Rezoning proposal sparks future residential development plans

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed rezoning of a parcel located at 4830 Cherry Hill Road from RR (Rural Residential) to R2 (Single Family Residential). The site, currently home to a single-family residence and farmland, is situated on the north side of Cherry Hill Road, west of North Beck Road. The rezoning aims to facilitate a future residential development, potentially involving a detached condominium project.

The applicant's proposal seeks to change the zoning from a minimum lot size of five acres to a density of approximately two units per acre. This change aligns with the township's comprehensive plan, which designates the area for low-density residential use. The rezoning would allow for the assembly of the subject parcel with adjacent properties, creating a combined area of nearly 35 acres for development.

During the meeting, an illustrative plan for 68 detached units was presented, although officials emphasized that this layout is not part of the rezoning application and does not guarantee approval. The plan serves merely as a conceptual vision for how the site could be developed under the new zoning classification.

The planning staff confirmed that the proposed rezoning meets the ten standards of review outlined in the zoning ordinance, including consistency with the comprehensive plan and the ability to comply with zoning standards. Additionally, the property is expected to be serviced by community water and sewer systems, which are available in the area.

If the planning commission recommends approval of the rezoning, the application will proceed to the township board of trustees for final action. Should the rezoning be approved, the applicant would then return to the planning commission for site plan review, which could include preliminary plans or a plan development district application.