Rezoning and bylaw amendments for another major residential development will be considered by Sarnia council on Monday.
Vision '74 Inc. wants to build two new affordable apartment buildings -- a six storey building with 45 units and a four storey building with 40 units -- at 799 and 811 London Road, between East and Superior Streets.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said it would be a "good marriage of an existing property serving the public with affordable housing in a central city location."
"Extra land has been purchased and that, I think, made a difference in the sense that -- my understanding is -- when the group has been talking to the neighbours -- they understand what the project is about," said Bradley.
The developer said the existing building on the property, which contains seven residential units, would be retained.
The Lambton Supportive Transitional Housing facility for youth, known as Ohana Landing, officially opened five years after the owners of Preferred Towing partnered with the County of Lambton to transform the former ABC Daycare.
Bradley thinks the apartments would complement the facility.
"The Ohana development -- brought forward by the Vandenheuvel [family] which was an incredible contribution to help people deal with issues relating to housing -- is a good base for this project. The fact is, it can add greatly to us being able to deal with some of the affordable housing/low income issues. This truly will be that type of housing that will give people an opportunity to have good shelter," he said.
Bradley noted residents would be conveniently located near a variety of amenities, including Bluewater Health.
"It's close to Northgate, it's close to the Strangway Centre, it's close to all of the amenities in the [Germain] park, and I think it's an ideal bringing together of the present Ohana site [by] adding these two buildings. Which again, will really have an impact on the affordable housing situation in Sarnia, " he said.
The developer is planning to provide 64 total parking spaces, which represents a 50 per cent reduction from the required 128 spaces.
Mayor Bradley expects some councillors will voice concerns.
"The old model of having one spot for every resident isn't working anymore," he said. "What is happening, especially when you're dealing with affordable housing projects, is the reality is there isn't the need to have one spot for every resident because they don't have that type of transportation either because they're low income or because of whatever stage they are in life. So, we have to accept the fact that the world's changed as it relates to parking."
A public meeting will be held and the recommended site plan approval will be considered during Sarnia Council's regular meeting at 1 p.m. on Monday.