Jackson Zoning Board Denies Large Housing Complex, Looking Like The Four Private Schools Are On Their Way

LNN previously reported on how a 30-acre parcel of land on Leesville Road between Burke and Diamond Road, owned by Bellevue Estates LLC, became a topic of political debate. 

With the original plan to build four new private schools on the property, Jackson Council President Martin Flemming attempted to stall the much-needed schools by suggesting housing for the property. 

Jackson Township’s zoning code allows for ten houses for such a property. Yet, Flemming proposed a 500 percent increase of sixty houses instead of the norm of ten, even at the sacrifice of Jackson’s suburban demographic.

Bellevue Estates LLC responded that even though they would be making a more significant financial gain with the more he builds. Still, sixty houses are far too much for such a property, and said forty-eight would be the max. 

Yesterday, August 3rd, the housing complex was presented to the zoning board. After a tremendously long, nearly four hours and twenty-minute meeting, the board denied the forty-eight houses, only compromising to a max of twenty. Bellevue Estates LLC rejected the counteroffer, ending with a denied application. 

This leaves the 30-acre parcel of land likely to become the foundation of the thriving Jackson community. August 15th is the date set for the Planning board meeting. Bellevue Estates LLC will bring up its proposal for the four schools on its property.