SACKVILLE, N.B. – As a group of volunteers prepares to build a new Bob Edgett Boxing Club on York Street, they will first need to go through the process to get the property rezoned.
The volunteers, who have come together as a non-profit registered group under the name Bob Edgettt Memorial Boxing Club Inc., have made an application for the rezoning and a public hearing for the request will be held June 11, during council’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at town hall.
The 1.7-acre property at 203 York Street is currently zoned Urban Residential 1 (R1); the application calls for the site to be rezoned to institutional, which would allow for the construction of a new clubhouse.
Lori Bickford, planning manager with the local planning commission office, said the existing clubhouse was built more than 50 years ago, permitted under a “non-conforming” use. But the Community Planning Act does not permit structural alterations to buildings containing a non-conforming use so she explained the applicants are required to apply for a rezoning to make the use fit with the zoning, allowing for the clubhouse to be replaced.
“They can’t do construction ‘cause it’s not zoned appropriately,” added councillor Bill Evans in the explanation.
The new 30’ x 60’ clubhouse is anticipated to be larger than the existing building which, after more than 50 years of use, is aging and beyond repair. It also lacks bathrooms and storage areas.