City council has tabled a decision on rezoning the former Sarnia General Hospital site, which would have allowed development of a proposed health campus.
The decision acknowledged concerns raised by several community members Monday and was met with a round of applause from the gallery in council chambers at city hall.
Former Sarnia-Lambton MPP and city councillor Caroline Di Cocco asked that council not approve the rezoning to commercial and keep the official plan as-is.
"How is public interest being served by giving away public land assessed at $17.7-million dollars for $1,000 and waving some development fees," asked Di Cocco.
She added that keeping the property zoned mixed residential, would provide for much needed residential growth in the core area. Di Cocco said that would go a long ways to revitalizing the core of the city.
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Neighbour Mike Hurry also opposed the plan and asked council to slow down so there would be no regrets.
Councillor Mike Kelch moved that two independent property appraisals be done, staff obtain a demolition cost estimate and a final decision on ownership of building be determined before any action is taken.
He says he noticed a collective anxiousness.
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The offer, submitted by five local businessmen, is conditional until April 18.