Tannery Courts Studied
I’ll start this off with a bias warning. Co-op Atlantic, parent organization of Tannery Court, commissioned this research. While university researchers were used and hopefully kept everything objective, it is always good to remember where the money comes from.
According to a Times and Transcript article researchers found that “[Tannery Court] Residents who participated in interviews reported significantly better self-confidence, a better financial situation and brighter outlook on life.”
UNB Sociologist Luc Theriault is quoted as saying “If it weren't for a complex like this, what they would otherwise get is a bit of a slum.”
One issue noted regarding the Fredericton Tannery Court is that it’s not located downtown or near a bus route. This is considered less than ideal.
One Tannery Court resident is said to consider her home environment “empowering.” There was also talk of community involvement in the article.
This study was dealing directly with residents and their opinions, and didn’t get into the possible issues surrounding the long term ghetto-ization of residents, something that is very much on the minds (and/or tongues) of the vocal opponents of bringing the Tannery Court model into Saint John.
1 comment:
This report is myopic at best.
What it admittedly does not cover, is the impact of segregating and concentrating long-term poverty in only highly impoverished or isolated areas.
Tannery Court does not exist in a vacuum.
It has never been in doubt that there is a desperate need for adequate/appropriate housing for this demographic in our community... the "Hardest to House."
Inadequate Housing is a symptom of poverty, and many neighbourhoods have had a long tradition of this - the South End of Saint John is one of them.
You hear of buildings, owned by those who do not live here, taking advantage of those who have so little and are struggling so hard, creating a "Poverty Trap" that has lasted generations.
However, “Tannery Court” and it's outdated “mono-culture” approach is not the answer.
Here is what the "Housing Working Group" of the Saint John Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI)* reported in Dec 2008:
"The location of the Project is not recommended, due to the high concentration of poverty (47%) in the immediate neighbourhood. The developer (and their municipal/provincial advisors) did not appear to take into consideration the priorities of the neighbourhood nor consult with the community leaders who are working to stabilize and improve the neighbourhood.
Mixed income projects and family housing are priorities"
*You may download the full report in PDF format, and listen to a 19 min. interview at this website http://www.openyoureyes.info)
The “Housing Working Group” consists of many of the key Community Groups that deal with poverty, and it's implications in Saint John, as well Business Leaders. Avide is also a member, but did not consult with this organization (as stated above).
- Howard LaBillois
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