Willard council upholds Zoning Board, denies conditional use for duplexes

Willard '026 The Council of the City of Willard voted on March 2 to uphold the Zoning Board's recommendation and deny a conditional-use request that would have allowed duplexes in a predominantly single-family neighborhood. The motion, moved by Councilmember Daniel and seconded by Councilmember Olson, carried with Councilmembers Babcock, Danhoff, Daniel, Olson, Sattig and Vanichek voting yea.

Why it mattered: Residents who live near the lot appealed to the Council to preserve single-family zoning, saying duplexes could change neighborhood character and depress property values. Supporters of the sale and development argued Willard lacks affordable, buildable lots and that new units could expand housing choices.

What speakers said: Donald Buss, who lives at 215 Hayes, asked Council to "uphold the decision of previous councils and the Zoning Board," warning that allowing the two proposed duplexes could lead to additional multi-family development in the neighborhood. Harmon Gayheart (223 Washington) described problems he observed while living in rental housing, saying absentee landlords had allowed properties to deteriorate.

Michael Taylor, a realtor with Danhoff-Donnamiller Realty representing the sellers, urged the city to consider the housing shortage. "Willard has an issue with affordable housing," Taylor said, adding the proposed units would be "brand new" and could help attract residents to grow the city. Pastor Joni Aracena of the Assemblies of God Church said the congregation supported selling the property to a local farmer who, they believe, would be respectful of the community.

Opponents included longtime resident Sharon Sebolt, who said she has lived in the neighborhood 61 years and preferred single-family homes because she fears apartment-style buildings will "look horrible" and cause property values to "plummet." James Booker, who previously raised rental-property concerns, said the city's rental ordinance "has not been updated since 1998" and noted the current fine for negligent landlords is $100, which he described as ineffective.

Council action and procedure: Council first approved the Zoning Board minutes of February 24, 2026. Councilmember Daniel then moved to uphold the Zoning Board recommendation to deny the conditional-use request; Councilmember Olson seconded. The roll call vote was Babcock, Danhoff, Daniel, Olson, Sattig and Vanichek ' all voting yea. The motion carried.

Next steps: The decision leaves the lot restricted from the proposed duplex development under the existing conditional-use process; no alternate development plan or rezoning was adopted at the meeting.