**UPDATE: The plan passed unanimously at Chatham-Kent council meeting on April 19, 2021**
An old school building in Chatham could be transformed into some housing units if a local developer gets the go-ahead from Chatham-Kent council.
A staff report coming to council on Monday night is recommending some by-law amendments to allow for the redevelopment of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School in Chatham by Apollo Property Management.
The property is located on the east side of Raleigh Street, between Wellington Street West and Cross Street.
After being active for more than 100 years, St. Joseph Catholic School closed in the summer of 2019. Students and staff were moved to St. Ursula School.
In August 2020, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent purchased the property and quickly sold it to Apollo Property Management.
The redevelopment proposal includes 18 apartment units and a commercial space. The applicant has told the municipality that the intended use of the commercial space is a child care centre.
The land is currently zoned for institutional use, but the zoning by-law amendment would allow for residential and commercial uses for the property.
"The proposed zoning by-law amendment is consistent with the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement," read the report. "In particular, [it] contains policies that direct growth and development to existing settlement areas...The proposed zoning by-law amendment is consistent with the policies and intent of the Provincial Policy Statement as it focuses on new development and growth within an existing settlement area of Chatham-Kent."
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School floor plan (via the Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
