these units coming out of other Bruce County housing units/buildings? Then does this mean that the heralded new units are just replacing old or no longer used Bruce County housing units that are no longer available in Saugeen Shores. If so, why no longer available? Have these buildings/houses that have been sold or changed to public market rentals been sold? If so will the funds from the units go to building more affordable housing units in Saugeen Shores? So this new housing complex with all its hype and media with local press and council did not help those on the waiting list? If I have come to the wrong conclusion – help me to understand why “these numbers will not impact the waiting list”????? Because that’s not explained by Ms. Earle, the County of Bruce or the Saugeen Shores Council and Mayor in any literature, media story or on their websites. And if it’s there then I missed it – my apologies! Help me to understand??? If you could ask Mayor, Council and Bruce County Housing I’d appreciate it – as this story has does beg for a further explanation – don’t ya’ think? I’m sure the people on the waiting lists would like to know the answer?????? As well this quote also begs four other questions…
“Although the current housing market appears bleak, Andrews did say that mixed-use buildings are a healthy way to build and that a builders' forum is anticipated and the question will be asked as to why it [mixed-use] is not being done. "We also have to develop partnerships with municipalities, landlords, builders and developers, non-profit, lending institutions and volunteers. We are also going to monitor actions through a 'report card' produced annually." Any one ask the owner of the empty Maple Square Mall about partnering with a non-profit group/developer on creating affordable and accessible housing – it’s just sitting there for the past 6 or 7 years with empty space???? How long does it have to sit empty before something is done???? Has there been an audit done by the Town and County of Bruce on empty units and commercial buildings that could be renovated. Don’t need a study for that – do we? How does one get to comment or be part of the report card process and content????? Has the Bruce County Housing Unit ever gone out and done information nights with those that are looking for affordable housing and not on their list…How can they “pitch” to developers and non-profit groups if they don’t have data to support the request for support. And if they did – I guess I missed the notice? Just some questions that popped into my head while I was reading the article – love to have some answers.
Sincerely, Mini Jacques
'Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.
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Editor: We have been covering this issue for two years. By following the links below of only some of our articles, you may find some of the questions will be answered ... Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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