Vote No On New Zoning Changes

VOTE NO ON NEW
ZONING CHANGES

Protect Your Property
Rights and Values

Vote NO on August 4!

Protect Cascade’s Future

Resident Input Rejected

As Township officials pushed forward new zoning changes, community engagement was sidestepped, and feedback from residents was dismissed. While key zoning decisions were being made, Township officials limited residents from participating in the process and restricted access to information by not recording all of their zoning related proceedings.

Changing Things for Residents

Oppressive rules make it more challenging to approve outbuildings. Your neighbors can have goats. You might need a permit to take down trees on your own property. Cascade families would never have the neighborhoods and homes that we have come to know and love under the hundreds of pages of new zoning changes.

Burdening Our Beloved Cascade Businesses

The new zoning changes treat our local businesses like they are in an overly restrictive HOA. New mandates and compliance for building design, parking, and landscaping stand to hinder those trying to support our residents. If a business was destroyed in a fire or a storm, some would not be able to rebuild.

Zero Data Center Protections

The new zoning changes do not contain data center protections for our Cascade residents. Even though it was brought to the attention of the Township Board numerous times, a narrow majority of the Township Board pushed new zoning changes that failed to address this issue. Only after residents initiated this referendum did the Township adopt a 6-month data center moratorium. Our residents deserve better than a temporary bandage over a major hole in what is fundamentally a zoning issue

Regressing Our Cascade Success

These new zoning changes do not support our community’s vitality. Cascade residents have so much tied into what they own. We deserve smart and responsible growth that supports private property owners’ rights. Overreaching regulation will prevent a more vibrant and walkable village from coming to fruition. Zoning changes that concentrate government decision-making will hinder Cascade businesses’ ability to support the community and hamper our residents.

High Property Taxes

Cumbersome rules on taxpayers will take property rights which hinders an individual property owner’s value. Cumulatively, this will weaken the Township’s tax base. As government costs rise, this could lead to higher property taxes on the existing Cascade residents.

Your Voice. Your Decision.

We could not have the Cascade that we know and love today under all these new zoning changes.

The Committee to Vote NO on the new Cascade zoning changes is a coalition of residents, local businesses, and community advocates that support our residents, the protection of their property rights, and a democratic process giving the voters a voice on this issue. We encourage voters to learn the facts, review the ordinance, and Vote NO on Ordinance No. 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being voted on?

Cascade Township voters will decide whether to approve Resolution No. 006-2025, narrowly adopted with a 4-3 vote of the Township Board of Trustees on February 11, 2026, which will impose burdensome regulations on property owners.

What does the ballot language state?

The ballot language asks Township voters to decide if the ordinance should be approved. After nearly 2,200 Township voters signed a petition asking to place this issue on the ballot, Cascade voters can weigh in on this issue through the democratic process.

Why is there a referendum?

Residents and Cascade businesses expressed concerns regarding impacts on property rights. The referendum allows voters to determine whether the ordinance should take effect.

What happens if voters say yes?

Enacts Overreaching Restrictions – Additional government regulations in hundreds of convoluted pages that limit how property owners can use what they own.

Hinders Cascade Businesses – Burdensome requirements that hold our Cascade businesses back from revitalizing and serving residents.

High Property Taxes – Cumbersome rules on taxpayers devalue property and weaken our tax base, which could lead to higher property taxes for Cascade residents.

What are some areas of concern?

Sec. 4.2.E.1 – Burdensome restrictions on sheds, garages and outbuildings
Sec. 4.2.E.8 – Limits flexibility for residents to care for aging family members on their property
Sec. 6.1 – Restricts land splits and limits family estate planning options
Sec. 4.14 – Government requirements and approvals for patios, porches and decks
Sec. 4.15.D.3 – Sidewalk regulations place maintenance mandates on residents
Sec. 6.1 – Distances between buildings and roads eliminate green space and mature trees while creating safety issues for pedestrians walking closer to high-speed traffic
Article 8 – Design and building material regulations that would challenge Cascade businesses supporting our residents
An overwhelming number of new permits that are required throughout hundreds of pages

What happens if voters say no?

Cascade keeps our current zoning. Our community can work productively as needed to make any updates in support of our residents.

When can I vote?

Early voting will be held July 25 through August 2 at the Cascade Library Wisner Center from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Election Day is August 4.

Where can I vote on August 4?

To find your voting location visit the township website here.