Residents will soon get their first look at potential building plans at the former Holmes Foundry site in Point Edward during a virtual open house on Tuesday, November 19.
Proposed plans for the site located at Exmouth Street and Christina Street North include mixed-use development for residential and retail uses and a high-rise, read a public notice.
"I think it's a good thing for the area," said Village of Point Edward Chief Administrative Officer Jim Burns. "The land has obviously sat in the state it's currently in for a few years and prior to that it had derelict buildings on it that the village had removed, so I think this is the logical next step to move forward with some development for the property."
South Coast Developments purchased the land for $5.75 million in 2022, and later retained a London-based consulting firm, Zelinka Priamo Ltd., as the land-use planners.
Burns said the municipality has been working with the developer for a couple of years, and an application for an official plan amendment was filed approximately six months ago.
"We went back and forth to get some information that was missing and we now deem the application complete," Burns said. "So part of the process is this public meeting -- virtual open house, that's being hosted by the proponent."
He said council will consider the official plan amendment during a public meeting on January 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Point Edward Community Hall.
In the meantime, Burns said the developer has continued to work on the environmental aspects associated with the land.
Chrysler closed the former manufacturing site in 1988 and spent $7 million cleaning the area and environmental assessment work has since taken place.
While planning is still in its early stages, Burns said the open house is a good opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed project.
Those interested in participating in the virtual open house (over Microsoft Teams) are asked to register by contacting taylor.w@zpplan.com. Registered participants will receive an email with further instructions before the event.
The presentation will be held from 6:05 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. However, registered participants are asked to log in between 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.