DGR Developments proposes Waldo Farms residential project in Midland Township

In the heart of Midland, Michigan, city officials gathered to discuss a significant development proposal that could reshape the local landscape. The Planning Commission meeting on February 25, 2025, focused on a site plan review initiated by DGR Developments LLC for a new residential project named Waldo Farms, Phase 1. This ambitious plan aims to create a site condominium development featuring 44 residential lots on a 15.1-acre portion of a larger 66-acre parcel located at 5900 Waldo Avenue.

As the meeting unfolded, Mr. Smootkins, a key figure in the discussion, provided an overview of the property and its zoning classifications. Currently vacant, the site is zoned RA2 for single-family residential use, aligning with the surrounding areas. To the south, the zoning transitions to RB and R2, accommodating multiple-family residential units, while the northern boundary features R1 zoning for single-family homes. This diverse zoning landscape reflects the community's varied residential needs.

The future land use designation for the property is categorized as neighborhood residential, which is consistent with the surrounding areas to the north, east, and west. This alignment suggests that the proposed development is not only a strategic fit for the community but also supports the city’s vision for growth and residential expansion.

As the commission deliberated, the implications of this development were clear. If approved, Waldo Farms could provide much-needed housing options in Midland, catering to families and individuals seeking to settle in this vibrant community. The meeting highlighted the careful planning and consideration that goes into shaping the future of Midland, ensuring that developments like Waldo Farms align with the city’s goals for sustainable growth and neighborhood cohesion.

As the discussion wrapped up, the anticipation of what this development could bring to Midland lingered in the air, leaving residents and officials alike eager to see how the project unfolds in the coming months.