DDA hears update on village zoning amendment; site-improvement applications remain paused until code finalized

At the meeting, staff updated DDA members on progress toward a proposed village-area zoning amendment that would implement a form-based code for the DDA and village districts. The board of trustees has held two work sessions and staff said the trustees plan a public hearing in October to gather additional public input.

Staff reported that site improvement applications have been paused pending completion of the zoning changes because the existing scoring and application process would conflict with the forthcoming form-based standards. That pause is intended to prevent applicants from being evaluated under criteria that will soon change. Staff said they have received inquiries from businesses and property owners and will reopen the site-improvement process once the zoning is in place.

Discussion among DDA members and staff focused on public concerns raised in hearings and work sessions, especially questions about whether the code would force property owners to change existing buildings and concerns about perceived height and cost impacts. Staff emphasized the amendment is intended to guide future development and preserve a walkable downtown, not to require immediate changes to existing properties. Board members noted the form-based approach pairs required ground-floor commercial uses with residential above in specific circumstances, and that the draft code aims to manage quality and scale through design standards and height limits.

Staff said the proposed code is intended to align with the township’s previously adopted strategic plan and master plan and that the code’s design controls are meant to prevent monolithic, block-length buildings while allowing smaller, walkable storefronts and mixed uses. The DDA agreed to promote the October public hearing and to provide members with materials and visuals that help residents understand the differences between conceptual renderings and final outcomes.