6/4/14 - Despite the objections of nearby residents, the Handy Township Planning Commission recommended the rezoning of a recently-acquired parcel from agricultural/residential to light industrial. The parcel, located at the southwest corner of Grand River and Nicholson Road, was recently acquired by the township in the settlement of a lengthy lawsuit with a residential developer who abandoned the property during the recession. That left the township with millions in unpaid sewer debt which, combined with interest, adds up to about $5 million. Officials have stated that they do not believe residents would be willing to pass a millage to cover the debt. As an alternative, it has been proposed that the township rezone the newly-acquired parcel to light industrial and sell it off for development. More than three dozen residents came to the planning commissionâs public hearing on the proposal to voice their opposition. They cited concerns over light and noise pollution, decreased property values, increased traffic, and a disruption of the rural lifestyle that attracted to the township. A motion was made by township board liaison Erik Frazier made a motion to recommend against the rezoning, but it was defeated 2-to-3. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning passed along the same board lines. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel says residents should not be too concerned with the impact of the light residential zone since any new developments would have to be approved by township officials, who would be sensitive to their needs. The proposed rezoning will now go to the county for approval before heading to the township board for a final decision. (TD)
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