MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Planning Commission held their virtual meeting on Monday, November 23rd and discussed a rezoning project from the developer DTN LLC to rezone three parcels of 31.63 acres located on the east side of Central Park Drive, west of Powell Road and north of Grand River Ave from RA Single Family-Medium Density to RD Multiple Family maximum eight dwelling units per acre. This item was originally discussed at the previous meeting on November 9th.

Members on the Commission expressed that they like the idea, but shared concerns in regards of the location. Commissioner Peter Tresize felt the project was excellent, but wasn’t sure the density would be appropriate, even if the development is something that is needed in the Township. Commissioner Mark Blumer was in support of Commissioner Tresize's opinion to deny the development project and said that he liked that the plan, but objected its location.

Several other Commissioners expressed their concerns. Commissioner Jerry Richards told the other Commissioners that he had given the project some thought and was originally opposed to the idea, but felt the applicant submitted some solid reasons for approving it and was in opposition of denying the developer’s request. Holly Cordill was also in favor of opposing the project for not being in the right place and felt that it didn’t meet the Township Master Plan of the future land use map. Alisande Shrewsbury was not opposed to the project, but shared concerns with Commissioner Blumer about the concept of rental homes being proposed in the community.

Commissioner Bill McConell was in agreement with the other Commissioners and said, “I think the project tends to speak to some important goals in the Township and if the Master Plan reflected this kind of density here, we wouldn’t even have the conversation. It comes down to that aspect but I appreciate the applicant’s responsiveness to those issues.”

Chair Scott Hendrickson spoke after hearing all the others Commissioners, “I tried to view this as we were intended to separate it from the concept plan, but is this rezoning appropriate in this place? While I appreciate some of the explanation in the letter given from the applicants, I don’t know if that got me over the ledge to me from opposition from this rezoning request. I’ll be supporting the resolution to recommend the denial of the rezoning request.”

The discussion ended with a vote of 6 - 1 with the motion carried to deny the development project.