Township board introduces rezoning for 1701 Spalding; homeowner warns about easement upkeep

Cascade Charter Township trustees voted to introduce an ordinance to amend the zoning map for 1701 Spalding Avenue to Agricultural Rural Conservation (ARC) during a regular meeting. The motion to introduce the ordinance was made by Trustee Rusty Shipley and supported by Trustee Nordyke; the board voted 'Aye' and the motion carried.

Planning Director Hendrick told trustees the item had been referred back to the planning commission at the board’s direction and that the current action is part one of the rezoning process. Hendrick said the planning commission completed its review and the introduction closes out the first procedural step.

Resident AJ Bechera, who said his home at 4810 Cavalcade is one of two split from the larger Spalding parcel, told the board he supported rezoning but urged officials to address a path built in 2017. "I just wanna make sure it doesn't get forgotten," Bechera said, adding that the initial developer holds an easement to maintain the path and that he and his neighbor do not want to become responsible for replacing it and the associated landscaping.

Trustees and staff discussed the property’s history, noting prior PUD/POD activity in 2014 and an amendment in 2017, and said ownership had changed since earlier filings. Planning staff reviewed easement language included in the planning commission packet and said the easement appears to have been recorded between the prior builder and the current private owner (referred to in materials as Cascade 1), not the township, limiting township authority over maintenance.

Hendrick and trustees said the introduction is procedural; further public hearings and review will follow. The board noted the next opportunities to act on related materials are scheduled after the board’s May 14 meeting.