A zoning bylaw amendment report for land use changes at the future Essex sports field goes before Essex council Monday night.
The report will ask councillors to approve and move forward with a special council meeting, that would be held Jan. 15, seeking public feedback on the town incorporating the purchased lands into Essex Centre and redesignating the lands from agricultural to parks and open space.
The lands, comprising 27 hectares (66 acres) in total, are located southwest of Highway 3, at the intersection of North Malden Road and Batten Side Road.
Mayor Sherry Bondy says the town acquired the lands for the purpose of developing a large-scale sports complex.
The complex would serve the recreational needs of the area and would include an array of various recreational uses, namely, soccer and baseball fields with amenities such as washrooms, concession stands, play equipment, walking trails and associated parking.
"We're doing it in stages just due to the cost. It's something that we reviewed and needed more sports amenities in the town of Essex , especially since Highway 3, and the extension are going to take away some of our soccer fields. So now we are looking to rezone this property to allow public and private partnerships. So this is a really good thing for the town of Essex."
Bondy says the bylaw amendment is required before any development or business partnerships can take place.
"So this is a good move for the tax payers because in order to see this recreational facility move forward we do want to see if we can find public private partnerships, or sponsors, or even entering into lease agreements with private organizations so that we can really get as many amenities at this location while being fiscally responsible to our residents."
She says partnerships could include a new stadium or football field.
"You know the possibilities are endless. We do a have a plan but plans can change based on if somebody wants to come forward and work with us. Perhaps somebody wants to lease 20 acres and put in a stadium. We would like that."
Essex council meets Monday evening at 6 p.m.