Fast-tracking Community Improvement Plan

The draft plan to improve access to affordable housing in the city of Belleville is being put on a fast track to city council.

Representatives from Dillon Consulting presented the draft Community Improvement Plan on Affordable Rental Housing, Downtown and Brownfield Sites to the Planning Advisory Committee on Monday night.

Consultant Monica Bellivea said it allows the city to provide tax assistance loans, and it will increase the rental housing units in the downtown and revitalize the downtown.

She emphasized it will also redevelop brownfield sites.

The plan has been in the development stage over the past year, coming out of the Housing Summit council held more than a year ago.

The CIP has 17 incentive programs designed to encourage developers to develop affordable housing throughout the city.

It features a variety of rebates, from development charges to building permits, as well as cancellations of fees.

Councillor Bill Sandison said, “The plan will serve the city well for years to come.”

Sandison urged that the plan be fast-tracked through council before the end of this year.

“The first intake will be in the spring of 2021 and I’d like to see our development partners given the opportunity to be in a position to be actually shovel ready by that time if at all possible.”

Glenn May-Anderson of Habitat for Humanity questioned the use of the province’s definitions of “affordable.”

He noted that average market rents covered what existing rents were and potentially ignored what the actual price really is.

Tax Increment Equivalent Rebate, known as TIER is expected to be popular.

Developers receive partial tax rebates to help cover incremental tax increases that result from improvements.

Kathryn Brown, who is also chair of the Downtown District Improvement Area, said TIER would be well received, as would plans to continue with façade improvement programs.

Councillor Ryan Williams referred to the ideas surrounding allowing ground level housing units behind storefronts downtown… “incentivizing that type of rental unit, take a look at financial modelling for CIP, where the city’s resources are focused.”

The committee decided to have the draft plan ready to go to council at its December meeting December 14th.