Proposed Affordable Housing Development to Incorporate Community Garden
As part of the Affordable Housing Strategy, City Council has recently approved a parcel of land for potential redevelopment as affordable housing at 28 Eric Street which includes the Eric Street Community Garden. City staff have met with Habitat for Humanity NL and Eric Street Community Garden members to discuss a joint project on the property, including redevelopment of a portion of the land for affordable home ownership, and revitalization of the community garden.
“The City’s Affordable Housing Strategy outlines our commitment to identify land for affordable housing opportunities and to support our partners as they work towards affordable home ownership opportunities,” said Hope Jamieson, council lead on Housing. “We are pleased to once again work with Habitat for Humanity and are delighted at the opportunity to incorporate the Eric Street Community Garden into the build.”
A Letter of Intent with Habitat has been formalized and outlines the intended gifting of the property subject to successful rezoning, development approval and collaboration with the Eric Street Community Garden. The intent is for the garden to be incorporated into the project, while retaining open space zoning for public use.
"Affordable, sustainable housing continues to be an issue across Newfoundland and Labrador. At Habitat For Humanity NL, we mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership for deserving, hardworking families,” says Sandra Whiffen, Executive Director of Habitat For Humanity NL. “Everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live and we are excited to continue our partnership with the City of St. John’s, and that our planned Eric Street project will become home for families in 2020.”
Should rezoning be successful, the City will contribute $2,500 toward the cost of materials to revitalize the garden. City staff will also support the garden members in their efforts to apply for additional funding opportunities to enhance the Eric Street Community Garden.
“The Eric Street Community Garden is excited for the opportunity to revitalize the garden with the continued support of the City,” says Andrew Harvey, Board member with the Eric Street Community Garden. “Maintaining community garden spaces to allow people to grow their own food is an important part of the continued growth and redevelopment of our community.”