Despite disapproval by some neighbours, Sarnia council has approved in principle draft subdivision plans for Sarnia’s former Kinsmen Centre site.
The lands at 656 Lakeshore Rd. were declared surplus in July and staff were directed to proceed with its sale, even though neighbours continue to contest that the property is part of Baxter Park to the north.
In a 5-4 recorded vote, city council approved the concept which allows five urban residential lots fronting onto Lakeshore Monday night.
"Fact. We are not selling a park. Fact. There is no plan for this council to sell off the parks within the city of Sarnia," said Councillor Cindy Scholten, who supported the recommendation. "Council declared this land as surplus. Baxter Park will still remain. Council moved to approve this application. Why? Because it will benefit everyone in this city, through the sale of the land and through future property tax."
Councillors Mike Kelch, Anne Marie Gillis, Dave Boushy and Mayor Mike Bradley voted against the recommendation.
"I didn't support this when it came up before, and I still don't, although I understand both sides of the argument," said Councillor Kelch. "If it's not technically parkland, which it isn't, the perception of the vast majority of the public in the area is that it is, or has been and perception is reality for those folks. So, on that basis and simply because I think it's not the right thing to do for that area, I will be voting against this."
Some of the retained parcel of land will be consolidated with Baxter Park and used for park purposes.
The city will act as the developer to subdivide the land and prepare the lots to be sold.
The draft subdivision plans are expected to come back to council for final approval in January.