Huron Heights French Immersion Public School was closed in June 2014 and declared surplus by the Thames Valley District school board. After the land at 1245 Michael St. was sold in 2016, a private developer decided to build townhouses on the grounds. Not all residents in the neighbourhood were happy with that idea.
Even though the lot is very close to Fanshawe College, most of the homes in the area are occupied by families, with some off-campus student housing mixed in.
Ward 3 City Councilor Mo Salih says many residents are worried about the possibility of the new townhouses being rented by students, which could bring added noise, partying and traffic to an area filled with families.
Houses and townhouses along with a public park and the Stronach Arena & Community Centre back onto the property where the townhouses will be built.
City Council approved the development last year and construction could begin as early as this spring.
