The Town of Essex has sold 3.4 acres of the former Harrow High School property for housing development.
Horizon Investment Holdings Inc.'s proposal includes a mix of apartments and townhouses for a total of 160 units. The proposal includes accessible, barrier-free units and has sustainable building features like geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
"This is a great moment for our community because in the past we wanted to make sure that we secured the green space, and we have. We've carved out the green space that is going to be municipal property," said Mayor Sherry Bondy.
The price of the sale was not disclosed, however, Bondy said they recouped what the town spent on purchasing the property in 2021.
"We paid $780,000. The number that we are talking about with Horizon isn't public yet, but we've got more than $780,000 so that's a good annoucement because it basically means we got the green space for free," said Bondy.
The development will offer a range of housing options, including rental spaces and attainable multi-family dwellings.
The town will hold a public meeting with the developer in the near future.
"We are willing to listen to the neighbours and see what they think is most reasonable, more affordable," said Wing On Li, CEO of Horizon Investment Holdings Limited. "The pricing point, the amenities, the layout of the units, whether they are meeting the community expectation, we are willing to listen."
Li expects the development to be complete within three years.
