It’s been a year since PHARA Community Services launched its Save Massey campaign to repair 48 housing units at 122 Massey Drive.
Officials say while the community response has been positive, the amount of money needed has not come forward, and discussions with partners have all pointed to short-term solutions or continue without conclusion.
$7.9 million is needed.
“These short-term solutions are unfortunately, just that; short-term. They require a continuous outpouring of funds to shore things up while never actually solving the problems,” says Mike Van der Vlist, CEO of PHARA Community Services.
PHARA says the existing plan to Save Massey is the most economically viable option to maintain housing and is still on the table, but time is running out.
As an alternative plan, they’ve started exploring secondary options, which includes a completely new build on the property.
“We are looking at how we can utilize the land to provide up-to-date units that meet 21st century design, while also dreaming big and looking at increasing the number of units from 48 to 100 or more,” says Van der Vlist. “PHARA has a proven track record for being responsible and accountable stewards of local housing, and if we can’t go after funding to maintain the existing units, we will work tirelessly to find partners who will help us build a new and expanded housing footprint.”
Early-stage discussions for this type of development are focused on filling the housing waitlist gap for one bedroom, two bedroom, and accessible units.
Permanent building repairs have been on hold since last spring, due to a lack of available funding.
