Halifax Young Avenue house demolition continues
Pam Berman | CBC News | Posted: November 8, 2016 12:06 AM | Last Updated: November 8, 2016
Stop work order was issued at 825 Young Avenue in September because people were still living there
A south-end Halifax home that was issued a stop work order in September because there was "demolition activity" happening while people were still living in the building, was visited by an excavator Monday.
"It's a shock. It was a beautiful house and I love this street," said Pierre Perron, who has lived on Young Avenue for more than 30 years.
City spokeswoman Tiffany Chase says a demolition permit was issued for 825 Young Avenue on Jul. 8, 2016. It's a two-year permit that is valid until Jul. 7, 2018.
The developers were given the green light to proceed with the demolition once the tenants moved out.
Development plans
Young Avenue has a grass boulevard in the middle and has mainly large homes on large properties.
Developers George and Steve Tsimikilis bought 851 Young Avenue, known as the Cleveland House, and demolished it over the winter.
The developers also bought the property next door and two homes on MacLean Street directly behind the lots and they plan to build a subdivision on the consolidated land that includes 11 homes.
Character of street at risk
Perron said he thinks that plan will ruin the elegant look of the street.
"I hope common sense prevails," said Perron, "The buildings should keep the character of the street, that's very important."
Halifax officials are now considering changes to the planning rules that will help maintain the streetscape.
Perron hopes the improvements can be made before any other homes are demolished.