A
Tale of Two Lots, Part 1
Since 2004, when a flurry of work began and ended quickly,
Mark Rosecran’s property at 2054 Idle Hills Road has
sparked much conversation and finger pointing. Most of the
work during this period was performed without the required
building and land-use permits. Construction was halted by
a stop-work order issued by Jackson County. These days,
the startling view of a sand hill with huge gashes cut across
it, where tall, full trees once stood, is somewhat muted
by weeds, wild flowers, dingy old bales of hay and ripped
black plastic.
Now listed with Remerica, a local real estate firm, this
lakefront property, comprised of three lake lots with additional
adjacent property, is now for sale. Sales information on
this property includes a plan for up to eight multiple units
and marina-like docking for boats. However, for this type
of multiple-unit construction to occur, a change in its
single-family zoning is required.
The Norvell Planning Commission agreed in July to review
Mr. Rosecran’s request for a change in zoning. However,
a date has not been set. A meeting date in September or
October is anticipated.
Homeowners within 500 feet of the affected properties will
receive a written notice when a meeting date is set, however,
anyone with an opinion on this matter is encouraged
to mail or fax a letter to Adam Ulbin, Township Supervisor
at...
Adam Ulbin – Norvell Township Supervisor
106 E. Commercial
P.O. Box 188
Norvell, MI 49263
Ph: 517-536-4370 • Fax:
517-536- 0110
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A
Tale of Two Lots, Part 2
This Spring, yet a second property bearing a distinct physical
similarity to the Rosecran’s property was found on
Sweezey. In the summer of 2005, Mr. James Pascoe demolished
the house at 2078 Idle Hills Road with plans to build a
new home on the site. He began in the Spring of 2006 with
the removal of significant tree and soil from his lake lot.
A cement retaining wall was installed to keep the remaining
soil in place. According to Norvell township supervisor,
Adam Ulbin, this work was done without the proper permits.
With the wall approximately 20 feet too close to the lake
and 7 feet too close to the lot lines, Mr. Pascoe was required
to come before the Norvell Township Board of Appeals and
request a variance. This matter was reviewed at a July 13th
meeting with about 25 Sweezey Lake homeowners in attendance.
At that meeting, Supervisor Ulbin made a recommendation
that the wall be removed. A supporting motion for the wall’s
removal by the Sweezey Lake Association was read into the
minutes, along with emails sent by various lake homeowners.
Mr. Pascoe withdrew his request for a variance and announced
that he would remove the wall, making a vote by the Board
of Appeals unnecessary. His intention to remove the wall
was submitted in writing and the meeting was adjourned.
Since the meeting, Norvell Township’s Zoning Inspector,
Charlie Miller, reports that Mr. Pascoe is in touch with
the soil and sediment people at the county regarding both
the removal of the wall and it's subsequent retainment needs.
He noted that what is left of the hill is very unstable.
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