Close to 100 people attended a public meeting in Mahone Bay to discuss a proposed new nursing home.
Staff with McLeod Group Health Services Limited and the Town of Mahone Bay spoke Wednesday night at the Fire Hall.
There were plenty of people in support of the proposed project but some had concerns.
McLeod Group CEO Ramsay Duff says they came from people who would be located near the Main Street location.
“Noise; traffic; the fit of the building in the neighbourhood. We spent some time talking and trying to address a number of those issues and I remain confident that we’re going to be able to address the issues as part of the development agreement.”
Duff says the majority of people at the meeting were in favour of a new state-of-the-art nursing home with 96 beds compared to the current facility that is more than 50 years-old and has 61 beds.
He shares their feelings.
“The total economic benefit is in the $60-million range. We’re talking about 60 new jobs for the community. This is going to have a really big, positive impact on the town.”
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Mahone Bay, David Devenne, says he understands why there are some concerns especially with a project of this magnitude.
“There are folks who expressed concerns about environmental issues and about dealing with the natural run-off processes around the building.”
The facility is expected to cost as much as $40-million.
He adds a public hearing is required through the development hearing process.
“And anyone who wishes to can make a presentation at that time. They will certainly be involved in the discussions.”
The town’s planning advisory committee will review the development agreement and make recommendations.
From there, it will go to town council for further direction.
An update is not expected until the fall.
