After yet another protracted hearing of citizens opposed to a proposed development at the site of Nye’s Apple Barn, St. Joseph Township officials have made a decision.
Trustees on Tuesday unanimously rejected a special use permit for developers to build multi-family housing at the Nye’s site. Developers then withdrew their request for the board to approve a Planned Unit Development on the 12-acre property at 3151 Niles Road, just off I-94, Exit 2.
In February, the St. Joseph Township Planning Commission approve the special use permit, but voted against recommending the Planned Unit Development proposal. Trustee Tom Milnikel, who also sits on the planning commission, abstained from voting Tuesday due to his previous vote at the planning commission.
Once again, residents of the adjacent neighborhood packed the township hall to voice their opposition. As they have at each preceding meeting on the development, community members cited concerns including ranging from traffic, crime, noise, human trafficking, safety, light pollution and more.
Trustees largely agreed as they went through the required criteria for approval of the special use permit. Statements required to be considered included:
- The special use shall not inappropriately change the essential character of the surrounding area.
- The special use shall not interfere with the general enjoyment of the adjacent property
- The special use shall represent an improvement to the use or character of the property under consideration, and the surrounding area in general.
- The special use shall not be hazardous to adjacent properties or detrimental to the health, safety, welfare or property due to excessive traffic, noise, smoke, odor, glare, etc…
“I believe that not only will it inappropriately change the character of the R1 [zoned neighborhood] and the homes there, but it will significantly inappropriately change the, um , essential character of the adjacent property,” said Trustee Patrice Rose. “I personally have some experience with some of these things, as I live on the other side of Niles Road. I hear dumpsters at night when they come to empty them. It’s not at a time that I would normally be awake. I have light come into my house that, even though it’s within the ordinances, it’s annoying. To add to that, the traffic and unknown persons coming to and from – I believe it is hazardous to the people living there.”
The updated development plans included multi-family housing units, two restaurants, a gas station and a bank. While trustees expressed a need for more housing options in the township, they all agreed that this development was not right for the proposed location. Specifically, they believed it would not be “harmonious” with the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
“I heard several people mention and agree with the need for more housing in our area,” said Trustee Melissa Hahn. “Not just in St. Joe Township, but in our entire southwest Michigan area. And so what might be done that could make it harmonious? I agree it’s a need and we have this vacant property that has a lot of potential. … This is somewhat painful as I do really want more housing.”
Representatives from Abonmarche said they will now work with property owner John Nye on the next steps.
