Cole Crescent tenants begin moving back in

More than a month after safety concerns shut down one apartment complex, and a fire shut down another, tenants are starting to move back home.

On the 19th of June the Fire Marshall acted on a complaint and shut down an apartment building located at 15 Cole Crescent, displacing about 50 people.  Most of those people found other temporary housing after they were put up temporarily at the Golden Hawk and at the gym at James M. Hill, but a few decided to stay in tents near the shuttered building.

A few weeks later the sister building at 5 Cole Crescent had a fire, and the Fire

Miramichi MLA Michelle Conroy has been assisting with the efforts to house the people and has been on the scene every day, along with others, to see how the efforts have been going to reopen the buildings.  Today some good news came that some of the people can now move back in.

“There are two-half floors open at 15 Cole Crescent,” Conroy explained.  It is a three story building north and south wings. “That means about one-third of the residents can move back in and the first ones to come back will be the people who have been living in these tents.”

Conroy said she was also happy to report that about half of the units at 5 Cole Crescent have now been approved by the Mire Marshall after fire doors were repaired, and she said she hopes the rest of the repairs will be done within days.  People in that building have also begun to return.  A fire that was small and isolated to one apartment happened on July 20th, prompting a review of the buildings fire safety systems.

“A lot of people pitched in during this crisis,” Conroy said.  “Pastor Ray has been here every day and has been amazing to these people.”  Ray Arseneault is the pastor at the Skyway to Heaven Church, located not far from the apartment buildings.

“Ray and others have been helping these people with transportation and food, non-stop.”  Conroy also said the Red Cross has been fantastic as well as other people and organizations in the city who donated services and food.  “Everyone should think about donating to the Red Cross or volunteering if they can,” Conroy urged.

In the photo are Michelle Conroy (back left), Pastor Ray (blue shirt, centre back), and owner of 15 Cole Crescent Brian Grosseth (yellow shirt, back row).

From Michelle Conroy’s facebook page:

We are Beyond excited that many tenants were able to get in both buildings at Cole Cres. today! 

Thanks to the hard work of the Fire Dept, Fire Marshall, Red Cross, and especially Ray Arsenault for everything you've done for these people!! 

And to the volunteers that showed up to help us transport tenants, drop off food and necessities…

Glad to help tear down tent city with these folks today. Have been a long few weeks of camping for them!