Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Plymouth residents are raising concerns over the proposed rezoning of the Christian Science Church property on Ann Arbor Trail, a plan that has sparked debate about preserving the town’s historic charm. The church initially planned to rebuild its worship center and add 20 condos to the site. However, those plans fell through after the developer backed out. Despite this setback, the issue remains unresolved. A recent survey by the Downtown Development Authority found that among 772 respondents, the top concern was maintaining the historic character of Plymouth, said resident Scott Lorenz. At a planning commission meeting last month, residents voiced worries about increasing property density beyond what the city’s master plan allows. “You’re setting a precedent by raising the density of these properties beyond what’s in the master plan,” one resident said during public comment. Plymouth City Manager Chris Portman explained in an email that the master plan is a guiding policy document looking five to 20 years into the future. It supports the zoning ordinance and zoning map, but does not itself rezone properties or parcels. City Commissioner candidate Karen Sisolak expressed concern that the language in the plan could allow future development proposals to be evaluated through the master plan rather than zoning regulations. She said this could undermine public input from residents. Katheryn Szary, another resident, said, “We are not against change. We want the community to grow, but in a way that fits the town, its residents, and the church, not just something that meets a developer’s needs.” Lorenz added that the surrounding community has voiced opposition to the current redevelopment proposals. Members of the group Keep Plymouth Charming want the city to balance growth and development with preserving the qualities that make the town unique. Resident David Pierce said, “The town needs to find a balance between development, growth, and pro-change while preserving the things that make Plymouth charming.” Attempts to reach the church for comment on the property’s future were unsuccessful. The Plymouth City Commission is scheduled to vote on the master plan at 7 p.m. The commission can either approve the plan or send it back to the planning commission for further review. Residents hope city leaders will seek more clarification before moving forward.
