Sanford residents oppose possible neighborhood rezoning; planning committee to review 1998 ordinances

SANFORD, Mich. — Residents of a Sanford neighborhood told the Village of Sanford Planning Committee on March 4 that they oppose any rezoning that would allow businesses in their residential area, and the committee said it will review the village's 1998 building ordinances in advance of an April meeting.

Kevin and Ronda Russell, residents of 49 Poplar Drive, told the committee they oppose rezoning their neighborhood to include a business and said they want the area to remain residential. Brian and Sandra Maylin of 1911 N. Airway Drive and Jim Falender of 2480 Lakeview Drive made similar remarks during public comment. Peggy Skinner, of 27 Birchview Drive, told the committee she could not find the village's zoning regulations on the municipal website and asked for guidance on where those rules are posted.

Committee members clarified that the planning committee had not been approached by any person or business seeking rezoning of the neighborhood. The committee then directed members to review the village's 1998 building ordinances and prepare suggested changes for the next meeting, scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Jerome Township Hall.

Procedural items included appointing Carl Hamann as acting chair and approving the minutes from the Oct. 8, 2024 meeting on a motion by Taylor Meyette, seconded by Denise Drake; the transcript does not record vote tallies. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m. on a motion by Meyette, seconded by Drake; the transcript again does not provide a roll-call or tally.

The committee's review of the 1998 ordinances will determine whether language or procedures relevant to zoning and building code enforcement need updating. The committee did not record any formal request or application to rezone the affected blocks during this meeting.