Neighbors press Mount Clemens commission over proposed rezoning at 205 Washington

Several Mount Clemens residents used the public-comment period on Aug. 7 to press the commission for answers about a proposed rezoning of 205 Washington and to urge preservation of single-family character in the neighborhood.

Ruth Redford (184 Washington) said she has attended multiple meetings on the proposal and that neighbors oppose rezoning the site to multifamily housing; she said the property is close to homes, that traffic and safety for children would worsen, and that residents had received inconsistent information about whether a developer or the owner planned apartments or adult foster care.

"We're very much against the rezoning to multi family," Ruth Redford said. "We don't want it multifamily zoned. We certainly don't want an apartment going in there." She told commissioners the item had been canceled for the night and that residents had not yet received clear answers from the property owner.

Bill Redford asked whether the canceled item would be rescheduled; the mayor replied that the timing was indefinite and would be up to the owner.

Michael Zubis (221 Cass Avenue) urged the city to consider an alternative: acquire the property and convert it to a recreation center so the building could be preserved and used by the community rather than demolished or redeveloped into apartments.

The commission did not take immediate action on the rezoning during the meeting; the mayor said the owner had pulled the agenda item and the matter would be decided by the owner’s future actions. Residents were advised that the planning process and any required public hearings would determine notification and next steps.