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Council approves rezoning of Newberg Road parcels for apartment development over objections
Summary
After debate and a roll‑call vote, Westland City Council adopted Ordinance 248‑120 to rezone parcels on Newberg Road from single‑family to apartment/multifamily residential; supporters said the vacant, previously cleared site offers a chance for affordable multifamily housing, while opponents voiced concerns and three council members voted no.
The Westland City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 248‑120 on Monday, changing the zoning of parcels on Newberg Road from single‑family residential to apartment/multifamily residential, clearing the way for a proposed apartment development.
Why it mattered: Proponents said the property has been vacant and blighted since a prior developer withdrew, and rezoning would allow construction of reasonably priced rental housing. Opponents raised concerns about density and the repeated consideration of the same parcel.
Council action: Councilman John Sullivan requested a roll‑call vote at final adoption. The roll call recorded Councilwoman Emily Bowman voting no, Councilwoman Antinet Martin yes, Councilwoman Andrea Rakowski yes, Councilwoman Melissa Sampy no, Councilman John Sullivan no, Pro Tem Maxwell yes and Council President McDermott yes, producing a 4–3 vote in favor and carrying the ordinance.
Details in debate: Supporters argued the site is cleared and remains undeveloped; they described the ordinance as an opportunity to add multifamily housing stock. Dissenting council members reiterated prior objections raised at earlier meetings about the suitability of the site for apartments.
Next steps: With adoption, the zoning change is effective per local ordinance timing; any future development plans must comply with permits and site‑plan review. The council did not provide a timeline for construction at the meeting.
Notable quote: Council President McDermott said the property has been cleared for years and the rezoning would allow development rather than leaving an empty lot.
