Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Public Hearing
December 23, 2014
Chairman Matt Montowski called the Public Hearing to order on Tuesday, December 23, at
7:00 p.m. in the conference room of the administration building.
In attendance were Gary Mortus, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Karen Shaw, Kevin Zeiher, Tomi Johnson, Brendan Astley, Erin Astley, and Jack DeVore.
Matt Montowski explained application #668109 where as the owners, Tomi and Michael Johnson, request a change in zoning from the “R-4” Residential District to the “C-2” General Commercial District. The location is part of Lots 11 and 12 in Block 6 of Ottawa City Beach Subdivision at 5121 and 5131 E. Sloan Street of Catawba Island Township.
Karen Shaw read a letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. As noted the two lots are single-family dwellings, which are rented on a monthly basis. The adjacent property is zoned “C-3” to the east and south, “C-1” to the west and “R-4” to the north. The adjacent property consists of parking lots for the Miller Ferry to the east and south, a single-family dwelling to the west, and vacant land to the north. The applicants have indicated that they would like to rent out the homes on a weekly basis.
The Catawba Island Land Use Plan recommends the area to be used for medium density residential uses.
Based on the existing zoning and land uses in the immediate area, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning request in the letter submitted to the township.
Kevin Zeiher, an attorney retained by Erin and Brendan Astley, spoke on their behalf expressing opposition to the rezoning request and their concern for weekly rentals in the area as well as other safety concerns.
Karen Shaw read a letter submitted to the zoning inspector from Tomi Johnson wherein she explained in detail her motivation for the request.
Tomi Johnson spoke briefly noting she purchased the property in decay with the desire to make it a better place to live. She said they have invested significantly in the property.
Erin Astley briefly expressed her concerns for weekly renters in the neighborhood noting her past experience with renters while living elsewhere.
Karen Shaw read a notarized letter submitted from Joseph Remalius wherein he expressed concern with both noise and safety with short term residents. He also noted parking could be an issue with renting the units. In addition, Joseph Remalius expressed concern with the possibility of absentee ownership should the current owners sell their primary residence on Catawba.
Matt Montowski said the Catawba Island Zoning Commission met on December 3 and recommended approval of the rezoning request as modified from “C-2” to “C-3” and submitted to the township trustees.
The Trustees discussed the request and agreed “C-3” is the appropriate classification as it is more restrictive.
Gary Mortus made a motion to approve application #668109 as amended to “C-3” and recommended by the Zoning Commission as presented. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
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Matt Montowski, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer
ks