Local residents are opposing a rezoning effort that would reduce the possibility of larger commercial developments in Southtown. Residents are protesting the proposed change on the grounds that it might reduce their property values if the Community Commercial District, which allows for larger buildings, is changed to a mix of four different zoning districts: CCBD, CN-1, CN-2 and RM-36. Most of the parcels in question would be changed to CN-2 (neighborhood commercial district) which is a more restrictive zone. The city believes that the rezoning will encourage mixed-use developments in the neighborhood.
EDIT: This sounds like Nimbyism, in a different form. I think that there is concern that the rezoning would make it easier for thinks like gas stations, fast food joints, and liquor stores to be built, which could devalue adjacent residential parcels. Whereas if the zone remains CCBD, these types of commercial uses are harder to build, and larger apartment or office structures are easier to build, which tend to increase land values. If that is the case, then I support the sentiment of the neighborhood residents. I also think the city has been having a tough time getting developers to do much of anything in this area, and are thinking let's open it up to other uses.
Quote:
Petition opposes rezoning meant to limit large commercial development
By Malachi Barrett | MLive
January 11, 2018
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Thirty-one property owners in an area tapped for rezoning oppose removing commercial zoning districts south of downtown. Last week, the City Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on rezoning 243 parcels to enable walkable urban development. But, a protest petition filed hours before the Jan. 2 meeting caused the hearing to be rescheduled to Jan. 16. It ultimately failed to attract enough signatures to require approval by a two-thirds vote. However, Richard Stewart said the petition is indicative of how many property owners feel about the rezoning...
|