Chatham-Kent council has given the green light to a possible new residential development in Chatham.
On Monday night, councillors approved a zoning by-law amendment for the redevelopment of vacant land at 55 Forest Street.
The property contains the former McKeough Public School building, which was divested by the school board in 2001 and has remained a private property since. After remaining largely unused for many years, the property was acquired by the current owners in 2013 and is now known as Blairs’ Campus, where a number of neighbourhood commercial businesses currently operate.
The lots under consideration for new residential development are made up of the grassed open space located at the rear of the property. The space has remained unused since the school was closed.
Because the former zoning by-law still recognized the property as a school, a by-law change was required to allow for houses to be built. The zoning amendment will allow for a maximum of three single-detached dwellings, a maximum of two semi-detached dwellings and a maximum of one row house dwelling.
The idea wasn't well-received by some residents who were concerned that any residential developments on the property would mean the neighbourhood would lose one of its few park areas.
"There is a serious deficit of green space or parks in this area of the city," read the deputation. "Tecumseh Park and McKeough Park are too far and are dangerous journeys for kids to walk. Local people need green spaces to relax in. We are living in a green space desert."
However, Planning Services Direction Ryan Jacques noted that the space isn't a municipal park -- it's private property.
"People do look for green spaces, close to home and within walking distance. It's not necessarily private property owners' responsibility to provide that," added Councillor Melissa Harrigan. "It's certainly something we as a council should heed with the feedback that we are given."
The by-law amendment was ultimately approved by council with 94 per cent in favour and six per cent opposed.
Council also approved the creation of four new lots for residential development on West Street in Raleigh.