Planning commission recommends conditional rezoning for boat/RV storage despite neighbor concerns

The Harrison Township Planning Commission on Jan. 15 recommended that the Township Board approve a conditional rezoning for a 1.64-acre parcel near Jefferson Avenue and Metro Parkway to allow a multi-building boat and RV storage condominium development.

Township Planner Adam Young said the parcel is currently zoned General Commercial and the applicant seeks rezoning to Industrial to permit indoor storage and condominium sale or lease of storage units equipped with electrical and optional bathroom or loft features. Applicant Paul Aggeler said the proposal would include three buildings with roughly 20 units and several size options per unit; he and Heather Aggeler said landscaping would be provided along 16 Mile Road and that units would be self-contained per the Fire Marshal’s suggestion.

During public comment current property owner Kizy Kizy and resident Adam Bell voiced support. Opponents and questioners, including C. William Bardill, Nancy Byers and Jim Senstock, expressed concern that people might live in the units or run businesses from them and asked how such uses would be policed. The applicant responded, saying businesses would not be run out of the units and residents would not be living in the units.

Fire Marshal Larry Shackett addressed suppression requirements for the units during the hearing. Commissioners then reviewed the seven rezoning standards in the Planner’s Jan. 9 letter and on a motion by Danielle Devlin, supported by Larry Tomenello, recommended approval of the conditional rezoning from GC to IND subject to those standards; the motion carried on roll call with four ayes and one no (Mark Bacha).

The commission’s recommendation advances the request to the Township Board for final action; the record notes questions from residents about enforcement mechanisms to prevent residential occupancy or unauthorized business activity in storage units.