The Dorr Township Planning Commission Tuesday evening made an agonizing 4-3 decision on rezoning a parcel that may have implications for the future of land use.
Commissioners narrowly approved a request from Tyler Wustman to recommend to the Township Board rezoning from rural agricultural to B-1 low-density residential. Wustman explained he is seeking the rezoning to accommodate splitting his property at 1538 144th Ave. for 1.3 to 1.4 acres for sale for another residence.
Eric Thompson, representing Professional Code Inspections, said the B-1 designation is compatible with the township’s master plan for that area, which currently is mostly agricultural.
However, neighbors Dave and Linda Dumond raised objections because of potential problems with flooding, particularly as a result of the recent paving of 144th Avenue. The Dumonds also contend a nearby residential; development, Woodside Meadows, has made contributions to excessive water running onto their eight-acres of property.
Thompson said the water issue may be taken up by the Allegan County Drain Commissioners’ office.
Wustman told the Planning Commission he originally wanted to have the land split into two agriculturally zoned parcels, but he was advised by PCI to seek B-1 zoning because it was more compatible with the master plan.
Commissioner Dan Beute said he worried that approving the request could set a bad precedent, that many other landowners in the area would seek the same changes.
“Without the infrastructure, we might be getting ahead of ourselves,” he maintained. “This could be the first domino.”
Commission Vice Chairman Robert Traxler voiced concerns about eventually leading to high-density dominating the area.
“And if we don’t have water and sewer for high density, that’s a problem,” though acknowledging this request is for low-density residential.
Commissioners painstakingly went through a checklist to determine whether the rezoning would amount to spot zoning, but found otherwise.
Fears about others asking for rezoning from agricultural to low-density residential were hinted at just after approval was granted. The Dumonds and Larry Hansen made inquiries about the same kinds of requests for them in the near future.
Voting in favor of recommending the request were Chairman Bob Wagner, John Conklin, Rich Osbun and Beute. Voting in opposition were Terri Rios, Traxler and Larry Dolegowski.