It looks like Belleville’s old police station property will become the home of the Habitat for Humanity housing hub.
At its meeting on Monday, city council approved donation of the site, which will soon be vacant as the police service moves into its new home.
Habitat for Humanity intends to build a 66 unit Habitat Horizons Centre and a second building for educational and commercial uses.
Council also committed to providing a parcel of land, the former fairgrounds, at the corner of Sidney and Bridge Streets, if the police station property doesn’t work out.
Habitat requires the land commitment so that it can get a government loan to begin the $22 million project.
Councillor Paul Carr made a motion to have the issue delayed two weeks to get an analysis of property values and other issues.
He said, “The project is excellent.”
Carr added, “I’m trying to get a little bit more of analysis …What is the value of land if we sell it…What is the projected tax level. It would
give us a better understanding of what we gain and what we lose.”
At that, Councillor Sean Kelly made a lengthy, impassioned speech in favour of supporting the Habitat land immediately, pointing to the many people who cannot afford housing.
Councillor Carr called for a Point of Privilege saying he supported the project but wanted some clarification.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk ruled against the Point of Privilege.
Carr’s motion went down to defeat on a recorded vote of five to four, with Councillors Garnet Thompson, Ryan Williams, Carr and Chris Malette voting yes, and Mayor Panciuk, and Councillors Bill Sandison, Pat Culhane, Sean Kelly and Kelly Mccaw voting against.
Council voted in favour of the land donation on a recorded vote, with all members voting in favour.
When questioned about what would now happen to the Children’s Village, on the same site, Mayor Panciuk indicated discussions are underway and he could not comment at this time.
