For Immediate Release
November 21, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) was disgusted to find out that 106 -108 Livingstone Street in St. John’s Centre, the location of four NL Housing units that were damaged in a fire in October of 2023, went up for sale. With an offer for the property already accepted, Dinn is wondering what government was thinking.
In a time when many people are struggling to find affordable housing, Dinn questions why government would decide to sell off land that they own instead of renovating the lot to accommodate more community-based housing.
“What was the Minister thinking? Rather than tear down and rebuild, or offer the land to a not for profit, the Department decided to sell off the land for less than market value,” said Dinn. “This government can spend tens of millions of dollars to buy back land they previously owned on Kenmount Road for the replacement of St. Clare’s, but won’t spend the money to repair affordable housing units.”
Residents of the neighbourhood have been advocating for a Community Centre, which would help with reduce crime and drug use in the area, Dinn says. Government must have known this, as it recently spent $70,000 on a consultation report that confirmed the positive benefits a Community Centre would bring to the area, yet government is refusing to act.
“106-108 Livingstone Street would have been a wonderful place to build a Community Centre with public housing units above it, expanding units while creating the necessary centre for residents of the area,” said Dinn. “Does this government not want to lower crime in the area? Or are they going to continue to ignore the residents of Tessier Park – Livingstone Street, ignore the consultation report calling for a community centre, and ignore the reality of the housing crisis?
“They refuse to focus on community based housing. They refuse to invest in supports for renters, such as eliminating no-fault evictions and rent controls. This government clearly doesn’t understand the reality being faced by the residents of this area, and areas all over the province, who are in desperate need for affordable housing.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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