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Planning commission recommends rezoning near MacRay Harbor for boat storage, sends case to Township Board
Summary
The commission recommended approval of Case #08-25-RZ to rezone a portion of the MacRay Properties parcel from R1‑C to WF to permit a heated boat storage building; the decision followed a public hearing with mixed comments about traffic, wetlands and greenspace and includes conditions tied to the planner's April 11, 2025 findings.
The Harrison Township Planning Commission voted April 17 to recommend approval of Case #08‑25‑RZ, a request from MacRay Properties II LLC to rezone a portion of a parcel along Sea Ray Blvd. from R1‑C to waterfront (WF) for a future heated boat storage building. The recommendation will go to the Township Board for final action.
Township Planner Adam Young summarized the application and his April 11, 2025 review letter, noting the rezoning request applies only to the portion directly south of MacRay Harbor. Applicant representatives Jeff English and Kerry Reedy told the commission the proposal is for a heated storage building used in winter; it is not rack storage. Young and Chair Tim Duncan reported that Fire Marshal Larry Shackett and Selfridge Air National Guard Base raised no objections in their review letters.
Public comment was mixed. Resident Susan Rotarov said she is "not opposed, but has concerns regarding building height, parking and traffic." Several residents — including Bill Eickmann and Kim Ripard — spoke in opposition citing wetlands, wildlife and loss of the marina's greenspace. Other neighbors, such as Deborah Wranosky and Sandy and Anthony Cicola, said the building would "clean up the property" and supported the request.
After closing the public hearing, the commission moved to recommend approval to the Township Board subject to the seven findings outlined in the planner's April 11, 2025 letter and the applicant providing a legal description as part of the formal request. The roll call vote was: Ayes — Devlin, Oparka, Bacha, Tomenello, Duncan; Nayes — none; Excused — Murray, Viazanko. The motion carried.
