The Ontario Municipal Board has ruled in the Sarnia's favour for an appeal involving a proposed new subdivision at the northwest corner of Modeland Rd. and Michigan Ave.
Mayor Mike Bradley says the plan by Sifton Properties has been scaled back and will not include a commercial component, gas bar or seniors complex.
He calls it a victory for area residents.
"The basic duty of a council and the city is to protect the neighbourhood," says Bradley. "In this case, the neighbourhood was very strong in its opposition to a major commercial proponent. They have a right to expect that what they bought into, which was zoned residential, will basically stay that way."
The board ruled that London-based Sifton Properties will have to enclose roadside ditches and install a sidewalk and a multi-purpose trail in the area at its own cost.
There are 109 residential units in the subdivision plan for the 26-acre site including 72 single detached lots, 37 medium density units, two open space blocks, and one commercial block.
A consultant concluded that controls proposed by Sifton will adequately manage stormwater on the site.
After two OMB hearings now, Mayor Bradley believes Sifton can begin construction after minor technical issues are dealt with.