Jackson Township Trustees vote to deny controversial rezoning request for new apartment building

Attorney Timothy Putnam addresses the trustees on Tuesday night.

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JACKSON TWP: The Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to deny a controversial rezoning request involving a new six-unit apartment building in the area of Portage Street N.W. and Lorraine Street.

Last month, the zoning commission recommended the board deny a request by Linka Masalkovska, representing LAT Enterprises LLC.,  to rezone a R-R Rural Residential 1.49-acre parcel to a R-4 Multi-Family Residential parcel.

On Tuesday night, residents voiced their concerns over the proposed rezoning and construction.  Most concerns involved property values, traffic and children's safety.

"I am opposed to this rezoning,” resident Marilyn Deets said. “Our property values will go down.  There are already too many duplexes in the neighborhood." 

Neighbor Patricia Felder agreed with Deets saying, "I lived in this neighborhood for 39 years.  People in apartments don't really care about the community and neighbors.  They are usually in transition.  It will look sloppy and unclassy.  I don't think it's right.  I am very upset."

Attorney Timothy Putnam who represented Masalkovska also spoke at last night's meeting. 

"The view will be blocked by landscaping,” Putnam said.  “These will be high quality apartments that will be well taken care of and will not be an eyesore to the community." 

However, trustee members also voiced concern over the rezoning despite Putnam’s reassurances.  James Walters said complex isn’t compatible the area, which was filled is single-family homes.

Fellow trustee member John Pizzino said, "I don't think this fits with our comprehensive plan."