The municipality of Chatham-Kent is trying to get out ahead of some rumours that are swirling about the future of a former Catholic school that was sold to a private group recently.
The former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School was sold to J. Robert Myers in Trust for $1.61 million in August and municipal officials said there has been "considerable public interest" in the future of the school since that time.
A release from the municipality Monday morning said the property will be developed by a group led by Clarke Construction Inc. and noted that as of the time of the release, the owners had not yet presented an official redevelopment proposal.
The release also provided a quote from Darryl Clarke, President of Clarke Construction Group, specifically addressing a rumour that the former school will be developed into an emergency housing shelter.
"Our group has heard the rumours surrounding our new property on Lark Street, and I would like to state publicly that they are untrue," said Clarke. "While we respect and value the creation of shelters, that is not our vision for this property. We will unveil more details on this exciting development once we get further into the process."
Municipal officials said when a development proposal comes forward, it will include opportunities for public consultation, adding that they are unable to provide any further comments at this time.
The release also noted that while there are no official plans for development yet, the group will be allowing the Chatham Goodfellows to use the former school as a base of operation for their ‘No Child Without a Christmas’ campaign free of charge.
