Rooming house zoning appeal is dismissed by OMB

An appeal made to the Ontario Municipal Board following the turning down of a re-zoning request last June was dismissed by the Chair of the hearing when arguments were made Wednesday, says Sarnia's City Clerk and Solicitor Brian Knott.

The OMB appeal, made by proponent Madhu Baker, who is a sales representative for Royal LePage Key Realty in Sarnia, followed  September 2011 affirmation by Sarnia City Council of its decision to refuse a rezoning of the property. 

Baker had hoped to turn the property, which once served as a Community Girls' Home operated by St. Clair Child and Youth Services. into accommodation for up to 14 students from Lambton College.

The city's planning department had recommended refusal of the request, saying that the proposed use was "not compatible with other uses permitted in a single family residential neighbourhood."

City staff had said the proposed rooming and boarding house "should be more appropriately located in a higher density neighbourhood" and "does not represent good planning."

Tags: city of sarnia, former community girls' home, Madhu Baker, OMB appeal dismissed, rooming house, sarnia news