Rio to house homeless
Mr Colin Styles of the Community Council was invited to an emergency Kinnoull School Council meeting on 17th December about the use of Rio which is next to the school. In attendance from PKC were Councillor Archie Maclellan, Clare Mailer (Service Manager Homelessness) and Lisa Potter (Housing Communications). A small presentation was given entitled ‘Rio House – Family Accommodation with Support ‘The aim of the meeting was to inform the parent school council of the project, to identify any areas of concern and to provide reassurances. Mr Styles and others expressed concern about the lack of communication from PKC. The Community Council had not been informed about the development. Councillor Maclellan stated he only found out about it from e-mails received from the Community Council.
It would appear the Rio Project is a done deal. The Housing Committee approved purchase in February 2008 and acquisition was completed on 26th March 2008. Tenders for internal alterations were returned on 15th December 2008 and work will commence late January 2009 with expected completion March/April 2009. Rio should be able to accommodate 8 families including single pregnant women. It will be monitored by a manager and two social workers and be manned by a concierge service 24hours/day 365 days per year. Families may stay there from 2 to 18 months.PKC will be holding a meeting for School parents on Tuesday 13th Jan 2009 and offering us a separate community meeting thereafter