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Public pushes for more meetings as Cascade Township advances form‑based zoning draft
Summary
Residents at the Nov. 19 Cascade Charter Township meeting urged the board to slow adoption of a proposed form‑based zoning code, citing concerns about housing affordability, developer influence and village‑area impacts. Township manager Jade outlined an expanded outreach plan including six open houses, a fact sheet, a mailed newsletter and a questionnaire.
Several residents urged the Cascade Charter Township Board of Trustees on Nov. 19 to slow the process to adopt a proposed form‑based code and to expand public engagement.
Mark Ansara (1799 Platinum Falls) told the board that the Nov. 5 meeting drew heavy public opposition and asked the township to “slow down the process,” hold more public meetings and include developers, brokers and economic analysis to assess how the code would affect development and taxes. "Let's work together to have more public meetings, work sessions so they can voice their concerns, not just 3 minutes at a time," he said.
Other residents gave mixed views. David Martin (2715 Snow Avenue) said the township has been transparent during the process and argued the current 1974 ordinance failed to prevent undesirable development, urging adoption of a clearer code. Scott Vance Alkama (Orange Court) supported updating the 1974 ordinance to reflect the updated master plan but said he does not want large, high‑density complexes in the village area. Michelle Lauer (Overlook Summit) warned that developers and agents pushing for higher density are motivated by profit and urged the board to honor the township’s strategic plan and Cascade Commitment to preserve community character.
Township manager Jade responded with a detailed public outreach plan requested by the board: a published questionnaire (released Nov. 10 with about 120 responses so far), a planned fact sheet to address common questions, a special newsletter mailed to nearly 9,000 parcels, and multiple open‑house‑style meetings (two in December and two in January). Jade said there will be two targeted sessions for businesses in the Old 28 village area and that invitations will be sent to Grand Rapids area realtors (GRAR) for a separate discussion.
Trustees thanked residents and urged commenters to bring specific suggestions to the open houses and workshops. Trustee Nordyke asked residents to focus on specific items rather than general opposition; Trustee Shipley thanked both in‑person and virtual participants and encouraged continued input.
Next steps: the township will proceed with the expanded outreach (fact sheet, mailing, questionnaire and open houses) before any final action on the ordinance; board members said they expect to consider resident feedback and potential targeted amendments.
