Controversial Dartmouth Development Approved by Community Council
DARTMOUTH — A controversial residential development on Portland Street in Dartmouth has unanimous support from Harbour East-Marine Drive Community Council. That approval comes despite concerns from nearby residents and an online petition with more than 500 signatures against the project.
The project, which is being designed and handled by architecture firm Fathom Studio, on behalf of the developer, will be near the corner of Portland and Carver Streets.
The original plan called for an eight-story building but the developer changed it to six after public feedback. It will house 72 units and have commercial space on the ground floor. The property must be rezoned for the project to move forward.
Since the area is filled with smaller houses, many neighbours opposed the development because they claim it is out of character with its surroundings. Some were even concerned about the shade that will be cast on their homes by the larger building, making it difficult to garden and enjoy the sun.
Fathom Studio did a shadow study during the equinoxes of Sept 21 and March 21 to address these complaints.
But some residents, speaking at the March 27 council meeting, weren’t satisfied with the study. Steven Elliot, who will live next to the development, said there will be times during the year when his property will get very little sunlight.
“What they didn’t show was that, in December, on the shortest days, we’re going to get two hours of sun… We are people and we live there. I wanted to get solar panels because we’re paying off our house…but I can’t because I don’t qualify because of the shadows study.”
“God, it makes me mad. We used to live in the North End and then the zoning changed and they let a strip club go into the north end. And then…I packed up the kids and we left. We moved here and it was great.”
Another speaker, who called herself Edna, worried about how the development would affect people’s safety in the neighbourhood.
“This proposal is out of character for our neighborhood. Our current neighborhood is made up largely of single-family dwellings, mostly young families and elderly couples. It’s within walking distance to both the elementary school and junior high… There are individuals who are disabled and many young children in this area who will become increasingly vulnerable to interference with increased foot traffic from Cortland Street,” she argued.
“Currently we have a peaceful quiet neighborhood that is safe for all of us. However, if this proposal is accepted, we wonder if it will be safe any longer.”
Residents brought up concerns about the effects the development will have on storm water drainage and increased vehicular traffic. Some didn’t trust the original traffic study because it was done during the height of the pandemic, in 2021.
A representative from Fathom Studio, however, said that they have been monitoring traffic since 2021 and haven’t seen a huge increase in volume.
Not all the speakers at the hearing were against the development. Several people pointed to the housing crisis in Halifax, and the need to increase the rental stock.
“I am in favor of this project and what it has to offer, especially for those that cannot afford or have the ability to buy a house,” said Tricia Todd, who lives close to the development site. “Everyone should have the opportunity to live in a nice neighborhood. And I think this site is a perfect location due to the access to all the amenities within walking distance, especially for students and seniors who do not have their own vehicle for transportation.”
When it came time for councillors to justify their decision, the housing crisis was clearly top of mind. Although the elected officials expressed sympathy to nearby residents, the need for more housing units was persuasive.
“These are always difficult decisions,” said Coun. Becky Kent. “We don’t want to create hardship or a sense of loss of community in our neighborhoods. But what weighs heavily for me in this decision is… the blatant and undeniable access to housing in our city…Every single day we get concerns from residents who are not able to access housing.”
Coun. Tony Mancini pointed out that, in a time where Halifax needs housing, neighbourhoods are, inevitably, going to go through changes. The councillor noted that he lives in a neighbourhood with a massive residential development.
“We need to step back and say, what’s the right thing for the community? What’s the right thing for the municipality overall?” Mused Mancini. “I understand those of you that are opposed to living directly next to it.”
“It’s not the same place from when you started. Change is tough. Where I live on Waverley Road, right across the street from my home is the Port Wallace development; 4900 units and 10,000 people… It’s going to change my landscape. But we need to have housing.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].