Minutes: March 27th, 2018

Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees

Public Hearing

March 27, 2018

Trustee Chairman Gary Mortus called the Public Hearing to order Tuesday, March 27, at
7:00 p.m. in the conference room of the administration building.

In attendance were Trustees: Gary Mortus, William Rofkar, and Matt Montowski

Also in attendance were: MJ Montgomery, William Moore Jr., Larry Cleveland, Kathleen Cleveland, Sharon Sanger, Richard Norgard, Rick Smetzer, Diane Belden, Randy Riedmaier, Sarah Riedmaier, and Jack DeVore

Gary Mortus said application #068101 submitted by GOC LTD is for a proposed rezoning request for a parcel containing 13.93 acres of land in Lot 2, Section 3 of Catawba Island Township located at 4535 E. Bibi Street, from the “R-1” Residential District to the “R-2” Residential District.

Gary Mortus read a letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. The Commission met February 20, 2018 and reviewed the request initiated by GOC LTD to rezone a parcel of land from “R-1” Residential to “R-2” Residential. The adjoining parcels are as follows: The parcels located to the south are vacant land and a single family home, both parcels are zoned “A” Residential Low Density. The parcels located to the west are single family homes and lots are zoned “A” Residential Low Density. The parcels to the north make up Konker Subdivision and are single family homes “A” Residential Low Density. The parcels to the east are single family homes and are zoned “R-1” Residential. The owner would like to rezone the property to subdivide the land into approximately 30 single family home lots. The current Land Use Plan recommends the area for medium density residential use. After the latest review of the Land Use Plan it was decided to reduce the density from the previous 2-4 units per acre to 2-3 units per acre. The requested rezoning would allow for lots to be a minimum of 80 feet wide and 11,000 square feet which would exceed maximum recommended density of 3 units per acre. The Ottawa Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend disapproval of the rezoning request.

Gary Mortus said the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission met February 28, 2018 and recommended disapproval of the rezoning request from “R-1” Residential to “R-2” Residential.

Mark Montgomery, from Safe Harbor Development, said they are looking for the rezoning classification because it would allow more flexibility and allow for a curved street with green space instead of just a straight street.

The developer answered numerous questions for individuals in attendance and the Trustees.

Gary Mortus read a letter from Suzy Wittenmyer encouraging the creation of a thoroughfare or greenway through the township from Mon Ami to the docks.

Richard Norgard, as well as others, expressed a desire to keep some green space through the center of the island and asked Trustees to consider the addition of walking or biking trails.



The Trustees agreed green space is important and said that was the reason for purchasing the property behind the township and creating a nature preserve. Trustees said a bike path from Cemetery Road to the Miller Boat entrance was also considered at one time prior to the development of the golf course but a grant request was denied and funding was not available.

William Rofkar said he does not believe individual property owners would be willing to give up a portion of their property to allow for the construction of a bike path and have residents or visitors traveling through their neighborhood.

The Trustees all agreed the developer had a nice plan that seems would fit on the property, however, changing the zoning would allow the current owner or any future owners to change plans and build more than desired exceeding the maximum recommended density for the area.

Matt Montowski made a motion to not approve application #068101 as the Catawba Island Zoning Commission also did not recommend approval. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Matt Montowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.




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Gary Mortus, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer