Belleville council sends multifamily request for 312 South Jackson back to zoning board after neighbors object

Belleville’s city council voted May 4 to send a contested application for multifamily use at 312 South Jackson back to the zoning board after neighbors and several alderpersons raised concerns about density, parking and the public-notice process.

The action followed public comment from the applicant, Ryan Goldman, who told the council the building originally functioned as a duplex and includes “four separate entrances” and multiple kitchens. Goldman said he plans to invest about $100,000 to renovate the property and told the council he would accept conditions, including operating the building as a duplex rather than as a three- or four-unit property.

A neighbor, Lori Pal, urged the council to deny a variance and preserve the single-family character of the block, saying there are roughly 91 multifamily units in the nearby area by her count and that the neighborhood does not need more multifamily conversions. Other residents at the public-comment period raised parking and procedural concerns.

Council members discussed options including limiting the property to two units or returning the item to the zoning board to reopen the public comment record. Alderperson Randall moved to refer the item back to the zoning board of appeals so the applicant can submit clarified paperwork and the public can be notified and heard; the motion carried by voice vote. During discussion several council members said they would not support anything larger than a duplex if the proposal returned to the council.

What happens next: The zoning board will rehear the application as a new agenda item, with notices and letters resent to nearby property owners. The council’s action does not approve multifamily use; it restarts the public-hearing process so the scope of any allowed units can be clearly defined and public input can be heard.

Provenance: Topic introduction at SEG 665; discussion and referral concluded at SEG 811.