After yet another protracted hearing of citizens opposed to a proposed development at the site of Nye’s Apple Barn, St. Joseph Township officials have made a decision.
Trustees on Tuesday unanimously rejected a special use permit for developers to build multi-family housing at the Nye’s site. Developers then withdrew their request for the board to approve a Planned Unit Development on the 12-acre property at 3151 Niles Road, just off I-94, Exit 2.
Once again, residents of the adjacent neighborhood packed the township hall to voice their opposition. As they have at each preceding meeting on the development, community members cited concerns including ranging from traffic, crime, noise, human trafficking, safety, light pollution and more.
Trustee Tom Milnikel, who also sits on the planning commission, abstained from voting due to his previous vote at the planning commission.
Last October, plans for the development were put on hold due to issues with the application. The updated plans included multi-family housing units, two restaurants, a gas station and a bank.
While trustees expressed a need for more housing options in the township, they all agreed that this development was not right for the proposed location.
Representatives from Abonmarche said they will now work with property owner John Nye on the next steps.
