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Council holds first reading to rezone 320 East Baldwin for duplex use; basement rental to be barred as condition
Summary
At first reading on Aug. 18, the Alpena City Council reviewed Ordinance 25-512 to rezone 320 East Baldwin from R-2 to R-T to allow a duplex, agreed to add a condition barring rental of the basement, and scheduled a second reading for final action.
The Alpena City Council took the first reading of ordinance number 25-512 on Aug. 18, a zoning-map amendment to rezone the parcel at 320 East Baldwin Street from R-2 to R-T to allow the legal use of the property as a duplex.
City attorney Bridal Feifer summarized the ordinance and attached conditions, saying the parcel "shall be conditionally rezoned from R-2 to R-T to allow for the legal use of the property as a duplex" and noting agreed-upon conditions require all windows and siding repairs to be completed by July 17, 2026. Feifer also described the ordinance's standard severability and savings clauses and said the ordinance would take effect seven days after publication if adopted.
During the discussion, council members and the applicant addressed concerns raised in public comment and correspondence to the planning commission. Council member Cindy Johnson and others said they received emails and letters both supporting and opposing the rezoning; speakers referenced earlier public comments about past basement occupancy. An applicant or property representative told the council the basement had not been rented and that the basement ceiling heights likely do not meet the minimum requirements for dwelling space.
Because of those concerns, council members agreed to add a condition to the rezoning application that the basement may not be rented for dwelling purposes. Councilmember Johnson said the condition would be added because the applicant agreed to it, and the council confirmed the case will return for a second reading at the next meeting, when members will vote on final adoption.
Why it matters: The conditional rezoning would change allowable use on a residential parcel in a neighborhood near downtown, potentially enabling a duplex where a single-family use existed. Council members emphasized that the basement may not be used as separate dwelling space and that the applicant must complete exterior repairs by the deadline in the proposed conditions.
What the council decided at this meeting: This was a first reading only; no final adoption occurred. The council directed staff to add the condition barring basement rental to the ordinance language and scheduled the matter for second reading and a vote at the next regular meeting.
Details recorded: Ordinance number: 25-512; subject parcel: 320 East Baldwin Street; proposed rezoning: R-2 to R-T; condition: windows and siding repairs required by 07/17/2026; additional condition to be added: basement may not be rented as dwelling space.
Ending note: The council did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the Aug. 18 meeting; action is pending the second reading.
