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A proposal to develop affordable housing on eight vacant lots in an upscale inner-city neighbourhood has drawn concerns from residents about “the possible class of people that would be renting,” and the effect the new homes would have on residents’ “property value and ultimately retirement.”

Feedback gathered by the city at community engagement sessions in the spring show a multitude of concerns from Rosedale residents about the plan to spend $3.96 million to develop up to 16 affordable-housing units on eight tiny city-owned lots, at the end of six streets between 4A Street and 9th Street N.W., adjacent to the 16th Avenue sound wall.

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“My concerns are the possible class of people that would be renting these affordable-housing units,” stated one resident, according to feedback compiled by the city.

“Are there reduced taxes for living next to affordable housing?” asked another.

The eight two-unit developments on the very edge of the inner-city community would be managed by the city-owned Calgary Housing Company, which currently has about 4,000 households on a wait-list for an affordable place to live.