Saint John’s new south-end school and community hub are one step closer to reality.
Council passed the first and second readings of the required rezonings following a public hearing on Tuesday evening.
Several pieces of land on Sydney Street, St. James Street, Charlotte Street and in Rainbow Park need to be rezoned for the development to go ahead.
The K-8 school and community hub would replace Prince Charles and St. John the Baptist/King Edward schools.
Resident Katherine Ferris was the only person to speak against the proposal during the hearing.
Ferris said while she agrees a new school is needed, she is concerned about the shared use of Rainbow Park.
“I don’t know if anyone thought about this, but other organizations use that through the school day,” said Ferris, citing Key Industries and the Saint John Newcomers Centre as examples.
In order to accommodate the new build in the northern portion of the park, the existing swing set, small playground and dog park need to be decommissioned.
Current proposals include a new and refreshed basketball court, a new tot lot playground for younger kids, a new bark park and a new location for the Turner-Brewer Memorial within the park.
There are also plans to shift the orientation of the community garden and to add new trees, green space and benches.
Parts of the park, including the Jumpstart playground and the basketball court, would be reserved for exclusive access of the school during school hours under the proposed changes.
City Engineer Yeva Mattson told council that city staff and the province are still negotiating the use of the park.
“Citizens are welcome to still submit their concerns and their opinions on the Shape Your City page and there will definitely be another public engagement event before probably spring of 2025,” said Mattson.
Recommended changes to the park will come before council for final approval.
Meanwhile, council will vote on the proposed rezoning changes at an upcoming meeting.
