Planning Commission recommends conditional rezoning for Captain's Party Store site

The Harrison Township Planning Commission on Jan. 16 reviewed a conditional rezoning request for 25450 N. River Road submitted by the owner of Captain's Party Store seeking a rezoning from LC (local commercial) to GC (general commercial) to allow a future gas station.

Adam Young, township planner, summarized that the applicant amended earlier materials and offered four conditions, including combining 0.23 acres from the adjoining property to the east, developing the combined property as a unified site with the existing convenience store and four gasoline pumps under a canopy, and returning the concept plan to the Planning Commission for formal site-plan approval, engineering review and a special land-use permit if rezoned.

Tom Kalas, attorney for the applicant, confirmed the conditions were shown on the site plan and stated the applicant would be bound by them. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the conditions. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval of the conditional rezoning in accordance with the planner's review standards and the applicant's proposed conditions. The roll-call vote recorded Ayes: Mike Viazanko, Larry Tomenello, Tim Duncan, Carol Murray, Danielle Devlin; Nays: none; Excused: Mark Bacha, Amanda Oparka. The motion carried.

The recommendation returns the matter to the Township Board for final action; the commission's vote does not by itself change zoning. The commission required that subsequent formal site-plan and engineering reviews and any needed special land-use approvals take place before development proceeds.