Dear Mayor Fischer and Members of the Novi City Council,
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Michigan Group of the Sierra Club, we are writing to express our opposition to the proposed high-density residential rezoning of the Providence Meadows property.
The proposal would impact approximately 31 acres of contiguous woodland that remains part of Novi’s green infrastructure. Based on information shared with us by local residents, along with our review of public planning materials, we believe the proposed rezoning raises significant concerns related to woodland preservation, wetlands, wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and long-term land use planning.
We understand the developer has argued that if the high-density residential overlay is denied, the property could instead be developed as a light industrial site under its current zoning. However, depending on the scope and layout of any future proposal, industrial zoning could potentially have less impact on the site’s woods and wetlands than the currently proposed residential development. This warrants further study.
The possibility of a hypothetical industrial project should not become the justification for approving a development proposal that would immediately and permanently destroy a large portion of this ecologically valuable woodland. Trying to avoid a speculative threat should not result in guaranteeing the loss of one of the remaining natural areas within the city.
We also understand there are unresolved questions regarding portions of the property that may have been unintentionally excluded from woodland protections decades ago due to an administrative interpretation related to an easement ordinance then in effect. We understand that the independent agency contracted by the City for on-site woodland reviews, Merjent, reportedly concluded in its review of these parcels that the City made a mistake by not including additional woodland acreage adjacent to the east and south within the woodland map and protections. We further understand that Merjent provided its professional opinion that the proposed rezoning and proposed project should not be approved. We encourage the City Council to give substantial weight to the findings.
Representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have also reportedly clarified that state permits do not override local zoning authority or municipal ordinances. The City of Novi retains both the authority and responsibility to apply its own planning standards, environmental protections, and zoning policies when reviewing this request.
We recognize the City may be concerned about potential legal action from developers related to land use decisions. However, concern over hypothetical litigation should not prevent the City from exercising thoughtful, fact-based zoning authority or from fully evaluating the long-term environmental and community impacts associated with this proposal. The property owners purchased and continue to own the site with full knowledge of its current zoning designation, and rezoning is not an entitlement or guarantee.
We also understand that local residents have already gathered more than 300 signatures from Novi residents opposing this rezoning proposal, with additional signatures continuing to be collected. Residents involved in the effort report that many community members feel Novi is already heavily developed and want to preserve the remaining green space, wildlife habitat, and functioning ecosystems that still exist within the city. For many residents, protecting Providence Meadows in its wooded state would represent a meaningful investment in the community’s long-term quality of life.
Finally, residents have noted that the proposed rezoning to High Density Residential appears inconsistent with Novi’s recently adopted Master Plan and Future Land Use Plan. Those plans were developed through a public process intended to guide responsible growth while protecting important natural resources and community character. We encourage the City Council to carefully consider whether approving this rezoning would align with those adopted planning goals and with commitments made to current residents regarding thoughtful development and environmental stewardship.
The Southeast Michigan Group of the Sierra Club respectfully urges the City Council to deny the proposed high-density rezoning request and instead pursue alternatives that better align with Novi’s long-term planning goals and commitment to protecting remaining natural areas for future generations.
Thank you for your consideration and public service.
Sincerely,
Southeast Michigan Group Executive Committee
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter