Mount Pleasant OKs rezoning to replace PRD, conditions termination agreement language

The Mount Pleasant City Commission voted Aug. 24 to adopt zoning map amendment Z‑2601, converting a 157‑acre planned residential development (PRD) into multiple hard‑line zoning districts intended to foster a walkable neighborhood and allow roughly 60 single‑family owner‑occupied homes.

Director Manuela Palatico told the commission the alternative zoning reduces civic acreage from about 31 to 21 acres, lowers commercial/mixed‑use acreage and adds roughly 15 acres designated for residential‑dwelling‑use only. "If this rezoning is approved tonight, this additional site zone for residential uses will lead to a housing development by Allen Edwin Homes who plan to build approximately 60 owner occupied housing units for the workforce," Palatico said.

The motion, made by Commissioner Pershbacher and seconded by Commissioner Rollins, included a condition that the previously approved termination agreement for the PRD be updated to explicitly state the special requirement "residential/dwelling use only" on specified parcels so the dissolution aligns with the map amendment. City legal staff and planning staff emphasized the change is corrective and aligns the written agreement to the exhibit and ordinance language.

Public comment at the hearing split along expected lines. Housing advocates, economic development representatives and property owners urged approval, with Katie Mora of Middle Michigan Development Corporation saying the project represents "a rare opportunity to translate the community stated needs for housing into an actual development opportunity" and estimating regional housing shortfalls. Property owners and the identified developer (Allen Edwin Homes) also said time is of the essence.

Opponents pressed for limits on an 8‑acre corner parcel proposed as CD‑4 (mixed use), saying its allowance for commercial uses could harm nearby residential neighborhoods, increase traffic and weaken prospects for adjacent single‑family housing. One resident urged the commission to restrict that parcel to residential uses only.

After roughly an hour of commissioner discussion — which touched on process, traffic and the balance between civic acreage and housing — the commission voted in a roll‑call vote to adopt Z‑2601 with the staff‑requested condition. The city attorney confirmed the commission may adopt the zoning amendment with such a condition under the relevant zoning ordinance provision.

What happens next: the zoning amendment takes effect under the city's adoption rules and staff will coordinate the adjusted termination agreement language with the parties to the PRD dissolution. The developer and property owners indicated they are prepared to move forward on project planning once zoning is final.

Sources: staff presentation by Director Manuela Palatico; public comments from Katie Mora (Middle Michigan Development Corporation), Benjamin Deal (developer representative), multiple residents; the commission roll‑call vote on Aug. 24, 2026.