A proposal to develop affordable housing in conjunction with a community garden project is a step closer to reality.

St. John’s city council has given approval for the potential development of an affordable housing on a piece of land which is the current location of the Eric Street Community Garden.

A release posted to the Eric Street Park Community Garden Facebook page, indicates city staff have met with Habitat for Humanity and community garden members to discuss a joint project on the property which will include redevelopment of a portion of the land for affordable home ownership. It will also include revitalization of the community garden.

The release says a Letter of Intent with Habitat has been formalized and outlines the intended gifting of the property subject to successful rezoning, development approval and collaboration with the Eric Street Community Garden.

If the rezoning goes ahead, the city will contribute $2,500 toward the cost of materials to revitalize the garden.

City staff will also support the garden members in their efforts to apply for funding to further improve the garden.