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Neighbours of the new downtown arena are getting a raw deal, say local residents aiming to get the issue back on the public agenda.

There’s no guarantee jobs at Rogers Place will pay a living wage, no help for nearby mom-and-pop shops who will struggle with rising rents, and no affordable housing for low-income residents in similar circumstances.

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“We believe $400 million has been expended in public funding and there’s no real community benefits,” said Sebastian Barrera, president of the Parkdale/Cromdale Community League.

“We want to make sure it benefits the people who live here,” added Jordan Reiniger, a Boyle Street resident.

Rogers Place opens to the public Sept. 10. Their good neighbour program was going to council for review Tuesday. But when three residents turned out to protest, council voted to send it to committee first to hear concerns. The issue will go to executive committee next Tuesday.