Comstock Charter Township - April 23, 2026 Comstock Township Planning Commission

Updated about 10 hours ago

The Charter Township of Comstock Planning Commission held a public hearing on a major rezoning request near Campbell Lake from R-1A to AGR, which raises concerns among citizens regarding environmental impacts and consistency with the township's master plan. The commission hears extensive public comments both for and against the rezoning, with concerns about potential agricultural impacts on the local water supply and community. Additionally, the commission discusses the adoption of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, updates on local development projects such as the expansion of the Puppy Playground, and a preliminary discussion on a housing study aimed at diversifying housing options within the township. The meeting concludes with further citizen comments and commissioner discussions on future planning and zoning activities.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:57)
The meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock planning commission was called to order.

The meeting was officially called to order, marking the start of the session for the Charter Township of Comstock planning commission.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:03)
Attendees joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting participants were led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, continuing to the phrase 'and justice for all.'
Approval of Agenda (00:01:27)
The agenda for the meeting was approved with a motion and vote.

The agenda was presented for approval. A motion was made by Treasurer Bloomfield and supported by Commissioner Nichols to approve the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:59)
Corrections to the previous meeting minutes were discussed and approved.

The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. Corrections were noted, including attribution errors and voting record inaccuracies. A motion was made to approve the minutes as amended, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Citizen Comments (00:04:05)
Citizens were invited to comment on non-public hearing items, with several individuals expressing concerns about rezoning.

During the citizen comment period, attendees were given the opportunity to speak for up to three minutes each. Several residents voiced their concerns about a rezoning proposal, highlighting environmental and zoning plan discrepancies. Citizens were reminded that comments on the rezoning public hearing would be captured later in the meeting.
Public Hearing - Rezoning Request (00:20:05)
Public comments were heard regarding a rezoning request for property near Campbell Lake.

The public hearing for a rezoning request from R1A to AGR was conducted. Multiple citizens expressed opposition, citing potential environmental impacts and inconsistency with the master plan. Concerns about agricultural runoff affecting local water sources were prominent.
New Business - Planned Unit Development Revisions (00:22:38)
Revisions to the Planned Unit Development ordinance were discussed and a public hearing was held.

The commission discussed proposed revisions to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, adopting elements from South Haven's successful approach. A public hearing was opened and closed with general support from attendees, and the commission expressed enthusiasm for the flexibility and control the new ordinance would provide.
Discussion and Vote on PUD Ordinance (00:28:04)
The commission discussed and voted to recommend approval of the new PUD ordinance.

The commissioners discussed the benefits of the new PUD ordinance, expressing optimism about its potential to foster development while maintaining control. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of the ordinance to the board, with the stipulation that PUDs be treated as a distinct zoning category rather than a special use. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion to Open Board Discussion (00:35:02)
A motion was made by Treasurer Bloomfield and supported by Commissioner Weintraub to open board discussion. The motion was carried without opposition.

Treasurer Bloomfield made a motion, supported by Commissioner Weintraub, to open the board discussion. The motion was put to a vote, and all members present were in favor, with none opposed. The motion was carried, and the meeting proceeded.
Public Hearing - Rezoning Request Discussion (00:35:25)
The public hearing focused on a rezoning request to change a property's zoning from single-family residential to agricultural. Community members expressed concerns about potential misuse and environmental impact.

The public hearing was centered on a rezoning request to change a property from single-family residential (R1) to agricultural zoning. The applicant, a developer, detailed his plans and intentions to respect the area's natural features. Several community members spoke in opposition, citing concerns about environmental impacts, potential misuse of the land, and deviations from the township's master plan. Concerns were raised about the possibility of the land being used for intensive agricultural operations or other non-residential purposes. The applicant responded by clarifying his intentions and addressing some of the community concerns.
Discussion on Rezoning Proposal (01:06:30)
The commission discussed a rezoning proposal for a parcel of land from R1-A residential zoning to AGR agricultural zoning, considering its consistency with the master plan and potential impacts.

The discussion focused on the proposal to rezone a parcel of land from R1-A residential zoning to AGR agricultural zoning. The owner argued that the rezoning would be consistent with the land use plan and result in less environmental impact. Concerns were raised about the property's access, the condition of the land, and the implications of rezoning on future land use. The potential for conditional rezoning was also discussed, allowing for specific land use agreements. Commissioners debated the merits of the rezoning, considering the master plan's designation of the area as parks and open space. The discussion highlighted the need for further exploration before making a decision.
Discussion on Housing Study Final Draft (01:22:01)
The commission reviewed and discussed the final draft of the housing study, considering its goals and strategies, and planned for further review at the next meeting.

The commissioners discussed the final draft of the housing study prepared by Emily Pets of the Upper Institute. The study included goals and strategies to ensure diverse and attainable housing options. Concerns were raised about certain strategies, such as the township-wide allowance of ADUs by right. Commissioners debated whether to proceed with the current draft or make further revisions. It was decided to table the discussion for the next meeting, allowing commissioners to review the study in detail and provide feedback on specific strategies they are uncomfortable with.
Citizen Comments (01:35:01)
Citizens provided comments and questions regarding the rezoning discussion, expressing concerns and seeking clarification on zoning impacts.

During the citizen comment period, one citizen thanked the commission for their open discussion and expressed appreciation for their work. Another citizen asked questions about the zoning differences between residential and agricultural designations, specifically regarding the minimum lot sizes and potential number of housing units allowed under each zoning classification. The commission listened to the comments and noted the concerns raised.
Public Comments (01:36:40)
Citizens expressed concerns about housing density, zoning, and preserving the area's character.

During the public comments section, several citizens voiced their concerns regarding the proposed housing density and zoning changes. They emphasized the importance of preserving the nature and character of their community and expressed opposition to high-density developments.
Updates from Other Boards (01:37:51)
Reports from other boards indicate no recent meetings or updates to provide.

The meeting transitioned to updates from other boards. However, representatives from these boards reported that there have been no recent meetings and, consequently, no new updates to share with the assembly.
Informational Future Action Items (01:38:03)
Upcoming site plan reviews include a storage site plan amendment and puppy playground expansion.

The board discussed several future action items. These include the upcoming review of a site plan amendment for a storage site, which involves the addition of RV parking at a former bowling alley. Additionally, plans for the expansion of a puppy playground and a battery energy storage system site plan review were mentioned. The staff is currently reviewing the submissions, and there may be a need for a special meeting to handle the workload.
Commissioner Comments (01:40:41)
Commissioners discuss various topics including housing issues and Oddfellow Hall project challenges.

During the commissioner comments section, various topics were discussed. These included the challenges faced by developers due to zoning restrictions, particularly concerning accessory structures. Commissioners also addressed the Oddfellow Hall project, highlighting issues with drainage and fire code compliance. The challenges of administratively approved projects were noted, and the need for better oversight in future projects was emphasized.
Adjournment (01:48:50)
The meeting was adjourned after final comments and thanks from the commissioners.

The meeting concluded with the commissioners thanking participants for their attendance and contributions. With no further comments or issues to address, the meeting was formally adjourned.