Demolition for Halifax Honda expansion begins this month

A car dealership says it will pay tenants to leave in time tobulldoze the north-end Halifax homes this summer.

Steele Auto Group has bought 20 properties, many of which are residential,surrounding its recently purchased Colonial Honda location on Robie Street.

Renters have been offered two months of rent and a full return of theirdamage deposit,in exchange for leaving by June 30, the company said on its website Friday.

Evan Cox, whorentson Robie Street,says he's taking the deal.

"I'm just going to leave it there and look for a new place," he said.

Demolitionstarts in weeks

The first few buildings are scheduled to come down on Fern Lane later in May. The 12 houses, all rental units,on Robie, May and McCully streets will come down at the start of the summer, the company said.

Windows are already boarded up on some.

• Want a larger view? Check out our interactive map here.

The demolition plans havesparked online campaigns, a petition and several protests and prompted Steele to post updates online.

Cox said he doubts much can be done to prevent this from going through.

"I think it's already over," Cox said. "I think a lot of people mean well and they want to fight against unusual developments or developments that are out of place it seems, but it's already sold."

• Steele's Halifax Honda expansion was preventable, ex-planner Andy Fillmoresays

Affordable rent

People protesting have raised concerns about the loss of affordable housing in the residential neighbourhood, which is zoned to allow this kind of commercial development.

Cox said he pays $600 per month for his bachelor apartment, and while his lease was coming to an end anyway, he hoped to stay longer.

"I paid not a lot of money for rent, so it's going to be hard to find a place that is in that same range," he said. "I feel worse for the people who've been pushed out and they expected to stay longer."

He said he thinks the company should have better communicated its plans to residentsearlier on.

'Thriving, mid-city community'

The most recent statementfrom general manager Tim Peacocksaid Colonial Honda wants to remain convenient for customers.

"I would like to stress that the design of our new facility recognizes and respects that we are in the midst of a vibrant, mixed commercial and residential neighbourhood," Peacock said.

"At Colonial, we recognize that we will best succeed as part of a thriving, mid-city community."

Habitat for Humanity will salvage lights, cabinets, windows, doors and appliances from the buildings, once vacated, he said.

The Woodbury Veterinary Hospital, located at the corner of North and RobieStreets,will remain openas well.

• Steele Auto Group puts brakes on satire website's post