The Lapeer City Planning Commission on Oct. 9 recommended the City Commission approve a rezoning request for 4 East Nepesing Street (PID L20-19-100-040-00), changing the parcel from B-2 (General Business) to CBD-1 (Central Business). The motion carried unanimously.

Staff presented the request, saying the city’s future land use map classifies the parcel as “commercial downtown” and that the CBD-1 designation corresponds directly with that designation. Planner Ben (staff) told commissioners the proposed rezoning meets rezoning standard number 1 in Section 7-23-06 of the zoning ordinance because the master plan’s future land use supports the change.

Jake German, representing applicant Jack Stone and identifying himself as with Tenasques Consulting and Development, told the commission the request directly matches the master plan and encourages mixed-use reinvestment in the downtown waterfront area. A neighbor letter from Charles Sinek, who lives next door at 378 North Saginaw, was entered into the record in support.

Applicant Jack Stone addressed the commission and described his experience as a longtime builder and developer, saying he plans to rename the project “the Riverside” and convert the structure to include apartments and retail. Stone said he is aware of an imminent change to the zoning text that would raise the allowable first-floor apartment area from 25% to 50% and that he will work within forthcoming and existing standards. "I'm gonna make this building into a jewel," Stone said.

Commission discussion noted the request meets the city’s rezoning standard that ties future land use to zoning designation; a motion to recommend approval was made and supported (support named in the record as Josh). The commission voted aye with no recorded dissents.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation now goes to the Lapeer City Commission for a final decision. If rezoned, the property would still be subject to the city’s site plan review process for details such as buffering, signage, lighting and traffic circulation.

Votes at a glance: the planning commission’s motion to recommend approval of the rezoning for 4 East Nepesing Street passed by voice vote (unanimous).