(CFSJ/supplied by City of Moncton)
A lack of affordable housing has been a common issue in Moncton as the city looks for ways to combat homelessness.
The Common Front for Social Justice recently surveyed Moncton’s central core and found 75 vacant lots and 11 properties which were boarded up.
Spokesperson Robert McKay expressed concerns to City Council noting how existing housing is often too expensive for anyone on a low-income.
“Developers tend to capitalize on available land to build high-class apartments which are above the means of low income people… gentrification in a word. We believe everybody can have ideas and suggestions and connections to help build affordable housing,” he says.
The Common Front is urging Council to compile an inventory of surplus city-owned vacant land which could be suitable for affordable housing and share information with developers.
The organization also recommends a community land trust foundation be set up to work with non-profit groups and to help buy key vacant lots.
