Rumors the former Monsignor Uyen elementary school, located in a Chatham residential neighborhood, will become a men’s shelter are “untrue,” its new owners say.
Rumors the former Monsignor Uyen elementary school, located in a Chatham residential neighborhood, will become a men’s shelter are “untrue,” its new owners say.
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An anonymous letter delivered late last week to numerous nearby homes said the former school is going to be converted into a “transitional home for men” with more than 35 beds. The letter expressed concerns about safety and area property values if that happens.
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Since its sale in August, there has been considerable public interest in the future of the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic school property at 255 Lark St., said a Monday morning release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
“The property, which is now privately owned, will be developed by a group led by Clarke Construction Inc.,” municipal officials said.
The municipality asked the owners to provide a statement.
“Our group has heard the rumors surrounding our new property on Lark Street, and I would like to state publicly that they are untrue,” company president Darryl Clarke said in the release.
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“While we respect and value the creation of shelters, that is not our vision for this property,” he added. “We will unveil more details on this exciting development once we get further into the process.”
At this point, the owners have not presented a redevelopment proposal to the municipality.
“If and when a development proposal does come forward, it will be subject to the municipal planning process, which includes opportunities for public consultation,” municipal officials said.
“As the municipality has not received a development application for the property, we are unable to provide any further comments at this time.”
In the short term, the group donated the use of the property to the Chatham Goodfellows as a base of operation for their No Child Without a Christmas campaign.
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