Saint John city councillors gave the green light to a major housing development on the lower west side. Despite pushback from local residents, council voted unanimously to pass the first and second readings for a 195 unit townhouse project at the former Hilton Belyea Arena site. According to CBC News, the project aims to transform the surplus land into much needed residential space.

Bringing the Missing Middle to Saint John

The city decommissioned the Belyea Arena in 2020 to cut costs. Now, developer Ali Farahani of Belyea Village Ltd. plans to build stacked apartments in three floor townhouses. Farahani calls this missing middle housing. He plans to offer units for $1,300 to $1,350 per month. This sits below current market rates for new builds. The development also includes accessible units and homes focused on seniors to support aging in place.

Jody Kliffer of Envision Saint John supports the project. He notes the city has a two percent vacancy rate and needs housing to catch up with industrial growth.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Traffic and Recreation

Not everyone welcomes the new development. Twelve residents spoke against the proposal at Monday’s council meeting. They argue three floor buildings do not fit a neighbourhood dominated by one and two floor homes. Residents also worry about increased traffic, noise, and the loss of recreational space. The current site features a large open field and a basketball court.

“Our community is already dealing with limited recreation space, increasing traffic, crime and ongoing safety concerns,” resident Natalie Perez told council. “Adding a large residential development will bring more vehicles, more congestion, greater demand for parking and additional pressure on an area that is already struggling.”

Finding a Middle Ground

Farahani adjusted the original proposal of 214 units down to 195 to preserve more green space. The city requires the developer to plant one tree for every new unit built. The site plan includes picnic areas, green spaces, and a walking path. Farahani confirmed the public can access these amenities.

The project requires a third reading from council before construction begins. Once approved, the build takes eight to 10 years to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new townhouse project located?

The development is located on the lower west side of Saint John at the site of the former Hilton Belyea Arena.

How much will rent cost for the new units?

The developer plans to charge between $1,300 and $1,350 per month for the units.

When will construction finish?

The project has an estimated construction timeline of eight to 10 years, though the developer hopes to shorten this schedule.

Is the project fully approved?

Not yet. City council passed the first and second readings, but the proposal requires a third reading to get final approval.