The Cascade Township Board of Trustees narrowly approved a divisive overhaul of the township’s zoning ordinance as critics raised concerns over a lack of allowable density, the infringement of property rights and failing to consider public feedback.
Trustees approved the comprehensive zoning ordinance amendment in a 4-3 vote Wednesday night. The changes come after the township updated its master plan, which was adopted in July 2024. The township board previously approved the first reading of the new zoning ordinance on Nov. 5 after a heated meeting, which was followed by several open houses to educate residents about zoning changes.
“The amendments include six core principles: protecting single-family neighborhoods, preserving rural character in eastern areas, upgrading the 28th Street corridor, enhancing the village’s architectural style, making township goals easy to achieve while discouraging contrary development and demanding quality development standards,” according to a township memo about the zoning changes…