Lafford Properties is one step closer to being able to build a new six-storey, 71-unit building at 131 Main Street in Sackville, after Tantramar Council approved the first and second readings of bylaw changes at their meeting Tuesday night. The changes involve rezoning part of the property to a higher density R3 zone, and also changing the R3 definition to allow for up to 65 feet in height from the current 50 foot limit.
The zoning amendments now must pass a third reading at a Tantramar Council meeting, with the next regular meeting slated for August. If approved, John Lafford says construction could start in mid-August, and the process is expected to take 14-16 months.
The votes were nearly unanimous, with just one councillor, Bruce Phinney, voting against. Phinney told reporters after the meeting that he didn’t feel the Lafford project would help solve the town’s housing problem, that it would cause traffic issues, and that the building was generally “in the wrong place.” He also harkened back to his nay votes as a Sackville town councillor in 2014, when late developer Gordon Beal had applied for a zoning change on the same property. “If I voted in favour of this,” said Phinney, “I’d consider myself a hypocrite. And that’s one thing I’m not.”
All eight of Phinney’s colleagues voted in favour of both zoning amendments, with many commenting on the variety of opinions they heard from constituents on the topic. Deputy Mayor Greg Martin said he was swamped by emails, “sometimes as many as a dozen a day with different opinions.” Martin said he started the process undecided, and appreciated the time he had to talk with people about the proposal.
“Our downtown core is dying and we have the power to help it,” said Councillor Josh Goguen. “The proposed development will house 71 families, increasing the population close to downtown. These families can easily access what amenities are available by foot or by car.”
The housing crisis also featured prominently in comments from those in support of the amendments. “There is an absolute shortage of housing all across this nation,” said Mayor Andrew Black. “And if we have an opportunity to build it in town—safely, securely, with a wonderful build that is supportive of the community—I think that we need to take advantage of that.”
Councillor Michael Tower mentioned both the proposed Beal University Canada nursing program and recent hiring at the AIL pipe plant as adding to the demand for housing in town. “With all this pressure going on, we’re going to have to find ways to build,” said Tower, adding that he felt concerns over the emergency access to the building and the suitability of the site were addressed by Lafford.
“We know from the past that this man builds quality buildings,” said Tower. “So to turn our back on somebody who’s invested so deeply in our community, I think would be wrong.”
Councillor Allison Butcher also voted in favour, noting that there had been controversy when the Marshwinds Co-op first planned to build on the lot next to 131 Main. “Over 30 years ago, there were many, many of our community members who really didn’t think we should have co-op housing in the area,” said Butcher. “And now, 30 years later, everyone is quite thrilled that it’s there. So I think that we need to move forward. Our community needs housing… all housing.”
Councillors Barry Hicks, Matt Estabrooks, and Debbie Wiggins Colwell also voted in favour of the zoning changes, but did not speak as to their reasons during the meeting.
There’s still one more reading to go before the amendments are officially approved by council. Mayor Black says there are as yet no special meetings scheduled in the coming month, and so the matter will likely be back before council for their August 8 regular monthly meeting.
