COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission voted 5-4 Monday night to disapprove a zoning change request from a Cleveland based development group which has caused considerable controversy in recent weeks.
The vote came after over an hour-and-a-half of public comments that were mostly against the rezoning.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation now goes to the Coldwter City Council where they will have the final word on the request.
A public hearing will be scheduled by the City Council during their meeting next Monday. They are expected to hold a pubic hearing and take action March 13, 2017.
Coldwater Interim Planning Director Dean Walrack said the staff recommended the rezoning citing the housing study needs that was released last year for the city and Branch County.
The NRP Group’s request to change the zoning of over nine acres of land that used to be the site of the Franklin Educational Facility from A-1 One Family Residential to A-3 Multi Family Residential has drawn a large amount of criticism near nearby residents who have raised numerous concerns.
Opponent Dan Lewis made his own powerpoint presentation which raised a number of concerns including increased traffic, lighting pollution, lowered property values and disruption of the nearby parkland, wetlands and greenspace.
Opponents also feel such a development would not blend in with the historical structures along West Pearl Street and they have turned in petitions to City Hall with nearly 500 signatures on them.
NRP had expressed an interest in buying the property for $425,000 from the Coldwater Community School District for the housing development.
In other business, the Planning Commission approved a special land use permit for a child group day care home for between seven and 12 children that would be located at 123 Walnut Street with a condition that fences be installed.
