Commission recommends denial of rezoning for Davidson Road parcels, urges master‑plan route

The Lapeer City Planning Commission voted on May 14 to recommend denial of a rezoning request for two parcels on Davidson Road after finding the proposal inconsistent with the city's master plan.

Staff said the subject parcels are currently zoned B2 (general business) and that the city's future land use map likewise classifies the properties as commercial. Planner Wade reviewed two concept plans submitted by the applicant showing roughly 16 units on about 3.73 acres for one parcel and 28 units on about 4.5 acres for the other. Staff concluded the application failed both review standards used for rezoning decisions and recommended the commission advise denial.

Architect Jeffrey Vamp, speaking for the applicant, and developer Shane Hill argued the surrounding area is largely residential and that multi‑family housing would be compatible and help address local housing needs. "We feel it would add to the community providing additional housing for the community," Vamp said.

Commissioners discussed alternatives including pursuing a PUD (planned unit development) that could be coordinated with the adjacent golf course property, initiating a master‑plan amendment for the corridor, or filing a focused master‑plan amendment for the specific parcels. Wade said a full master‑plan process could take approximately a year but that applicants may also pursue a more limited master‑plan amendment.

A motion to recommend denial (citing §7.23.06B) carried unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to meet with the applicant after the meeting to clarify options for advancing the housing concept without contravening the master plan.

What happens next: the commission will forward the recommendation to the city commission; staff and the applicant plan follow‑up to consider master‑plan amendment or PUD options.