Planning commission backs one‑year extension for conditional rezoning on Munson Avenue

The Traverse City Planning Commission on March 18 voted to recommend the City Commission grant a one‑year extension to a previously approved conditional rezoning for properties at 523 and 525 Munson Avenue (from C1 to C2) and 551 Munson Avenue (from R1B to C2).

The three parcels are owned by John Collins of Empire Sunset Investments. Collins and staff told commissioners the developer needs more time to advance project plans in a difficult development climate. The conditional rezoning was originally approved by the City Commission on July 6, 2023; under the ordinance the conditional rezoning is valid for two years and the code allows a single one‑year extension by City Commission action following a planning commission recommendation.

John Collins told the commission that he expects to make “significant progress” during the extension but acknowledged the limits of the ordinance, which permits only a single, one‑year extension. Planning Director Brian Winter confirmed the code offers a one‑time, one‑year extension and explained that if the property owner had not commenced substantial construction by the time the extension expires he would need to reapply or pursue a standard rezoning process.

Commissioners discussed the practical difficulties developers face — including long lead times for surveying, engineering and site plan review — and noted possible policy review of the ordinance’s timelines. Commissioner O’Brien made the motion to recommend the extension; the commission closed public comment for the item and approved the motion by voice vote. The recommendation will go to the City Commission for final action.

Planning staff noted the original conditional rezoning included voluntary conditions negotiated with nearby residents — for example, restrictions the owner accepted voluntarily to limit certain uses — and that a conditional rezoning carries specific time limits by code. If the City Commission grants the extension, the ordinance’s conditions would remain in force.