About 75 local citizens appeared at a normally sparsely attended Dorr Township Planning Commission meeting Tuesday evening to object to a proposal to allow wedding barns near residential neighborhoods.
The citizens’ opposition was so strong that the commission decided to postpone a decision and seriously consider adding restrictions on how close they can get close to residential areas and minimum parcel sizes for the facilities.
Though Lori Castello of Professional Code Inspections called such places “rural event facilities,” the opinions of nearly everyone present were in opposition to their placement anywhere near residential areas for reasons that weren’t surprising — traffic, safety, noise and encroachment on rural atmosphere.
Deb Broadwater flatly asserted, “I don’t want the noise. I don’t want all that racket. I’ve got grandkids and I want to put them to sleep… and I don’t need drunks behind my house.”
When Randy Murphy asked why the Planning Commissi0n is considering a zoning ordinance amendment to accommodate the increasingly popular events facilities, he was told two citizens had inquired about how to go about establishing locations for weddings, reunions and other special events in a rural setting. So commissioners had PCI develop an ordinance amendment and scheduled a public hearing.
Sue McCarthy came up with the familiar objection of, “We moved here for the peace and quiet, to get away from Wyoming and Grand Rapids… I don’t want to be listening even during the day to a loudspeaker.”
Chris Potter, who said she’s part of a fifth generation family in Dorr, said she values the rural peace and quiet and “We don’t want it (development) to go any further than it is today.”
Megan Fish echoed, “I feel this is a rural tight-knit community… Leave it the way it is.”
Tim Beute said, “I’ve seen a lot of new things come into Dorr” and suggested the applicants’ plans should be aired before decisions are made.
Clayton Benthall said, “I think 10 acres (lot size minimum) is too small. I’d like to see it more like 25 to 40 acres.”
Bob Senneker chimed in, “If you keep the acreage up, it will ease a lot of peoples’ minds.”
Randy Williamson said, “You can’t bring that many people together at one location with alcohol without a lot of noise.”
Brian Groeneveld, who said he has lived in a neighborhood in back of one proposed wedding barn for 20 years, asked, “What benefit do you see for the residents of Dorr Township, the taxpayers, and the agriculture community?”
Keith Nickels said, “A lot of people don’t want that kind of venue in a residential neighborhood,” suggesting such facilities are really commercial and should be placed in commercial rather than agricultural zones.
Al Talsma echoed, “Any way I look at it, this is a commercial venture and it should be in a commercial zone.”
Planning Commission Chairman Bob Wagner said he had received several letters, all in opposition to rural events facilities.
Kevin Maurer, one of the applicants for permission to establish an events barn, said he was disappointed that someone in the township had stirred the people up before the meeting with flyers and “talking behind my back.”
Planning Commissioner Dan Beute added his concerns because firmer Township Board member Patty Senneker had visited his house and others personally. He noted she might have some skin the game because she owns property near one of the proposed barns.
Senneker stood outside the township hall before the meeting and passed out agendas to people as they came into the meeting.
Planning Commissioner Terry Rios said, “I think the community has made a big statement here tonight and we represent them.”
However, Wagner said it’s his understanding the community’s objection was to having event barns too close to residential neighborhoods. He said it’s possible to increase minimum lot size to 40 acres and insist events barns be at least a quarter mile from residences.
The Planning Commission will attempt to make a decision on the issue at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 19.
I can relate to the noise issue. If I have windows open I can hear the music from the July 4th celebrations. So I can understand people not wanting these venues near homes.
I hope the planning commission has the decency to listen to and take the comments from the citizens to heart. I hear the “you can’t stop progress and growth” argument starting, but many of us want to keep our small town a small town. The apartment complex tragedy is going to bring enough problems with its own brand of “progress and growth.” We don’t need to add more problems, traffic and angry citizens by embracing unwelcome event barns. Not to mention, what will happen to the event barns and surrounding properties when the rural wedding/event fad tanks? Good job Dorr citizens for letting your opinion be heard last night!