Last Wednesday night, at the Board of Trustees Public Meeting, both the Board and the public were presented with a developer’s plan to build a condominium project on the Maryhaven property.
On the surface, it sounds like a win-win: the blighted old building would be demolished and replaced with 79 one- and two-story, taxpaying condominiums.
But the plan comes with major caveats:
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A zoning change for this single parcel—from Professional Office (PO) to Medium Density Residential (which allows condos and apartments). This looks like spot zoning, which is not a good precedent.
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The developer is also seeking at least seven variances in order to build the project.
The Positives
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Homeownership over rentals: This project would bring homeowners into the Village instead of more renters. Currently, 33% of homes are rentals (not counting other proposed apartment buildings already in the pipeline).
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Developer’s reputation: The developer is well-regarded and has shown willingness to work with the Village.
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Tax revenue: The project would generate new tax revenue.
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Property transfer: Catholic Charities has made clear they cannot maintain the site any longer and want to sell.
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Not historic: The existing building has no historic designation—it’s simply an old structure.
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Environmental care: The developer says they will preserve all existing trees on the property.
The Concerns
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Spot zoning precedent: Allowing this could open the door for other owners of unused professional offices to demand the same treatment, potentially converting them into small apartment buildings.
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Rushed process: The zoning change is being pushed through quickly. A decision of this scale should involve a thorough review by the Zoning Board, Planning Board, and a careful study of the Village Comprehensive Plan. Public comment time was shortened.
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Congested development: While density mainly impacts residents of the complex, it sets a precedent for future high-density projects.
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Codes and planning: Village codes exist for good reason. A spot change undermines the Village’s Master Plan.
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Limited community benefit: Condos bring reduced property tax rates compared to townhomes. The project is unlikely to bring children into the school system, raising questions about long-term community balance.
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Walkability: The plan does not appear to support the Village’s walkability goals.
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Seven variances: The combination of a zoning change plus multiple variances significantly alters established code protections.
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Senior housing mismatch: The developer argues older residents will downsize into these condos, freeing up larger homes for young families. But many of the condos will have stairs—something downsizing seniors often avoid. Meanwhile, home prices remain too high for most young couples.
What Is Spot Zoning?
Spot zoning is the reclassification of a small parcel of land for a use inconsistent with surrounding zoning, often benefiting a private owner rather than serving the community’s long-term planning goals. Courts generally frown on it, especially when:
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It benefits one property owner disproportionately.
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It conflicts with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.
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It undermines community character and development patterns.
Potential negative effects of spot zoning include:
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Inconsistent development that clashes with community character.
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Erosion of carefully planned growth strategies.
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Loss of Village identity through a “hodgepodge” of building types.
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Favoritism toward a few property owners at the expense of neighbors.
Blogger’s Take
I don’t believe the Maryhaven property should be rezoned for a project that conflicts with existing Village codes. Why the rush to push the zoning change through, bypassing the normal process (the developer presents the entire plan to the Planning Board, THEN to the Zoning Board)? This would ensure that a workable plan, which fits the Village's Comprehensive Plan, is agreed upon before an official zone change takes place. While the developer promises a lot, once rezoning is granted, the leverage shifts in their favor. The seven requested variances already show how far this project strays from the Village’s planning goals.
My research indicates that demand for small, independent medical offices is low—but approving this rezoning could encourage other vacant offices to push for similar treatment, paving the way for more apartments.
What You Can Do
Whether you support the project or oppose it, now is the time to make your voice heard.
👉 Email or write to the Village Clerk, with a copy to each Board member, to express your opinion on the rezoning and proposed complex.
The window for public input is short—so act today. This is your Village, and your voice matters.
Learn More
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You can watch the Public Hearing here (discussion begins at 01:04:44):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rnrehp7B6A
Prior to the hearing, the Planning Board reviewed the application in a work session. That discussion begins at 00:05:14:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsjdxNIuOGY
All the documents about Maryhaven that were referenced in both hearings can be found here:Maryhaven Historical Documents:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gZZQUHCbg9daBZcXx6iq5FijHgdau9j5Maryhaven Zone Change Application:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LaOEuOdiZfnIybDYs8bTq2DM7Dz33TvL
📧 Village Clerk Email: clerk@portjeff.com
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