May we suggest that if anyone wants to be ‘for’ something, how about bringing all the currently listed affordable homes to the attention of Habitat for Humanity?
With the $840,000 that is presently earmarked for Akinsdale and all the volunteer labour and materials, Habitat could purchase several already affordable homes.
If everyone pitched in the way they normally do in a Habitat build, whatever work was required to bring these homes up to code could be completed by the volunteers and future recipients. All Habitat would have to do is their regular mortgage "magic" and the new owners would blend right in with the host communities without the loss of green space.
In some instances, there may be little, if anything, to do to bring these homes up to code, as we just read about a completely upgraded 1134-sq-ft, two-storey condo with three bedrooms, a fireplace, yard and carport, all for $184,000. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, this condo is located in Akinsdale.
If we were in need of Habitat assistance, we would certainly prefer a home like the one described above, as opposed to the Habitat-Apollo development planned for Akinsdale.
Mayor Nolan Crouse and city council — if you can't hear us now, come election time, you will.
Fred Trotter, St. Albert
