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Planning Commission recommends rezoning of South River Road parcel to allow single‑family home
Summary
On April 16, 2026, the Harrison Township Planning Commission voted 5–0 to recommend that the Township Board rezone a South River Road parcel (Case #12‑26‑RZ) from Waterfront (WF) to R1‑C (Single Family Residential), after hearing from Township Planner Adam Young and applicant Dennis Schmalzel.
The Harrison Township Planning Commission on April 16 recommended that the Township Board rezone a parcel on South River Road (case #12‑26‑RZ) from WF (Waterfront) to R1‑C (Single Family Residential) to allow construction of a detached single‑family home.
Township Planner Adam Young reviewed the application and his staff review letter, telling commissioners the parcel is undeveloped and located on the south side of South River Road near Lakeshore Drive. Young noted the Master Plan future‑land‑use map shows the site and adjacent parcels designated for marina use but said the application includes a plan for a detached single‑family dwelling and that the commission should evaluate the seven rezoning review standards.
Applicant Dennis Schmalzel told the commission he previously received special land use approval when he purchased the property in 2018 but that approval has expired; he said a lender denied a construction loan because the lot is not currently zoned residential. A member of the public, Alex Dangelo (Pointe Rosa), asked how long the land had been vacant. Commissioner Larry Tomenello said there are residential homes to the north and west and expressed that, were he a nearby homeowner, he would prefer a single‑family house to a marina or marina storage yard; Chair Tim Duncan agreed.
After closing the public hearing, the commission moved to recommend approval to the Township Board, finding that the applicant met the seven statutory rezoning review standards or that the community benefit outweighed any deficiencies. Roll call was recorded as follows: Ayes — Mark Bacha, Larry Tomenello, Danielle Devlin, Amanda Oparka, Tim Duncan; Nayes — none; Excused — Ken Mulder, Carol Murray. The motion carried.
The recommendation now proceeds to the Harrison Township Board for final action; the Planning Commission record notes state and local reviewers including the Fire Prevention Division, the Macomb County Road Commission and Selfridge Air National Guard Base indicated no issues in their review letters. The Board has not yet set a date to consider the rezoning application.
