Mount Clemens commission approves first reading to rezone 142 Northbound Gret over neighborhood objections

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve the introduction and first reading of an ordinance to rezone 142 Northbound Gret from Central Business to General Commercial, moving the issue to a second reading and possible adoption on April 15, 2019.

Residents pressed the commission during the meeting, with Ruthie Stevens of 69 Bane Street urging the body to reject the change because she said it would harm the northeast neighborhood and could allow a marijuana-related business on a corner used by schoolchildren. "I'm imploring this body to vote against that initiative," Stevens said.

Gloria Hower echoed neighborhood concerns and criticized earlier zoning and economic decisions she said had damaged parts of the city. "We have to protect our neighborhoods," Hower said, citing past tax abatements and business complaints.

Supporters of rezoning argued the current Central Business designation and regulations were not appropriate for that stretch of Northbound Gret. Patrick Abudo presented traffic counts and petition figures, saying the corridor is automobile-oriented and that rezoning would better serve current businesses and attract prospective commercial uses. "The walkable-context language of the master plan referring to this section needs to be tailored to help current businesses and remove restrictions to bring in prospective businesses," Abudo said.

City staff noted the Planning Commission had held a public hearing and recommended denial, concluding General Commercial uses would not be compatible with adjacent Central Business zoning and would undermine walkability. The clerk clarified petitions submitted: 266 signatures were presented, with 63 in the immediate area, four within 300 feet of the property, one from the property owner and 48 outside Mount Clemens; the clerk said the signatures were verified by the clerk's office.

Commissioners debated whether to rezone the single parcel or wait for a broader, citywide zoning review. Some commissioners emphasized concerns about children's safety on nearby walking routes and urged taking a comprehensive look at the city's zoning map, while others said the requested rezoning falls within the city's rules and should proceed.

Commissioners also repeatedly noted the distinction between rezoning and marijuana licensing: zoning action does not grant any license to operate a marijuana business, and licensing would be handled through a separate process. "We are approving or disapproving the rezoning of 142 Northbound Gret — medical marijuana is a totally separate process," Commissioner Forier said.

On the motion to approve the introduction and first reading, the roll-call vote was: Dempsey Yes, Ford No, Forier Yes, Crab Yes, Mener Yes, Bunton No, Campbell No. The motion passed 4–3. The second reading and possible adoption are scheduled for April 15, 2019.

Next steps: the ordinance will return for a second reading on April 15; the licensing process for any marijuana business (if an applicant later seeks one) would proceed separately, subject to the city's licensing rules and application process.