Comstock Township’s Planning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 8 on a proposed zoning change to allow a visitation center.
The proposed text amendment would add a visitation center as a defined use in the township’s zoning ordinance. It would apply to the Comstock Center district. It would not rezone any property. The application came from a property owner, not township staff.
At the hearing, the applicant described a place where children in foster care could have supervised visits with their parents, along with parenting coaching, in a setting that isn’t the county building. The original proposal also included emergency placements of up to 24 hours. The applicant told the commission he would set aside that part so the visitation use could move forward on its own.
One resident spoke at the hearing and raised concerns about emergency placements and the safety of children, staff and nearby residents.
What commissioners said
- Members said they support the idea but several questioned whether Comstock Center is the right location. They cited the effect on downtown business growth and the fact that the amendment would apply to the whole district, not one site.
- Several members said that if the use is added, it should be a special land use. Staff said a special land use requires a separate public hearing for each site and meets additional standards. Staff also said legal counsel’s preliminary view was that this is the most appropriate category.
- One member suggested a 500-foot separation from residential uses. Staff cautioned that a distance requirement could effectively exclude the use from the district, which includes many homes. The commission took no action on a separation standard.
- Members said they were more receptive to a limited visitation use with fixed hours than to the emergency placement proposal. Some said they remained unconvinced about the location.
What happens next
The commission voted to table the amendment until its next meeting, October 22. Staff said they will bring back the use tables for other zoning districts, information on hours of operation and possible revised text. Staff said they would recommend a new public hearing if other districts are considered, because the notice for this hearing covered Comstock Center only.
After the commission makes its recommendation, the Township Board makes the final decision.
How to weigh in
Residents can speak during citizen comment at commission meetings. Meeting information is on the Comstock Township website.
