N.B. development hampered by assaults, theft [Video]

A Saint John not-for-profit group says theft, damage, and assault have forced it to hire private security at a construction site in the city’s Waterloo Village.

Construction of the 56 unit complex (with 28 units funded through a N.B. Housing rental agreement), includes plans for a community room and a day care centre with 120 spaces.

Steepleview Developments Inc. has been working on the project for nearly a decade, and construction began about a year ago. Chairman Kevin McDonald says crime has accelerated around the construction site in recent months.

“There are 25-to-30 people working in there,” says McDonald, pointing to the construction site at 35 Cliff Street. “They’re afraid to park because their vehicles are being broken into, and their tools are being stolen.”

McDonald says one worker was sprayed with an irritant and had to leave work for the day.

The Saint John Police Force had no immediate comment Thursday regarding recent crime reports at the site.

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