BIG BOX STORES
By Shawn Jeffords, The Observer
A major developer is once again looking at bringing two more big-box retailers to Sarnia.
Representatives from North American Development Corporation were scheduled to meet today with Mayor Mike Bradley to discuss a potential plaza north of Highway 402 and east of Modeland Road.
The 54-acre plot of land could eventually host a shopping complex as large as Lambton Mall with 3,000 parking spots, the mayor said.
“There are a multitude of issues here and my understanding is that they’re coming back with a plan,” he said.
The developers did some planning last year but progress slowed when the economy weakened. At the time, the plaza was believed to have include a pair of big-box stores, which could be Costco and Lowes.
Now that things appear to be turning around their interest is picking up, Bradley said.
The land, currently designated for agriculture, would have to be rezoned for commercial use.
“It sounds like they want to move forward,” Bradley said. “I’ll have to put it back to staff because we have to go through this official plan process. We can’t circumvent that, nor should we.”
Sarnia will need additional commercial lands in the next 20 years, and a consultant is expected to deliver a report this fall regarding the direction of future growth.
The proposed development will need to match the consultant’s recommendations, Bradley said.
“They may want a sense of how well the community is doing economically. Because it does involve city and county planning there are a multitude of issues.”
The city had previously optioned the land for a second business park but in the end decided not to close the deal.
Meanwhile, city planning department statistics show the number of building permits are up slightly over this time last year. In June of 2008, 65 permits were issued. This year 71 permits were issued. Some of the major projects include a $1.1 million permit for additions and renovations to Bethel Pentecostal Church, and a $1.2 million permit to build a new Shoppers Drug Mart on Michigan Avenue.
Observer Article ID# 1646421