Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Public Hearing
November 22, 2022
Trustee Matt Montowski called the Public Hearing to order on Tuesday, November 22, at 5:00 p.m. in the conference room of the administration building located at 4822 E. Cemetery Road.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, Matt Montowski, William Rofkar, Michael Prosser,
John Granzier, Philip Enderle, Chris McIntire, Mike Irlbacher, and James Dick.
Matt Montowski introduced application #157876 initiated by JTG Hospitality LLC to rezone a
3.91 acre parcel, a 2.10 acre parcel, and a 14.87 acre parcel, less the west 300’ which is zoned “C-3” Highway Commercial from “A” Low Density Residential to “R-E” Residential Estate.
Matt Montowski said the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission met on October 18, 2022 to review the request.
The parcels are located just south of Marshes Edge Boulevard at 1217 NE Catawba Road. The adjoining parcels are as follows: the parcel to the north is Barnes Nursery and single family homes zoned “C-3” Highway Commercial and “R-5” Residential. To the east is vacant ground/marsh land and a housing development zoned “R-5” Residential. To the south is vacant ground, single family homes, and storage buildings zoned “A” Low Density Residential, “R-1” Residential, and “C-3” Highway Commercial. The parcel to the west is the site of a former motel that is zoned “C-3” Highway Commercial, across the street to the west is farm ground and single family homes zoned
“A” Low Density Residential.
The applicant is planning a mixed use PUD which requires the land to be rezoned to the “R-E” zoning district.
The current Land Use Plan identifies this area as High Density Residential/Recreational Commercial and as such the request aligns with the land use plan recommendation for the area.
Matt Montowski said the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning request based on the Land Use Plan. He said the Catawba Island Zoning Commission met on October 26, 2022 to review the case and also voted to recommend approval.
Michael Prosser said the property has been cleared and the owner intends to submit a request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the near future.
John Granzier of JTG Hospitality said they want to build a restaurant with a bar and outdoor seating for dining on the commercial property.
Michael Prosser said the plan is to separate the restaurant in the front of the property from the residential area of the property with a large pond. He said along the east side of the residential area they plan to expand the existing pond so the lots will go north and south. Michael Prosser said on the south side of the property they want to have a clubhouse and a pool.
Philip Enderle of North Marsh View Drive said he reviewed the Land Use Plan and believes there are conflicts with the proposed plan. He said the first is the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and the encouragement of open space. Philip Enderle said he believes the area is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the township and is surprised it was recommended for High Density because the Land Use Plan outlines the preservation of unique areas. He said another concern is that the Land Use Plan specifies the desire to keep like land uses together for compatibility. Philip Enderle said Marshes Edge is zoned Low Density and the proposed area would be zoned High Density and he feels due to the density the areas would not be compatible.
William Rofkar explained that Residential Estate is the best zoning for a PUD and the details of the PUD will be outlined and scrutinized in a future meeting. He said JTG Hospitality is letting us know what their intent is but it was not necessary to share that information at this time and is not relevant to the current case.
William Rofkar made a motion to approve the rezoning request from “A” Residential Low Density District to “R-E” Residential Estate District for the specific parcels as requested. Diane Belden seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Matt Montowski said the zoning will take effect in thirty days.
Diane Belden made a motion to adjourn the meeting. William Rofkar seconded the motion. All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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William Rofkar, Chairman Karen Shaw, Fiscal Officer