Council approves rezoning and special‑use permit for Assumption Church recreation center, limits weddings and alcohol events

Saint Clair Shores council voted unanimously to rezone a portion of property at 21800 Marta Road and to approve a special land‑use permit and site plan for a community recreation center proposed by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

The council approved changing the zoning designation from RM‑1 (multiple family low‑rise) to RF (residential facilities district) for the portion of the site in St. Clair Shores. Planning staff said RF is intended to accommodate institutional and community recreation uses as special land uses. The planning commission had recommended approval.

Why it matters: The project converts a parcel previously zoned for multi‑family use into an institutional/recreation classification to permit a community recreation complex for church members and the general public. The church’s plan includes an 80‑foot setback from residential property on the north side, added landscape screening and a design the council said was responsive to neighbors’ concerns.

Approvals and conditions Council approved: rezoning the St. Clair Shores portion of 21800 Marta Road (the parcel overlaps with Grosse Pointe Woods) from RM‑1 to RF; a special land use for a community recreation center limited to sports/recreational activities (the motion explicitly prohibited hosting weddings or alcohol‑related events in the facility); and a site plan for the recreation center with the following conditions: 10–12‑foot white pines planted in staggered pattern along the north side for additional screening; the north setback shall be 80 feet; and the church must obtain a 37‑foot south‑setback variance from the ZBA where required.

Site and operations details Architects described a multiuse facility that will include eight indoor pickleball courts and community training fields. The site plan was revised after meetings with neighbors to push the building farther south and increase landscaped screening; the council noted the building will be roughly 80 feet from northern residential properties. Planning staff said the portion of the property that lies in Grosse Pointe Woods will require separate review and approvals by that jurisdiction.

Timing and next steps The council approved the site plan and asked the church to secure the required ZBA variance for the south setback. The project team estimated a construction timeline of roughly one year once permits and final approvals are complete. Church and project representatives said they will continue to coordinate with Grosse Pointe Woods planners and return to St. Clair Shores planning if the out‑of‑city portion changes the approved design.

Ending: Council members praised the church’s outreach to neighbors and the project’s screening and setback changes; planning staff and the council tied future approvals to the church’s receipt of necessary variances and Grosse Pointe Woods’ parallel review.