The Board of Zoning Adjustments on July 17 approved a variance reducing the required street side setback for a new house at 1621 Illinois Street.

The application (BOA2025‑013), filed by Tanisha Swanson of Swanson Consulting on behalf of Harris Global Management LLC, requested that the street yard setback be reduced from 15 feet to 7.5 feet to allow construction of a 1,748‑square‑foot home on a narrow vacant parcel (Parcel ID 523838001120).

Swanson said the lot is one of three in a small infill development and that a previous owner had an approved variance that lapsed; the developer sought reapproval for its plan. Longtime Madison Heights property owner Obi Williams spoke in support, saying new construction would improve the neighborhood and reduce blight.

The board voted 5–0 to approve the variance. The recorded yes votes were John George, Charles Cameron, Leon McCray, Patrick Connors and Chairman David Betts. The approval allows the developer to move forward with permitting for the new house; final building permits and inspections will remain subject to city requirements.