Planning commission approves Union Church lot division despite neighbor safety concerns

The Eaton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a change of conditions for CU‑90412, allowing the Union Church of 5 Corners to divide and sell two lots from its property at 4012 Marshall Road to raise funds for upkeep of the church building.

Planning staff summarized the application, noting the property is about 7.7 acres in a low‑density residential zone, the church previously received conditional‑use approvals, and the applicant expects about 20 vehicles on Sundays and Wednesdays. Staff also read a written objection from neighbor Genevieve Wilson describing repeated crashes on the nearby blind curve and urging driveway access to be routed to 5 Point Highway instead of Marshall Road.

At the public hearing, an applicant representative said the sale proceeds are intended "to maintain the building" and that the church, now more than 50 years old, needs funds for repairs, including a boiler replacement. The adjacent owner, Jeneva Wilson of 4148 Marshall Road, told commissioners she has "lived there since 1964" and described multiple collisions on the curve; she urged the commission to favor an easement to 5 Point Highway or traffic controls to protect safety.

Commissioners and staff clarified legal limits: planning staff said the Land Division Act requires proof of road access but does not allow the commission to require a driveway permit or percolation test; driveway permits and site‑distance reviews are handled by the Eaton County Road Commission. After discussion, Commissioner (speaker 9) moved to support the change of conditions; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll‑call vote.

The planning office said it will follow up with the applicant next week to outline the procedural next steps and permitting requirements.