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Plan Commission approves Binmar Presbyterian Church parcel rezoning despite neighbors’ objections
Summary
The Plan Commission voted to recommend rezoning a small parcel owned by Binmar Presbyterian Church from Planned Industrial to SR4 (single‑family) to permit a two‑parcel consolidation; nearby residents opposed the rezoning citing wildlife habitat and stormwater concerns, while church representatives said the rezoning is only to complete a certified survey map (CSM).
The Village of Cottage Grove Plan Commission voted June 10 to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment for a parcel associated with Binmar Presbyterian Church, changing the parcel from Planned Industrial (PI) to SR4 single‑family residential to allow consolidation of six small parcels into two via a certified survey map.
Neighbors raised objections during the public hearing, focusing on habitat and stormwater concerns. Penny Aguilera (308 Tanglewood Court) told the commission she opposed rezoning “to destroy a really wonderful natural habitat,” saying wildlife including deer, fox, owls, hawks and a recently seen turkey regularly use the hill behind their yards and the church open space. Jayke Kefir (108 Vista Drive) described the property’s role as a community buffer and noted the church’s local services, including a food pantry and blood drives. Both residents urged the commission to be “planful” and to weigh long‑term neighborhood impacts.
Staff explained the technical need for the rezoning: one of the six parcels associated with the church is currently zoned Planned Industrial because of historical business‑park mapping. Because a CSM cannot combine parcels that are in two different zoning districts, the odd parcel must be rezoned to match the surrounding SR4 zoning before the CSM can be recorded. A church representative told the commission the intent was not to initiate redevelopment and that without the CSM the parcel could become landlocked.
Commissioners debated the possible long‑term outcomes if future development were proposed but repeatedly noted that rezoning tonight was limited to making the parcels consistent for the CSM; any future development that departs from single‑family use would require separate notice and approvals. After discussion commissioner Alex moved and John seconded a recommendation to approve the zoning map amendment; the chair declared the motion carries.
The commission accepted residents’ concerns and staff did not identify a current redevelopment plan. The rezoning recommendation will proceed as part of normal municipal processing; nearby residents will be notified again if the church or another owner seeks further zoning changes or site plan approvals.
