Rural estates rezoning reveals fears about loss of farms

The Dorr Township Planning Commission Tuesday evening approved a request from Susan Travis McGraw to rezone her property on 108th Avenue between 16th and 18th streets from agricultural to rural estates.

The request drew a fairly substantial crowd of residents who said they didn’t appreciate the continued decline of farm land and explosion of residences replacing it in the township. She now wants to sell the 55-acre parcel near the border with Byron Township and have it split into eight separate parcels from the current farm house. Each of the eight parcels would be 8.3 acres in size.

Realtor Brian Silvernail, who represented Ms. McGraw at the meeting, said her parents purchased the farm in 1952 and it’s been in her family for more than 60 years. He noted the property will be served by well water and septic systems.

One notable exception voiced in the public hearing came from Arlene Vonmeyer, who commented, “I moved out here to get away from the city,” a protest against more suburban sprawl coming this away.

Lor Castello, from Professional Code Inspections, said, however, that the Planning Commission in 2007 agreed that a rural estates zoning should be part of the master plan.

“People are continuing to move to the country to enjoy that lifestyle,” she said, noting its is difficult legally to keep them out.

Audrey Elkins said, “But I feel we should protect our farm land.”

Doug Hough, who has a neighboring farm, said, “This is probably the best farm land in the area” adding he’s worried more residential neighbors won’t like being around farms.

Paul Fortin asked what could stop further residential development in the area.

Silvernail pointed out that Ms. McGraw is not having single-family residences or apartments and “It’s better than putting it (the property) on the market.”

Jerry TerAvest said, “Once those parcels are sold, it’s out of her hands.”

Plan Commissioner Larry Dolegowski said, “It could be a heckuva lot worse, like a campground, as far as permitted uses.”

Commissioner John Conklin said the Right to Farm Act will protect neighboring farms if residential neighbors complain about noise or odor.

Commissioner Dan Beute said, “I hate to see farm land go away, but it’s inevitable that more houses are coming in (to Dorr). I’d rather see this than other kinds of housing.”

The commission voted 6-1 to approve the rezoning request, with Terri Rios dissenting.

COVER PHOTO: The Dorr Township Plan Commission meeting drew a sizable crowd of about 30 people.