The Macomb Zoning Board of Appeals last week approved a variance allowing a second 10-foot-high fence along the southern edge of a solar project on the east half of 1000th Street. The property, owned by Johnnie McKee and developed by Pivot Energy as McDonoughSolar 4, sits just south of the railroad tracks and 4055 West Jackson Street.
City zoning limits fences to eight feet, but neighbors requested the taller fence to block views of the solar panels. Alicia Shake, a nearby resident, said, “We don’t want to see the fence either. We’d rather have the rural landscape, but that’s not going to happen.” The zoning board granted a similar variance last month for the other half of the property. Earlier this year, the Macomb Planning Commission recommended approval of the solar farm, which the city council subsequently approved.
At the same September 24 meeting, the board approved a variance for additional signage at Maxamillions, located at 1414 East Jackson Street. Owner Tanner Freigberg explained that new decals have been added to doors and windows to advertise the business. Community Development Director Miranda Lambert said signage is normally limited to 25 percent of door and window space, but variances have been granted to two other businesses in the area. Board member Tina Belz said the extra signage “would have no adverse public impact.”
Separately, the board upheld the city’s declaration that the residence at 13 Hickory Grove is uninhabitable. After hearing testimony and reviewing photos and video showing the property’s poor condition, the board affirmed the Community Development Director’s authority to make the determination.
City Attorney Lisa Scalf said property owner Heidi Erickson can appeal the decision in circuit court. Scalf added, “I believe it is the owner’s intention to eventually live at that address. But, from the city’s perspective, a lot of things would have to happen to make that possible.”
