At the Northfield Center Zoning Commission public hearing last week Cathy Shuster, a Spitzer representative, presented plans for changing the zoning of 16 acres behind the property (yellow section on the map) from residential (R1) to commercial (C 1). The land to the west of Spitzer (green section on the map) is already zoned commercial. The blue section on the map will remain residential.
The zoning commission has no legislative power. They look at proposals such as this and then discuss it at their meetings and present their recommendation to the trustees. The trustees may override the decision of the zoning commission. The commission wanted to conduct a public hearing to answer questions and get feedback from the residents.
There were many residents from Beechwood Drive, Forestwood Dr., Timberlane St. and Cherry Dr. that spoke at the public hearing.
The residents are concerned about how they would be affected by construction of a building and or multiple buildings.
They are also concerned about:
- how this affects their property values
- storm water retention
- increased traffic
- is the soil suitable for construction?
- would the project be considered to go under a JEDD (Joint Economic Development District) contract?
It is not known when they’re going to make a decision, it may be as soon as today. Then we would have to wait to see what the Trustees decide.
No one knows at this time, when a decision will be made. One of the buyers that Spitzer is talking to is Meijer. Meijer is the front runner because they are talking about putting in one big box store. Other potential buyers are discussing putting many parcels on the property.
