Dearborn Heights study session examines rezoning on Ann Arbor Trail amid wetland and stormwater concerns

At a Dearborn Heights study session, city officials, the property owner and scores of residents discussed a rezoning request for a vacant lot on Ann Arbor Trail that the owner says would be developed for multifamily housing, and residents raised concerns about wetlands, stormwater and neighborhood fit.

The session matters because a zoning change from single-family to RM (multi‑family) would permit types of development — from condominiums to apartment buildings — that some neighbors say could alter traffic, drainage and neighborhood character. City staff said rezoning is only the first step; detailed engineering, stormwater and site-plan reviews would follow.

Mr. Nader, the property owner and prospective developer, told the council the immediate obstacle is rezoning and that he is not yet certain whether the project will be condominiums or rental apartments. “Our intention is to have a multifamily property there,” he said, adding that the team conducted soil testing during due diligence and “confirmed that the soil is suitable for construction.” He said formal renderings have not been completed because he does not want to pay high design costs before the rezoning decision.

George Deeb, the city…