MECOSTA COUNTY — The Mecosta County board of commissioners approved a request for a zoning amendment rezoning a parcel of property in Wheatland Township from agricultural to C2 commercial during its recent meeting.
“We requested the rezoning so I can put a shop in there for a construction business,” Storey said. “It requires a lot of equipment and manpower, and I would like to put it all under one roof. That location is farmed right now and with the setbacks and easements, it is pretty tough to farm. I would like to make it commercial and use it as business for Wheatland Township and we can relocate there.”
Zoning administrator Michelle Stenger told the board the planning commission had held a public hearing regarding the zoning amendment request and received no opposition to the request.
“This is request to rezone approximately 3.8 acres at 1820 9 Mile Road, just past M-20 as you are heading out of Remus, from agricultural to commercial,” Stenger said. “The board (planners) recommended approval to the county commissioners.”
In recommending approval of the request, the planners stated the property is located along M-20, a major corridor and state road through the county, and although the Master Plan designates this area to be used for agricultural purposes and discourages commercial development along major roads to prevent traffic backups, the request for a contractor’s office and storage area is not a commercial use that would draw a significant amount of traffic.
In addition, they stated the zoning amendment is not considered “spot zoning” because there are other parts of M-20 that are used commercially, and the area has already allowed commercial development along the corridor.
The zoning amendment was approved unanimously.
In other business the board approved the following:
- A request that county administrator, Paul Bullock, be allowed to finalize payment forms and submit them to allow for the year one distribution of the opioid settlement funds, expected to be nearly $14,000;
- A salary schedule amendment to reflect a 5% increase in the probate judge salary, effective Oct. 1, increasing the salary to $162,334 for 2022;
- A new five year contract with Animal Rescue Coalition of Mecosta County at $80,000 per year;
- A request from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office to apply for a Great Lakes Energy Grant up to $25,000 for the purchase of two laser and 10 radar units;
- A request from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office to participate in the B2 Outlet Stores B2 Round Up fundraising program to raise funds for uniforms for the Victim’s Services Unit; and
- A request from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office to host a fundraiser golf out at Clear Lake Golf Course on May 13, 2023, to assist with the costs associated with the K9 Unit.
