While some Francis residents say the city code shouldn’t allow the Best Western on state Route 32, the city says the code speaks for itself.
“The intent is to provide … physical and visual protection between commercial and residential uses,” Francis wrote in a recent filing in 3rd District Court. It says the city council has done that.
But residents along Lambert Lane, just behind where the Best Western is to be built, appealed the approval to district court in April. They say Judge Richard Mrazik should block the hotel because city code requires it to be “away from” their homes.
Francis’ lawyers have said that bit of code is too vague to enforce. City attorneys doubled down May 27 saying the city council was justified when it gave Best Western a permit.
“Where differing uses are to be developed adjacent to existing residential areas, special consideration shall be made to protect the privacy of residents,” Francis said in its filing, quoting its own code.
Francis imposed 14 additional conditions on the builder, Harwood Development, such as fencing to block headlights and trees to block noise.
The residents, who live in the Village at Lambert Lane, contend their concerns weren’t adequately addressed. Concerns ranged from noise to light to crime during the marathon public hearings earlier this year.
Mrazik said both parties should be ready for trial by August 2026.
