Proposed concept for 135 Water Street in Sarnia. Architectural rendering to BlackburnNews.com by Patrick Coutu.Proposed concept for 135 Water Street in Sarnia. Architectural rendering to BlackburnNews.com by Patrick Coutu.
Sarnia

High-rise plans move forward

A proposed 19-storey high-rise has received Sarnia council support, despite concerns from neighbours.

Council approved a rezoning application for a 100 unit condo development at 135 Water Street in a 6-2 recorded vote Monday.

Councillor Bill Dennis supported the move.

"Without question development in this city is absolutely critical to our future," said Dennis. "It is the key to future tax stability. Growing our tax base is essential to help fund future infrastructure needs, it is critical for our general economic growth."

Dennis said the city doesn't have the luxury to say "no" to new development and the creation of jobs.

Councillor Margaret Bird voted against the recommendation.

"It's a beautiful looking building, it's a lovely design, but it's a far too big a building on a too small [of a] piece of land," said Bird. "When we have bylaws and strict rules about things, why are we allowing developers to bypass all those and staff are allowing them to do that."

Mayor Mike Bradley said he couldn't support the application in its present state, after a lack of consultation and compromise on the height.

Councillor George Vandenberg was absent.

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