The City of Belleville’s Planning Advisory Committee heard input from the public about a potential plan to repurpose an old building on Dundas St. East for housing for people with special needs.
The property located at 228 Dundas St. currently holds a vacant three-storey building that previously had 67 apartments for seniors.
According to the proposal, the building would be operated by Addictions and Mental Health Services-Hastings Prince Edward (AMHS-HPE) and Pathways to Independence.
The first two floors would be run by Addictions and Mental Health Services-Hastings Prince Edward. The third floor would be operated by Pathways to Independence
Officials with Addictions and Mental Health Services – Hastings Prince Edward said it did not expect occupants younger than the age of 24 if the site was approved for rezoning.
Pathways is in the process of developing its complete plan but says their section would be adults only (18 and over).
The residence would be a permanent accommodation.
At the planning committee meeting, residents near the building expressed concern about meals not being provided at the facility, but rather be made by occupants in the facility.
Also raised were concerns of a lack of 24/7 security. AMHS-HPE did acknowledge that it would be looking into the feasibility of including security staff.
Structural integrity, smoking, and parking around the building were also concerns raised at the meeting.
The rezoning plan was referred to a future Planning Advisory Committee for future consideration.
