Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Battle Creek commission defeats introduction of Riverside rezoning ordinance after public opposition
Summary
The City Commission voted to defeat the introduction of proposed ordinance 16-20-25, which would have conditionally rezoned the Riverside Golf Club and Banquet Center property; residents and multiple commissioners voiced opposition citing master-plan conflicts and environmental concerns.
The Battle Creek City Commission on Oct. 7 voted to defeat the introduction of proposed ordinance 16-20-25, a conditional rezoning request for 245 East Columbia Avenue, commonly known as Riverside Golf Club and Banquet Center.
The measure would have changed the site’s current split R-1A/R-1B residential zoning to multiple zoning districts with conditions. During public comment, resident Joe Harris told the commission, “The overwhelming majority of the residents who spoke there don't want it there,” and said he worried light-industrial uses could increase runoff into the Kalamazoo River.
Commission discussion echoed residents’ concerns. Commissioner Chris Simmons said planning staff did not recommend approval and noted the planning commission unanimously declined to recommend the rezoning. He also pointed out the site’s existing single-family residential zoning could allow residential development without further city action. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell thanked residents for participating in the planning process; Commissioner Lacoste urged public involvement. Commissioner Lance announced a recusal, saying his firm had a “tangential relationship” with the matter and that he would recuse himself from voting.
After debate, the introduction motion for ordinance 16-20-25 was put to a vote and the commission recorded the motion as defeated. No vote tally with individual yes/no votes was provided in the transcript.
The proposal’s opponents cited consistency with the city’s master plan and potential environmental impacts to nearby waterways; proponents did not have a counted showing in the transcript. The commission did not adopt any action directing staff to return with an amended proposal at this meeting.
