YARMOUTH - Yarmouth town council approved a recommendation from its planning advisory committee on Nov. 16 to rezone a new location for the Yarmouth Food Bank.
The zoning amendment was required for the site, at 2 and 6 Herbert St., for the organization to operate.
Stephanie Eldridge, a Huntington Street resident who lives very close to the food bank’s new site, was against the relocation of the food bank and had spoken against it at a public hearing in late September. She shared her views again at the public hearing that preceded the Nov. 16 council meeting.
Eldridge is concerned about what she refers to as “crowds that can swell from 30 to 100 waiting people at a time, massive storage of food, six-ton trucks from Feed Nova Scotia and nonpaid employees who drop off food, organize food stock and handle distribution and cleanup.”
Although she expressed support for the food bank, she also said she has concern for users that wouldn’t receive shelter from the elements while standing outside in line for the service. She also expressed concern that the zoning amendment was being viewed as a “done deal,” with renovations on the building happening before council had approved the amendment and the food bank opening in late September. Rev. Bill Newell, chair of the Yarmouth Food Bank committee, spoke after Eldridge.
He began by saying that comments he previously made regarding the opening of the food bank at 2 Herbert St. were always made with the full understanding that the rezoning process had to run its course and that, in the end, the organization’s application could be turned down.
He pointed out that 44 years ago, 2 Herbert St. was a commercial operation with vehicles going Monday to Saturday.
“I respectfully suggest that this area of Herbert Street, up to Pleasant Street, is no stranger to activity.”
He added that the food bank is open only on Tuesdays and that the first one of the month is the busiest.
“We can accommodate 25 to 30 people inside at that time,” he said.
The neighbouring ballpark is also a busy place in the summer.
“Personally, I’m glad for the activity,” said Rev. Newell, who resides at the corner of Huntington and Brunswick.
He also described how some of the residents in neighbouring apartments have watched the renovations to the food bank with keen interest and have come over to volunteer.
More about the Yarmouth Food Bank
The food bank had been operating on Glebe Street for 30 years.
Open only on Tuesday: 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Closed for July and August
902-742-0918
