- Bnranews - CCN mailing lists

by The Narrows Public House

Hey Pete, If you could provide the following update for Bloomfield residents, that would be great. Thanks! Hey Bloomfielders, Tyson and I wanted to provide everyone with what we hope will be one of our last updates prior to opening. As you may have noticed, our lovely steel staircase has been installed as per fire code. Along with that, many of the major trades and renovations have now been completed or are close to it. We are now focusing on many smaller jobs that we still need to complete and more of the business side of things which we haven't had much time for yet. The fun stuff! We are hoping to be able to get everything needed to open wrapped up and ready for a soft opening sometime before the holidays. That said, supply chain delays and holidays can pose challenges, so we may get pushed into January but either way, we're getting very close! As part of our final push to bring the business into operation and focus on the business side of things, we are launching a crowdfund campaign on Kickstarter, starting tomorrow! I believe our campaign is called "The Narrows Public House on Gottingen". We need to meet our goal or beyond for this campaign to be a success in order to get open, so we would greatly appreciate your support. You can help by purchasing a reward on kickstarter or simply by spreading the word to other folks who may be able and willing to do the same. The way it works is you're basically pre-purchasing a gift card amount at a discounted rate in exchange for helping us get the funds we need to open up - Win-win! Kickstarter requires you create rewards (as opposed to straight gift cards) for your categories but basically, whatever amount is attached to your category, you will simply receive a gift card from us for that amount to be used however you see fit! We really need your help to raise these remaining funds to get the business ready to go in the coming weeks, so thanks so much in advance for purchasing yourself and/or for spreading the word. Our tentative plan is to try and invite folks from the immediate neighborhood for one of two soft openings we hope to do, so we'll keep you posted on when we have a specific date and plan in mind for that. As always, any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks as always for your support and can't wait to finally have everyone through the house and show you a good time! Thanks for your patience and kindness. Cheers, Myles & Tyson

2 years, 5 months

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Fwd: Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield

by Ron Skibbens

FYI Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Rodger, Valerie" <rodgerv(a)halifax.ca> Date: November 15, 2021 at 10:09:01 AM AST To: Ron Skibbens <skibbenr7(a)hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [Bnranews] Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield ? Hi Ron As I stated, I cannot release specific details regarding communications with the property owners. I have an open case, which means that actions are ongoing. As for what happens during the winter, we do not expect property owners to do things that would be considered unreasonable given the weather. I cannot give you specific details regarding an individual case. Valerie From: Ron Skibbens <skibbenr7(a)hotmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 2:36 PM To: Rodger, Valerie <rodgerv(a)halifax.ca>; Smith, Lindell <smithli(a)halifax.ca>; BNRA <bnranews(a)chebucto.ns.ca> Subject: [External Email] Re: [Bnranews] Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield Hi Valerie and Lindell, Again thanks for your replies. 1. First, Lindell, I appreciate that this dangerous and unsightly premises is now the concern of ByLaw Enforcement. However, I’d appreciate hearing from you about whether the city put any timing constraints on site remediation and/or development as a condition of sale this time. As you’ll remember, the city got burned in that regard when It sold the site to Housing NS and endured 3 years of continued dereliction. Was there a lesson learned from that multi-year debacle? 2. And Valerie, I live in the area and so walk by the site routinely. I sure wish the owner and bylaw enforcement would also since it is so obviously dangerous and unsightly. And although I trust that some debris has been removed, it still appears that hypodermic needles, broken window glass, broken pallets, broken furniture, scattered garbage, broken asphalt and loose bricks litter the site. The lack of exterior maintenance and graffiti is obvious from all sides of the property. In short, it appears that it meets both conditions for ‘dangerous’ as well as nearly all of the conditions for unsightly, as per HRM’s website. As I understand, these are the basic requirements for all land owners: [cid:image003.png@01D7DA08.CAFE5CA0] 3. Through past experience, it appears that when By Law Enforcement receives a complaint it gives the owner a time limit for addressing the complaint. Please advise what that time limit is for this complaint so that we can continue our dialog as appropriate at the end of that time. 4. Also, I understand that By Law Enforcement suspends some of their monitoring over the winter. Please advise if that pertains to this site, and if so when it stops and starts again. Thank you both for your continued monitoring of this matter. Ron

2 years, 6 months

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Re: Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield

by Ron Skibbens

Hi Valerie and Lindell, Again thanks for your replies. 1. First, Lindell, I appreciate that this dangerous and unsightly premises is now the concern of ByLaw Enforcement. However, I’d appreciate hearing from you about whether the city put any timing constraints on site remediation and/or development as a condition of sale this time. As you’ll remember, the city got burned in that regard when It sold the site to Housing NS and endured 3 years of continued dereliction. Was there a lesson learned from that multi-year debacle? 2. And Valerie, I live in the area and so walk by the site routinely. I sure wish the owner and bylaw enforcement would also since it is so obviously dangerous and unsightly. And although I trust that some debris has been removed, it still appears that hypodermic needles, broken window glass, broken pallets, broken furniture, scattered garbage, broken asphalt and loose bricks litter the site. The lack of exterior maintenance and graffiti is obvious from all sides of the property. In short, it appears that it meets both conditions for ‘dangerous’ as well as nearly all of the conditions for unsightly, as per HRM’s website. As I understand, these are the basic requirements for all land owners: [cid:08790504-88B8-461F-894C-42246F43927F] 3. Through past experience, it appears that when By Law Enforcement receives a complaint it gives the owner a time limit for addressing the complaint. Please advise what that time limit is for this complaint so that we can continue our dialog as appropriate at the end of that time. 4. Also, I understand that By Law Enforcement suspends some of their monitoring over the winter. Please advise if that pertains to this site, and if so when it stops and starts again. Thank you both for your continued monitoring of this matter. Ron On Nov 10, 2021, at 10:55 AM, Rodger, Valerie <rodgerv(a)halifax.ca<mailto:rodgerv@halifax.ca>> wrote: Hi Ron As I had stated on Friday, the three open access points identified that day were boarded up that afternoon. I was on site yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and found the open access point (the basement window) in your photograph. It was also resecured by 2:30pm. The maintenance worker was also reinforcing some of the other potentially vulnerable spots. A window that cannot be reached from the ground is not considered easily accessible. I am working with the property manager on getting the site cleaned up, but for privacy reasons cannot release the details of our conversations. Since your photos indicate that you are on the property on a regular basis, though, I’m sure that you’ve observed that some of the debris has been removed, and I will be following up to ensure that the entire site is cleaned up. Valerie From: Ron Skibbens <skibbenr7(a)hotmail.com<mailto:skibbenr7@hotmail.com>> Sent: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 3:18 PM To: Smith, Lindell <smithli(a)halifax.ca<mailto:smithli@halifax.ca>>; Rodger, Valerie <rodgerv(a)halifax.ca<mailto:rodgerv@halifax.ca>> Cc: BNRA <bnranews(a)chebucto.ns.ca<mailto:bnranews@chebucto.ns.ca>> Subject: [External Email] Re: [Bnranews] Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield Hi Councillor, Thanks for forwarding my original email to by-law enforcement. Although Valerie indicated that staff were onsite within a day or two, today I counted 2 breaches into buildings that are still open and easily accessible. And the site is still dangerous and unsightly, of course. I trust that you can put a bit more pressure on by-law to deal effectively with this matter. And I would still appreciate your reply to my original questions about the city’s knowledge about the owner’s plans and timelines for making the site less dangerous and less unsightly. Expectantly yours, Ron Skibbens <image001.jpg> <image004.jpg>

2 years, 6 months

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Dangerous and unsightly bloomfield

by Ron Skibbens

Here are a few pictures of 4 access points, hypodermic needles, broken windows and other dangerous and unsightly scenes over there.Its a disgrace that this is in the middle of our fair city. [cid:AAD41C50-842F-4666-971F-3188664604D8][cid:95D78EA9-5274-44A3-874C-AFC9039C392D][cid:0C24D8BF-C528-47E5-81BF-C4F7D17781BA][cid:07C93DDC-F6E0-4EF4-9EAF-8B9874677D72][cid:323A5A6A-550B-4F94-AFBD-AB21BD21DB05][cid:CD33EBE9-86AF-4982-B9BA-94AA9252A92A][cid:DE8449CA-D5A3-4412-BA7C-83EFAEC62FE0][cid:FA59B80E-E488-4299-B1E2-A28267127B38][cid:C1873BDB-BE7E-45DC-8A9E-47F1310AC197][cid:22245AFB-C540-4D9A-AB39-CD422C82AD3F][cid:AFB19E5A-1A1E-46C8-82EB-3EF251423B14]

2 years, 6 months

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Re: Bloomfield School

by Ron Skibbens

Sorry I missed you. I’ll send pics when I’m back home but trust you found at least the 3 ways into two of the buildings like I did Sent from my iPhone On Nov 5, 2021, at 2:24 PM, Rodger, Valerie <rodgerv(a)halifax.ca> wrote: ? Hi Ron I have a file for that site, and I'm working with the owners to get it cleaned up. I am on my way there to check for any open access points, and will be there in approximately 10 minutes if you wanted to meet me there. VALERIE RODGER COMPLIANCE OFFICER II PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT | BUILDINGS AND COMPLIANCE H?LIF?X PO BOX 1749 HALIFAX NS B3J 3A5 C. 902.476.1708 halifax.ca<http://www.halifax.ca/>

2 years, 6 months

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Re: HRM request # 7746942

by Ron Skibbens

Hi Valerie, Over the weekend I’ll take a walk over to get more details for you. However, I’d be happiest to meet you there so you can confirm for yourself that this site is in fact dangerous and unsightly. Please let me know your availability. Ron Skibbens 902 453 5186 On Nov 5, 2021, at 1:00 PM, Support, By-Law <bylawsupport(a)halifax.ca<mailto:bylawsupport@halifax.ca>> wrote: Hello Ron, Thank you for your inquiry to HRM. I have received your concern regarding the Bloomfield school and would like to clarify some information. Can you advise as to where the openings are? Are these openings where potentially people have gained access to the building? The broken windows, are they on the main level? Where people could get into the building? I look forward to hearing from you to ensure we can resolve any public safety concerns. Thank you Valerie Burke SHE/HER Customer Service Representative Bylaw Standards BUILDINGS AND COMPLIANCE | PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT H?LIF?X _______________ <image001.png>The Halifax Regional Municipality is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people. The municipality acknowledges the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People. This communication may contain privileged or confidential information and is intended for the addressee(s) only. Any copying, distribution, or other use or disclosure of the information in this communication by person(s) other than the addressee is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete or destroy all copies of this communication, including from your deleted items folder.

2 years, 6 months

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Fwd: Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing says Airbnbs amount to commercial enterprises

by lavellcampbell

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Neighbours Speak Up <neighboursspeakup(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 6:28 PM Subject: Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing says Airbnbs amount to commercial enterprises To: Hi everyone, It was encouraging to see Minister Lohr and his department commit to looking at short-term rental properties as ''commercial enterprises". Please see the article on CBC.ca here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/airbnbs-nova-scotia-commercial-p… Thanks to everyone and those in your networks for keeping attention on this issue. As noted in the article, the 'commercial' aspect is important to level the playing field for those in the tourist accommodation industry. However, it is also a key element in protecting housing stock in residential areas. At present, property owners, who do not reside in the property, can rent their properties on a short-term basis and still only pay a 'residential' property rate. This provides a substantial financial incentive for owners to rent short-term rather than making their properties available to those seeking long-term residency. A change in this area would be helpful to municipalities around the province as they struggle to house their residents and balance their budgets. As indicated in the article the Minister is looking at next Fall before legislation is brought in to address the matter. As such we should pay close attention to policy consultation and development as we move into the new year. We also need to continue efforts to ensure short-term rental accommodations are registered. All the Best Bill Stewart for Neighbours Speak Up -- You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in being updated regarding the short-term rental issue. If you do not wish to receive further messages please let us know.

2 years, 6 months

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Dangerous and unsightly premises in the neighbourhood

by Ron Skibbens

Hi Councillor, I had a walk around the Bloomfield school site the other day and was quite disturbed to see the sorry state it’s fallen deeper into. There’s broken pavement, fallen bricks, rubble, many smashed windows, what look like openings pried into at least one building and more. It clearly falls into what would be considered ‘dangerous and unsightly’. Would you please provide some information on expected actions by the owner to remediate or rebuild the site? And in the meanwhile, would it be appropriate for me to call HRM by-law control about the danger and unsightliness there? Your counsel would be appreciated. Ron Skibbens

2 years, 6 months

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Fwd: Moving Forward on Short-term Rental Policy and Housing

by lavellcampbell

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Neighbours Speak Up <neighboursspeakup(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2021 at 3:24 PM Subject: Moving Forward on Short-term Rental Policy and Housing To: Hi everyone, Thank you for your patience, tenacity and support in this continuing campaign to bring effective regulation to the short-term rental situation. The continuing Covid crisis has focussed government elsewhere and certainly curtailed progress in advocating for regulatory change. While short-term rental activity certainly decreased over the last eighteen months, from the highs of 2019, we are now seeing the numbers creep up through-out the Province. Moreover, as you know, the challenge to find adequate and affordable housing has been front and centre in the public pages of our media here and elsewhere. In that regard we have communicated with both the Province and HRM to encourage action as we move into another year. Both have indicated plans to move forward. Please find attached a letter we have sent to the Nova Scotia Ministers of Economic Development and Municipal Affairs and Housing urging attention to short-term rental policy with particular reference to the 'housing situation'. As you will note the Provincial registry information (which is strictly voluntary at this point) has noted over 2300 STR units around the Province with high numbers in several communities around the province. HRM appears to have 538 officially registered and most likely many who are not. Most are 'entire homes' - houses, apartments and condos, that are taken off the available housing stock. We have asked the Province to step up the work on registration and in particular, to ensure that registration numbers are put on advertisements, digital and print. (VRBO are starting to do this but not Airbnb) Visible registration numbers are key to enforcement, as David Wachsmuth has emphasized. We are also encouraging the Province to cooperate with municipalitie in getting local regulatory regimes and registrations on the go. That work should include looking at the taxation status of commercial STRs, as it relates to residential communities and equity with other providers of tourist accommodation. Lastly, we want the Province and Municipalities to allocate public funds only for housing projects that commit to housing long-term residency. As you may be aware, the Province has issued its housing policy plan today. It is called *A Healthy Nova Scotia: Solutions for Housing and Homelessness*. Here is the link. https://beta.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-2738/healthy-nov… As you will see, the plan does address the short-term rental factor. It recommends cooperation with the municipalities to develop regulations. Here is how the document puts it, *"The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will meet with municipalities across the Province to discuss possible measures that support affordable housing, such as better regulation for short-term rental units and flexibility in taxation that will encourage affordable housing development. Government will discuss this issue with municipalities over the fall and winter. The goal would be to introduce amendments to the Municipal Government Act and the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter in the spring session of the Legislature.* *Short-term rentals are increasing across Nova Scotia. Clarity is needed around this growing industry, and we need to ensure it does not negatively impact affordable housing. Government will consult with stakeholders over the fall and winter, with the goal of introducing legislation in the spring of 2022." * I expect that work will be part of the action by HRM as well. I was advised today by Councillor Smith that a report on STR will go to Council in early 2022. In the meantime it is expected there will be a survey in the next couple of weeks which we hope to hear more about shortly. Councillor Smith advises, there will also be opportunity for the public to provide feedback on any changes to land-use related by-laws as part of the STR package when it is brought to Council. In the meantime, we will continue to follow-up with our advocacy and keep you posted on any further information. If you become aware of any activity related to STRs in and around your area please let us know. All the Best, Bill Stewart for Neighbours Speak Up You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in being updated regarding the short-term rental issue. If you do not wish to receive further messages please let us know.

2 years, 6 months

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Garden plants to share

by Shari-Lynn Hiltz

Hello Neighbors, I am moving plants & soil and have some plants to share. * Pink and/or white phlox clump with roots * Chinese lantern roots * Blackberry * Solomon’s Seal Let me know if interested, Shari-Lynn Hiltz 902-453-2798

2 years, 6 months

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