Owosso council rejects rezoning request for 108 N. Chipman Street after public concern about odors and property values

The Owosso City Council voted to deny a request to rezone 108 North Chipman Street from CBD (Central Business District) to I-1 (Light Industrial) following a public hearing in which residents and contractors raised concerns about odor, air emissions, neighborhood compatibility and property values.

The motion to deny the rezoning, made on the council floor, carried in a recorded vote with the majority of councilmembers voting to deny and the mayor opposing the denial. The planning commission had previously recommended denial on the grounds that the change was not consistent with the city’s recently approved master plan and future land-use map.

Why it matters: The property’s owner, identified in meeting materials as JAB Management LLC, had requested the rezoning to allow establishment of a marijuana processing facility. Residents and nearby property owners said the proposed use would harm residential and business investment along the West Town corridor, could create persistent odors and might lower property values. Several speakers cited state environmental guidance on processing…