Neighbors protest zoning changes on Cherry Lane; board declines to return parcels to residential

A contentious zoning exchange dominated several minutes of public testimony after a commissioner moved to draft an amended zoning map returning two parcels on Cherry Lane Church Road from commercial back to R1 residential.

Multiple residents and property owners described surprise and concern about the zoning changes. Anthony Muller, speaking for family-owned parcels, said he felt singled out and warned of legal remedies if the board targeted only his properties: "I take that as a personal discrimination against us... I will bring about any and every possible remedy at law against a township," he told the board. Other neighbors raised concerns about wetlands, wildlife and property-value impacts if commercial uses were permitted in the small-road neighborhood.

Board members and staff explained how the prior zoning amendments were processed—saying the amendment had been routed to the Monroe County Planning Commission and then through the township planning commission with public meetings and public advertisement—but several residents said they had not been properly informed. One resident said there were no pending development plans for the parcels but that rezoning to commercial raises the potential for future development.

After public comments and board discussion, a motion to draft the amended zoning map returned a split result and failed on a roll call. The board did not approve immediate rezoning changes; members suggested the matter could be revisited as part of a broader zoning rewrite and cautioned that individual parcel changes are sensitive and may require fuller outreach and documentation.

No formal development plan for the two parcels was presented during the meeting. Members asked staff and planning to provide records of prior proceedings and to ensure notification procedures are followed if the board considers future zoning changes.