Offers to Buy Frederick St. Homes

The government of Nova Scotia will buy the homes along Frederick Street and Curry's Lane in Sydney from residents who wish to move, Clifford Huskilson, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced today.

"More work is required to determine what, if any, impact the coke ovens site is having on this nearby neighbourhood," said the minister. "Making this offer is the right thing to do, given the type of work that will be happening on and near these residences."

The Department of Environment has indicated the need for more intrusive testing around the homes on Frederick Street. The testing involves drilling, establishing monitoring wells and test pits on several properties. The process, from sample collection through to analysis and assessment, will take a prolonged period.

The comprehensive sampling program will form part of Phase 2 of the coke ovens site assessment. The assessment will be done with the Joint Action Group, or JAG, the community group working with the federal, provincial and municipal governments toward cleaning up the site.

The offer to buy the homes is not being made because of a health risk. The decision to sell is voluntary, and residents may remain in their homes if they wish.

Transportation and Public Works staff will be in Sydney beginning this weekend, available to discuss individually with residents the logistics of the province's offer. Residents may call 567-1133 to set up an appointment.

The offer for a Frederick Street or Curry's Lane home will be based on the value of a similar home away from the coke ovens. The province will pay for costs associated with the offer, including legal and real estate fees, independent real estate appraisals, administrative costs such as the title search and deed transfer, and moving costs.

"These homes border on a site that is very complicated," said Mr. Huskilson. "Tests and assessments still have to be done, and they take time. That work may be disruptive to the residents on Frederick Street and Curry's Lane, so we are offering to purchase their homes."

Relocating residents follows the interim recommendations of the Phase I site assessment report respecting the establishment of a site separation zone.

arc May 28 1999 11:51 a.m.