News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Lease to Ensure Addict Housing Not a Nuisance |
| Title: | CN BC: Lease to Ensure Addict Housing Not a Nuisance |
| Published On: | 2006-06-13 |
| Source: | Daily Courier, The (CN BC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-14 02:37:25 |
LEASE TO ENSURE ADDICT HOUSING NOT A NUISANCE
A small clause in the leasing agreement for an addict housing complex
could be of major significance.
Council on Monday approved the agreement, clearing the way for
construction of a 30-suite apartment building for drug users and
homeless people in the 1300 block of St. Paul Street.
But the 39-page document includes a provision that nothing that
constitutes a "nuisance or annoyance (to) any neighbouring properties
or their owners or occupants" will be permitted.
If such a situation develops, the city could conceivably cancel its
deal with B.C. Housing and Interior Health, and effectively shut the
project down.
"If I was them, I'd be a little concerned about that clause," said
Coun. Norm Letnick, who drew attention to the provision.
The building will be a so-called wet facility, meaning people chosen
to live there will not necessarily be evicted for drinking alcohol or
doing drugs in their suites.
The project has aroused strong opposition from nearby business owners
and landlords since it was unveiled last winter. They fought
unsuccessfully against it, saying it would lower property values,
deter investment in the area and scare away shoppers and clients.
Opponents have already announced their intention to carry on the
battle against the addict housing complex in the courts, despite
council's approval of the project.
The clause in the leasing agreement would seem to give critics a
potentially powerful way to have the building closed if their fears of
significant negative impacts on the neighborhood materialize once it
opens.
They could make their case to councillors, who might then choose to
terminate the leasing agreement.
"The clause is a very powerful tool in council's favour," said Coun.
Robert Hobson.
"We do have ample ways to ensure the building is being operated the
way it should be. I'm comfortable moving forward with this," added
Coun. Brian Given.
Interior Health says the building will open next year. The agency
chosen to operate the building will be named soon, council heard.
A small clause in the leasing agreement for an addict housing complex
could be of major significance.
Council on Monday approved the agreement, clearing the way for
construction of a 30-suite apartment building for drug users and
homeless people in the 1300 block of St. Paul Street.
But the 39-page document includes a provision that nothing that
constitutes a "nuisance or annoyance (to) any neighbouring properties
or their owners or occupants" will be permitted.
If such a situation develops, the city could conceivably cancel its
deal with B.C. Housing and Interior Health, and effectively shut the
project down.
"If I was them, I'd be a little concerned about that clause," said
Coun. Norm Letnick, who drew attention to the provision.
The building will be a so-called wet facility, meaning people chosen
to live there will not necessarily be evicted for drinking alcohol or
doing drugs in their suites.
The project has aroused strong opposition from nearby business owners
and landlords since it was unveiled last winter. They fought
unsuccessfully against it, saying it would lower property values,
deter investment in the area and scare away shoppers and clients.
Opponents have already announced their intention to carry on the
battle against the addict housing complex in the courts, despite
council's approval of the project.
The clause in the leasing agreement would seem to give critics a
potentially powerful way to have the building closed if their fears of
significant negative impacts on the neighborhood materialize once it
opens.
They could make their case to councillors, who might then choose to
terminate the leasing agreement.
"The clause is a very powerful tool in council's favour," said Coun.
Robert Hobson.
"We do have ample ways to ensure the building is being operated the
way it should be. I'm comfortable moving forward with this," added
Coun. Brian Given.
Interior Health says the building will open next year. The agency
chosen to operate the building will be named soon, council heard.
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