As a developer considers plans for future residential properties on Harbour Street, it's recommended the city declare a section of the road as surplus.
Sarnia City Council will discuss the closure and sale of the city owned unopened road allowance when it meets on Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley says Tricar Properties purchased the former Stokes By the Bay restaurant earlier this year, with future plans for residential development.
"If my understanding is correct, Tricar has put a sign on the property and they're looking to move forward with a rezoning at sometime in the future," said Bradley.
He said the portion of Harbour Street the developer is interested in falls within the grassy area fronting the former Stoke’s restaurant.
"This is an early step," said Bradley. "Then it's incumbent upon Tricar, the developer, to come forward to the community and put in an application. At this point, do not have the details on height and all those other things."
To close a portion of the unopened road allowance and sell it to the developer, council must declare the portion surplus.
Currently, the city has no plans for development on the unopened road allowance, and no current plans to expand Harbour Street.
Bradley said development downtown and along the waterfront has been a strategy of the city for many years.
"It's about mixing the blend of waterfront uses, tourism and the need for housing in the community."
Sarnia council meets at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21.