Sarnia council is applauding proposed development plans for Sarnia's former St. Peter School property.
Zoning and official plan amendments to allow a retirement community of more than 100 units were approved on Monday for the property on Oxford St. at Maxwell St.
"It's just a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood," said councillor Anne-Marie Gillis. "I think the people who have lived around St. Peter's and looked at that property for so long, will be very, very happy with the finished product."
Councillor Cindy Scholten agreed.
"To me, this is another success story," Scholten said. "Our schools are consolidating, our population is ageing and here we have, again, another local investor looking to redevelop empty lands, empty buildings and put life back into our city. So, I'm really happy to see this application."
Local developer Nelmar Holdings plans to build the project in two phases.
The former school will be converted into 28 units first and then a four-storey addition, with 75 units and a pitched roof that reflects the physical characteristics along Rayburne Ave., will be built on the east side of the building.
St. Peter School was built in 1948 and closed in 2010.