Neighbors raise tree and rental concerns as Marshall planning commission backs Maunesha Myles development

The Marshall Planning Commission and Village Board approved plans to rezone the former Old Barth Farm for the Maunesha Myles residential development, a multi‑phase project that the developer said could include 75–125 multi‑family units, duplexes along Phillips Drive, a park, stormwater retention and a boardwalk along forested wetlands.

The recommendation by the Planning Commission was made Dec. 10 and forwarded to the Village Board, which approved Ordinance 2024‑02 on a unanimous vote. Village Planner Mark Roffers introduced the application and engineer Mike Caulkins, who said each construction phase would be self‑contained and require completion of 50–75% of a phase before the next phase begins. Caulkins said construction could start in late March or early April, with foundations likely by August.

Why it matters: the proposal converts agricultural/open land into a mix of housing types and public amenities, with potential long‑term impacts on trees, stormwater management and traffic. Neighbors asked about tree clearing, timing, unit types and whether prospective buildings would accept housing assistance.

During the public hearing, neighbor Mike Weisensel asked whether the multi‑unit buildings would accept Section 8 rental assistance. "Matt is not interested in that," said engineer Mike Caulkins, attributing the position to the developer. Weisensel also asked whether duplexes would be owner‑occupied or rental; Caulkins said the developer expects a mix. Planner Roffers reminded the meeting that the Village cannot legally prohibit rentals.

Resident Jamie Schmitz said attendees at a neighborhood meeting opposed development of the northern end of the site. "At the neighborhood meeting there was a lot of objection to developing the northern end," Schmitz said. Planner Roffers and Public Works Director Matt Pitzer (the village arborist) told commissioners that covenants and platting would define disturbance areas, that roughly two‑thirds of the woods would remain, and that platting and road placement decisions would be used to preserve larger tree footprints where feasible.

The Planning Commission voted 5‑0 to recommend approval; the Village Board subsequently adopted the rezoning and preliminary plat, with trustees calling the action an important milestone and noting additional reviews will follow for multi‑family building concepts and final plats.

What happens next: the developer will return with subsequent concept and plat filings for Planning Commission and Village Board review. The approvals on Dec. 10 were preliminary — final plats, building permits and other approvals will be required before construction begins.