Lions Park Vetoed as NSCC Residence
While the community is excited about building a student residence for the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Springhill, the proposed site has raised concern throughout the former town.
A number of sites were considered for appropriate size, closeness to the school, and ready availability. The Lions Park was the tentative choice and Municipal Council planned to discuss it next Wednesday.
Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott says, “We've spent the last couple of days speaking to many people about this. We have heard the concerns of the community.”
Scott, a Springhill resident, now says, “The Lions Park site is no longer under consideration as the site of the NSCC residence.”
He added, “The item will be removed from the agenda of Wednesday's meeting and our staff will have further discussions regarding previously identified alternative sites and other options with Nova Scotia Public Works.”
The mayor says a number of sites were considered. He noted, “The Fire Department site was very attractive to NSCC for obvious reasons.”
However, it was ruled out due to timing, as it is uncertain when firefighters will vacate the current property.
A request for proposals for design and construction closes on March 11. The mayor says, “If all goes well, we hope to have the department in their new facility this time next year.”
Officials want the residence built as soon as possible.
The old arena site was also had potential for its short distance from the campus, but it was not NSCC's first choice.
Scott says he worries the community might lose what he calls “this extraordinary opportunity to ensure the future sustainability of the Cumberland Campus, boost the economy of the community and increase available housing in a time when appropriate housing is scarce and unaffordable for many.”
The MLA for the area told Scott, “The Government of Nova Scotia is committed to building this facility in Springhill.” Tory Rushton assured him that provincial officials will work with the Municipality to identify the most appropriate site.
The photo shows the Lions Park, bound in red, is close to the NSCC but residents are upset at the prospect of losing the park as a college residence.
Add your comments below.