CHESTER - Two public hearings are scheduled for Chester council chambers this week.

 The first, regarding the sale of the former Fox Point school building, is scheduled for January 12 at 7 p.m.

 Initially, council had agreed to put the school, a municipal surplus property located at 419 Highway 329 in Fox Point, on the open market listed at $135,000.

 However, after a visit from the non-profit Helping Hands to Enrich Learning and Lifestyles Programming Society (HHELPS), council has agreed to sell the school for $1.

 Because the sale is less than the appraised value, a public hearing is required.

 HHELPS is looking to expand upon its community-based activity centre for the Hubbards area. Right now HHELPS shares space, limiting what programming it can provide.

 Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the hearing process or, if unable to attend, provide a written submission to the municipal clerk by noon on January 11.

 For more information on this hearing contact the municipal office at 275-3554.

 The second hearing this week is scheduled for January 18 at 7 p.m., also at the council chambers.

 This hearing is to discuss a proposed amendment to the municipal planning strategy and the land-use bylaw for the Village of Chester.

 The intention is to change the zoning for the two lots at 205 Duke Street to highway commercial.

 Grocery giant Loblaw Companies, owner of the Chester Save Easy, has purchased the adjacent former RCMP station and is looking to expand onto that lot.

 Copies of the proposed amendments together with related reports, including detailed maps, are available from the Chester planning department prior to the hearing during normal office hours.

 For more information call the municipal planning department at 275-2599.

posted on 01/11/11