Community
Recreation facility proposed for Cherry Brook
Proposed multi-purpose facility would benefit locals beyond recreation
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Nelson Grossem, director of Right Ready Homes, speaking to the crowd at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.Many residents of Cherry Brook are pleased with the plans for a development that could see their community’s “death trap” fixed.
A public information meeting was held Thursday evening at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia for a proposed recreational facility in the community.
Right and Ready Homes wants to develop a multi-use recreational facility that would include a fitness centre, ice rinks, indoor sports field and restaurant.
Local residents watched a presentation from Ben Sivak, major projects manager for the Halifax Regional Municipality, as he described the development proposal and the steps that must be taken before it can begin.
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A Cherry Brook resident asking a question to the developer.Sivak said Thursday’s meeting is a good first step.
“It shows there’s an interest in the services and facilities this might bring,” he said.
Though the proposal was met with a warm reception from local residents, there are other considerations beyond the facility that Sivak said must be addressed.
“I think there are technical challenges around road realignment and just whether or not this is an appropriate site,” he said.
The site for the proposed facility is 1224 Highway 7. Ross Road, located directly beside the development area, has been an ongoing issue for locals, with one resident referring to it as a “death trap” due to its worn asphalt and blind turn.
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The plot of land where to proposed facility would be built. Ross Rd, to the right of the land, was referred to as a ‘death trap’ by attendees of the public information meeting.The development would see the road realigned, an idea many residents were thrilled about.
Heather Decker, a Cherry Brook resident, said she’s excited about the facility, but she’s remaining cautious.
“I think it would be an asset to the area,” she said, “as long as no operating costs fall back on to the taxpayers.”
Since private stakeholders are funding the development, the financial burden would not fall on taxpayers.
Decker said beyond the financial and technical considerations, the facility would mean a lot for locals.
“It’ll give people more options and opportunities to do things that they can’t always afford or be involved in,” she said.
Before the proposal reaches council, there must be an independent review and staff report.
If all goes according to plan, construction could begin within the next two years.
