COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A request by the American Moslem Society for an 11 foot dimensional rear yard setback variance as part of a proposed mosque project at 129 Perkins was tabled Wednesday by the City of Coldwater Zoning Board of Appeals after several concerns were raised about both rear and side yard setbacks.
The decision came after a 90 minute discussion which included a review of the site plan, parking and drainage.
Evan though City Planner Dean Walrack said the staff felt the rear yard variance request was justified, some Z.B.A. members clearly disagreed.
The action to table the request will give developers time to work on the objections raised by the Z.B.A. and a nearby property owner who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years.
Board members Gordon Swan and Dennis Cole raised the most concerns with Swan saying “it’s to big of a building on to small of a lot”.
Walrack said in his report for the Z.B.A. that the applicant had previously received Site Plan approval for a multi-story building on the site.
After that plan proved not to be fiscally viable, a new building design and site plan were developed late last year and Walrack says the applicant has bought some land from a neighbor which cut the variance request down from 19 to 11 feet. This would also bring the building to within 14 feet of a rear property line. City zoning ordinances says at least 25 feet is needed between a rear property line and a building.
The plan was reviewed by the Coldwater Planning Commission on February third. It was tabled pending Wednesday’s review by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
