Rezoning Proposal for East Houghton Properties Scheduled for Hearing

Garrett Neese/DMG
Gregg Nominelli, owner of Quality Rentals, LLC, addresses the Houghton Planning Commission during Tuesday’s Houghton Planning Commission meeting.

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Planning Commission recommended the rezoning of several East Houghton properties near downtown during Tuesday’s meeting. The City Council has scheduled a hearing for December 20 to address the proposal, which includes conditions on potential development.

Rezoning Proposal Details

The rezoning request involves lots owned by Quality Rentals, LLC, and city-owned lots at the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce building site. If approved, the properties will be rezoned from R-3 (multiple-family residential) and B-3 (general business district) to B-2 (community business district), aligning them with the zoning in downtown.

The purpose of the rezoning is to allow for a wider range of projects, beyond just apartments or condominiums, according to Gregg Nominelli, the owner of Quality Rentals, LLC. Nominelli has been working to find a mutually beneficial solution for both the city and his lots.

The Planning Commission initially tabled the request in October due to concerns about the potential uses allowed under B-2, but after amendments and discussions, they recommended council approval on Tuesday.

Development Plan and Restrictions

If the rezoning is approved, buildings on the properties will have a height limit of 50 feet above College Avenue. Approval is also tied to a development plan, which includes two standalone buildings:

• The first building will be a professional building, financial institution, medical office, or commercial retail space, with a maximum size of 6,000 square feet or more. Certain uses, such as adult stores, gas stations, and marijuana facilities, are prohibited.
• The second building will be a new residential building, as big as or bigger than the first, and will include apartments or condominiums. An existing house on the property may need to be removed to accommodate this building.

The updated request, with the amended description of the first building’s size, was approved by Nominelli and the Planning Commission. Gas stations and hotels were also added to the list of prohibited uses.

Public Concerns and Other Updates

During public comment, Alpha Sigma Tau advisor Jean DeClerck expressed concerns about the building’s height and drainage, as it is adjacent to their sorority house. The Planning Commission assured that any structure over 30 feet would need to maintain a certain distance from the property line and comply with the city’s stormwater ordinance.

In addition to the rezoning proposal, the Planning Commission also recommended council approval of the city recreation plan, changed the December meeting date to December 19, and scheduled a public hearing for a special land use permit for an accessory dwelling unit at 18260 Canal Road.

Updates were also provided on the Meijer store project and the pedestrian walkway on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

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