Comstock Township’s Planning Commission recommended October 22 that the Township Board deny a text amendment allowing a supervised visitation facility in Comstock Center.
The request came from a property owner who wants to lease space to the Department of Health and Human Services for supervised parent-child visits. The use is not allowed under the district’s current zoning, so the owner asked the township to amend the text of the ordinance.
What the commission could do. The township attorney explained that the commission had to act on the request as submitted. It could recommend approval, approval with revisions, or denial. It could not substitute a different zoning district. He noted that the owner had said he would not have children stay overnight, and that the commission could have recommended language to that effect.
Why the commission recommended denial. Commissioners said they support the purpose of the program but that the Comstock Center district was not the right place for it. They pointed to the district’s master plan goals for business development and to limited parking. They said they would be willing to review a proposal for another location in the township.
Public comment. One resident spoke in support during public comment, saying children need a stable setting for visits.
What happens next. The recommendation goes to the Township Board, which makes the final decision.
