Not in my neighbourhood: Residents want planned transitional housing project moved
It was a decision made back in August, but now Sudbury residents are speaking up.
City council decided to move forward with a transitional housing project and even decided on a location, but a new petition is hoping to change that.
City councillors meet with Lorraine Street residents about petition against planned transitional housing project. Oct. 24/21 (Molly Frommer/CTV Northern Ontario)
When the word got out about the proposed housing complex on Lorraine Street, off Lasalle Boulevard near Notre Dame Avenue, residents in the area started a petition with many saying they think the city should move it closer to the downtown core.
"The reason why is all the services are downtown and they have established a community for themselves downtown. So, what we feel is that they are just moving the area from one area to another area. Something like this should not be in any neighbourhood. Especially a residential area," Maria Biasucci, a nearby resident.
"My house is directly across the street. I have a young son, he is 10 years old and I don’t want him to be witnessing things that he does not need to see," said Jason Violino, another neighbourhood resident.
More than 350 people signed the petition so far.
Petition against planned transitional housing project in Sudbury. Oct. 25/21 (Molly Frommer/CTV Northern Ontario)
"We realize we do have a homeless situation that has to be dealt with, it is getting worse and worse. I really think that city council has to re-evaluate this because, again, of the surroundings and people living in the area. All the other services are downtown. It’s just common sense," said Gerry Martel, another concerned resident.
Some city councillors said that at the time when voting took place, they were in favour of the housing complex being situated on Lorraine Street, but since talking to nearby residents, they have decided another location should be discussed.
"I did make a mistake on my vote. We didn’t have enough information in front of us. Things were too rushed for us so we couldn’t make a proper decision and the money was there and we had to act on it but that’s not stopping us from re-evaluating things," said Bill Leduc, Sudbury city councillor for Ward 11.
The housing project location is part of the city's Ward 5, represented by Robert Kirwan.
"Three-hundred-fifty signatures means that there’s a lot of people in this area, but I was also told that there’s a lot of people from outside this area, who again, they aren’t worried about it being in their area. They are saying the best place for transitional housing programs like this is downtown where you got all of the services," Kirwan said.
The city councillor said he will deliver this petition at the planning committee meeting on Monday and that city staff members are planning a public meeting, which will hopefully take place within two to three weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.