Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes

MINUTES
Cascade Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
7:00 p.m.

ARTICLE 1. Chairman Casey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Beahan, Casey, Crawley, Lewis, Vaughn, Alternate Neal
Others Present: Planning Director Peterson and approximately 8 members from the public.

ARTICLE 2. Pledge of Allegiance

ARTICLE 3. Chairman Casey requested a motion for approval of the February 13, 2007 Agenda. Member Lewis motioned for approval of the February 13, 2007 Agenda, supported by Member Vaughn. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion carried.

ARTICLE 4. Chairman Casey requested a motion for approval of the December 12, 2006 Meeting Minutes. Member Beahan motioned for approval of the minutes as presented. Member Lewis supported the motion. All in favor, with none opposed.

ARTICLE 5. Case #07-2849: Robert and Ellen McGee
Property Address: 2727 Orange St
(PUBLIC HEARING)
Planning Director Peterson explained that the applicants are seeking a variance to expand a non-conforming use. The use is non-conforming as a pet cemetery crematory because it is in the R2 zoning district. This use would be allowed in the B2 zoning district. Planning Director Peterson also explained that it is the intent of our zoning ordinance to eliminate non-conforming uses and to not let them expand. The owner could continue to use the site as is but could not expand the use to any other buildings or land area that what was approved before by the Township.

Planning Director Peterson explained that the proposed expansion is for a new building to house a new crematory. If the Zoning Board does approve the variance the building would have to go the Planning Commission for site plan review.

The applicant, Mr. McGee indicated that the reason for the request is to update and modernize the facility. He has received approval from the MDEQ and would like to build this new building in order to accommodate the growing pet cemetery business.
Mr. McGee did indicate that he could update the existing equipment but that it would be more difficult and probably more expensive than building the new building.

Motion was made by Member Lewis and supported by Member Beahan to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

Janelle Belding spoke and indicated that she grew up in the vicinity of the pet cemetery and that it was not a problem and that the variance should be granted.

Chuck Dykehouse spoke to represent the Gaylord House.

Marsh Belding, the former owner of the business indicated that cemetery gets more emotional, personal attention than a human cemetery. You have a park down by the river, pet cemetery is a magnet to people to visit, to see and be here in Cascade Township, and it doesn't cost the Township anything. Focus on the benefits that Noah's Gardens is bringing to the Township.

Jim Dykema from Plainfield Township expressed his concerns on the request for the variance. Mr. Dykema felt there were places for crematories and it is not something that is a hardship financially. He did not feel this was the right place to put it or add to it.

Motion was made by Member Lewis and supported by Member Crawley to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

Member Lewis addressed the Board regarding the variance request. Member Lewis agreed with Planning Director Petersen in saying that a non-conforming use should stand on its own. That it should not be anything to encourage the longevity of it. Member Lewis felt that they were looking at a use that doesn't dictate that it takes place at that location. Member Lewis stated that because of the reasons stated he is leaning very strongly towards denial of this variance.

Member Beahan stated he was also having a tough time with the request. He felt they were in the wrong place to expand by adding another building and another crematory. Personally, he wouldn't have an issue with it if he added another crematory in the existing building. Member Beahan looks at that as updating of technology.
Member Beahan stated he also was leaning toward the denial of the expansion as proposed.

Member Lewis made a motion to deny the request for a variance to allow the construction of an additional building for a new crematory at 2727 Orange St., supported by Member Vaughn. Motion carried unanimously.

ARTICLE 6. Any Other Business
Chairman Casey accepted the following nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair/Secretary. The nomination for Chair was made for Richard Vaughn. The nomination for Vice-Chair/Secretary was made for Gary Crawley.

Motion was made by Member Lewis to approve the nominations as presented supported by Member Beahan. Motion carried unanimously.

ARTICLE 7. Member Beahan supported by Member Lewis moved to adjourn. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack Lewis, Secretary

Lisa Hern, Recording Secretary

Government ~ Departments ~ Community
Business ~ Reference Desk ~ What's Happening
Help ~ Home ~ Search ~ Site Map

Comments? Feedback? Questions? Click here to send an email.

Site Use Policy

Site Design/Development by