Waterfront property has great potential to address Sault’s housing needs, says Coun. Sandra Hollingsworth
City council voted Monday to require municipal staff to report on property standards enforcement at the old Sault Area Hospital site, at its next meeting on Dec. 12.
“Why has it taken us so long to deal with this?” Ward 1 Coun. Sandra Hollingsworth asked.
Councilors agreed with a resolution from Hollingsworth and wardmate Sonny Spina requiring an update on the decrepit property, which was featured this month in a shocking online video revealing its dangerous conditions.
Hollingsworth said she and former Ward 2 Coun. Susan Myers introduced a similar resolution in 2018.
“To my understanding, we did not receive a proper update,” Hollingsworth said at Monday’s city council meeting.
“I’m very concerned,” she added.
“We have been working very hard on revitalizing our downtown.”
“This particular property is technically on the edge of our downtown and on our prized waterfront.”
The property has great potential to address Sault Ste. Marie’s housing needs, Hollingsworth said.
“It’s been way too long. If there’s another community, I think it would have been acted on.”
“We really need to work with our legal department to see what else we can do.”
“Our hands can’t be tied that much,” Hollingsworth said.
“I will have lots to say on this issue as we move forward,” Coun. Spina said.