Marquette planning commission recommends conditional rezoning of 1700 Division Street amid resident objections

The Marquette Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Commission approve a conditional rezoning of the vacant parcel at 1700 Division Street from Mixed Use to General Commercial, a change that would allow a future developer to pursue uses now limited in the Mixed Use district, including a possible self‑storage proposal if it wins subsequent approvals.

City planning staff told the commission the hearing considered only the rezoning request, not a site plan or a development application. The staff report said the applicant’s conditional rezoning submittal retains most Mixed Use permitted and special uses but specifically removes many options and leaves storage uses as one of the principal differences between the existing Mixed Use district and the proposed General Commercial designation.

The rezoning request drew more than a half dozen members of the South Marquette neighborhood to the podium. Speakers who identified themselves as nearby residents said a 24‑hour self‑storage facility would bring more nighttime traffic and lighting,…