Planning commission recommends denial of rezoning for South River Road triplexes, cites Master Plan and Selfridge concerns

The Harrison Township Planning Commission voted April 17 to recommend denial of Case #10‑25‑RZ, a request from Paccaro Building Company to rezone two undeveloped parcels on South River Road from General Commercial (GC) to Multiple Family Residential (RM‑2) for two proposed triplexes.

Township Planner Adam Young described the two lots — one 0.64 acres and the other 0.49 acres — and the applicant's intent to construct two triplexes if rezoned. During the public hearing, residents raised concerns about property lines and the size of the proposed development. Ken Baker, representing Selfridge Air National Guard Base, advised against residential use on the property because it lies within an AICUZ accident potential zone.

Applicant Dale Spaccarotelli addressed public concerns during the hearing. Commissioners expressed a preference for single‑family residential on the sites and cited the planner and Wade Trim review letter (April 11, 2025) in their findings. The motion to recommend denial referenced rezoning review standards and concluded the request was inconsistent with the Master Plan, incompatible with site conditions, and not demonstrated to provide a reasonable return under the proposed zoning. Roll call recorded Ayes: Bacha, Devlin, Tomenello, Oparka, Duncan; Nayes: none; Excused: Murray, Viazanko. The motion carried.

The recommendation is advisory to the Township Board, which will review the commission's findings and take any final zoning action.