Development to provide new look for neighbourhood

A seven-storey Almon Street residential development could provide a new look to the north-end Halifax neighbourhood.

An application was submitted to council by Michael Napier Architecture — on behalf of landowner Samir Metlej — and reviewed Wednesday night in a meeting.

The structure needed the proper zoning approvals to go forward, and Michael Napier, owner of the firm, thinks it would be a great thing for the community.

“Because of its location in the city and its amenities, this area is ripe for development,” he said in an interview before the meeting.

“I know there’s worry about things getting overbuilt and gentrification worries, but the truth is many of these buildings around there provide a place to live but not the quality for the price.”

He said it’s difficult in this market to get the home you want, where you want it for a good price, and that hopefully this development can provide housing in a good area.

“We are in the process of doing a development agreement, and they give us a box to fit the structure in within the rules. Hopefully we can make it look different,” he said.

Leroy Bennett, owner of Bennett’s Barbershop on Almon Street, is excited for the changes this could bring.

“Some people are against new buildings and high-rises, but these people are trying to make the street better. It’s about improvement,” he said.

Bennett has been around for 32 years, and his father was around in the 1960s before him. It truly has been a family affair, and they’ve enjoyed the area they serve.

“I love the north end. It’s home now. It has changed from Gottingen to Windsor, but not many people used to be fond of the area,” he said.

“Now there’s money being spent to fix it. It’s almost like we’re the place to be now.”

He said people are clinging to the small city idea. Gentrification may change the view of the north end. But he sees it as a business opportunity.

“If I got a small percentage of the new traffic, I’d be happy if people take to our shop, that’s amazing,” he said.

“If we get rid of four or five houses with 10 people in them and get a big residential structure, that helps with housing.

“I understand we need to keep some tradition and some old homes, but we also need different businesses and people. It’s time for things to change.”