The Lansing City Council approved a rezoning request for a proposed apartment complex Thursday — but not before hearing from several residents opposed to the development.
The application for the rezoning from agricultural to multi-family residential was submitted by developers Zimmerman Properties for Convington Woods, a complex on West Mary Street that is said to be geared toward moderate-income tenants, though the developers said qualifiied low-income residents could also apply and some Section 8 vouchers accepted for payment due to tax credits used on the project.
In February, the council adopted a resolution of support that allowed the developer to move forward with an application for those Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to finance a portion of the project.
Ann Hoins, who lives near the proposed site, spoke up against the complex, saying that after talking to some of the larger rental property owners in Lansing and Leavenworth about vacancies, she was not sure the need was there. She also said she was worried about the residents and problems like increased crime that a complex like Convington Woods could attract.
“I want to remain proud of our city,” she said.
According to John Jacobson, community development superintendent for the city, the developer undertook a study prior to coming forward with the idea that indicated there was a need for such an apartament complex.
Ann’s husband John Hoins said he was also concerned with the density in the area and the problems that could arise, considering the Lansing Heights Townhomes, also managed by Zimmerman Properties, that would be adjacent to Covington Woods.
“I don’t think that we need any more congested apartments in that area,” he said.
Paul Lamborn, another area resident, said he thought that if the condition of Lansing Heights was the example, he could not support the project either.
“I think the developers should take care of what they have,” he said.
Some members of the council had their own concerns — Councilman Tony McNeill and Councilwoman Andi Pawlowski also questioned the need for the complex, while Councilman Kerry Brungardt said he talked to between 40 and 50 residents of his ward, and none supported the development.
Before making a decision the city’s attorney, Greg Robinson, reminded the council that they were only approving the rezoning application based on land-use, and would need to have “finding in fact” that the application did not meet those standards or face potential litigation from the developers for the decision.
