An “informal, applicant-led open house” is planned for this Thursday evening to discuss the proposed mixed use development at the former General Amherst High School building.
The open house will be at the Libro Centre from 5-7 p.m. A notice for the open house was mailed to abutting property owners within a 120m radius of the subject property at 130 Sandwich St. S., said Tracey Pillon Abbs, principal planner with Pillon Abbs Inc.
The site is owned by Valente Developments.
According to the notice, the applicant is proposing a redevelopment of the site for residential, commercial and institutional uses. A new standalone building is proposed to be constructed with a gym and retail space.
“A new mixed use building is proposed to be constructed with commercial on the main floor and a total of 144 residential units above,” the notice states.
The proposed building would be constructed in two blocks/towers. The proposal calls for the Sandwich Street Tower to have eight storeys with 79 residential units while the Park Side Tower would have 11 storeys and 65 residential units.
“The Applicant would also like the option to develop a hotel where a portion of the residential units are proposed (floors 2-3 of the Sandwich St. Tower),” the notice states. “Parking on-site and underground for a total of 262 vehicles is proposed for the commercial and residential, with access from Sandwich Street South and Laird Ave. South.”
The notice also references the new town hall proposal, something that is currently under review and consideration by the Town of Amherstburg.
“While no final decision has been made by council for purposes of transparency on the potential redevelopment, it includes elements for the area of a town hall and civic theatre,” the notice added. “Parking for 93 vehicles is proposed for the municipal office in the park.”
Representatives of the applicant will be on hand at the public open house to answer questions on the proposed redevelopment. The notice also states town staff will be in attendance as observers.
By Ron Giofu
Comments