Jan 13, 00 Minutes

CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT OF REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2000
MINUTES

Present: Vincent J. Gudobba, Chairman
             Donald Roach, Vice Chairman
             Denise C. Trombley, Secretary
             Ralph Consiglio
             Nancy L. Dedenbach, Arrived Late
             Michael Nickerson
             Valerie O’Neal
             Dennis C. Tomlinson

Absent: Thomas Landa, Excused

Staff: Stephen N. Cassin, Director
DEPT. OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Gudobba called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. Gudobba stated that the petitioner for Item #4 has requested that the matter be tabled.

Motion by Mr. Consiglio, supported by Ms. O’Neal, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

1.37 ACRES OF LAND AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HALL ROAD (M-59) AND ELIZABETH ROAD (SECTION 2)
- PROPOSED REZONING FROM R-5 ONE-FAMILY AND B-3 GENERAL BUSINESS TO B-2 COMMUNITY BUSINESS
–PUBLIC HEARING
MF#5357: PETITIONED BY RON JONA

_________________________________________________________________________________

Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record. Ms. Trombley noted that 26 notices were mailed to owners and occupants within 300 feet of the subject property and 2 were returned.

Mr. Gudobba explained the procedure for a Public Hearing to be as follows: the petitioner will make comments, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and the Planning Commission will have opportunity to make comments or ask questions.

Ron Jona, Milestone Development, Inc., 29000 Inkster, Southfield, Michigan 48034, stated that he had previously requested B-3 zoning and the Planning Commission thought the zoning too intense for the property.

Robert Schlief, 44740 Maddelein, Clinton Township, Michigan 48036, inquired as to whether the
petitioner will be able to open Pohlman Road. He inquired as to whether the petitioner will have a driveway onto Elizabeth and close the drain.

Mr. Cassin stated that the Macomb County Road Commission will not allow the petitioner to open Pohlman Road.

Mr. Gudobba stated that the Planning Commission would most likely not allow an access onto Elizabeth.

Harold Fiebelkorn, 44833 Maddelein, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, stated that the owners of the properties in the subdivision had to get approval from the owner of the end lot to put in a sewer system for the subdivision. He inquired as to whether this lot is included in the petitioners rezoning.

Mr. Cassin stated that the lot is not included in the legal description for the petitioner’s property.

Mr. Gudobba stated that the Mr. Fiebelkorn could call the Assessor’s office to verify ownership of the lot.

Motion by Mr. Consiglio, supported by Ms. Trombley, with reference to File #5357 and application from Ron Jona, Milestone Development, Inc., 29000 Inkster, Southfield, Michigan 48034, concerning request for approval for rezoning from R-5 One-Family and B-3 General Business to B-2 Community Business for 1.37 acres of land located at the southeast corner of Hall Road (M-59) and Elizabeth Road (Section 2), that recommendation to rezone from R-5 One-Family Residential to B-3 General Business that portion of the subject property which is north of the north line of Pohlman Road extended westward be submitted to the Township Board. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Consiglio, Trombley, Dedenbach, Gudobba, Nickerson, O’Neal, Roach, Tomlinson. Nay- None. Absent- Landa. Motion carried.

LOT 35 AND THE EAST 75 FEET OF LOT 34, SUPERVISOR’S PLAT OF MCKISHNIE FARMS SUBDIVISION (SECTION 33/34)
- PROPOSED REZONING FROM R-5 ONE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO B-3 GENERAL BUSINESS
–PUBLIC HEARING
MF #5381: PETITIONED BY MIKE AGGELER
REPRESENTED BY PATRICK D. WESTERLUND

__________________________________________________________________________________

Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record. Ms. Trombley noted that 24 notices were mailed to owners and occupants within 300 feet of the subject property and 0 were returned. Ms. Trombley read correspondence from H D Robinson, 20950 McKishnie, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stated he was opposed to the rezoning. She read another letter from Bruce Jackson, 20970 McKishnie, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stating opposition to the rezoning based on more traffic and noise. She also read a letter from Marion Finely, 20853 McKishnie, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stating opposition to the rezoning.

Mike Aggeler, John’s Lumber, P.O. Box 828, Mt. Clemens, Michigan 48046, stated Lot 36 was rezoned a year ago and they thought he was rezoning both parcels. He was told that Lot 34 had not been rezoned. He added they will use the building for the window division.

Bruce Jackson, 2070 McKishnie, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stated he is opposed to the rezoning. He stated the development will decrease their property values. He added that he will submit a paper with signatures from surrounding neighbors opposed to the rezoning.

Barbara Kent, 20928 McKishnie, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stated her property is across from the development and she is opposed to the rezoning stating the noise level will increase. She added they currently have problems with cars racing in the neighboring business parking lot.

Mr. Gudobba stated that if the neighbors are having a problem with noise they should contact the Ordinance Enforcement Department.

Ms. O’Neal inquired as to the hours of the business.

Mr. Gudobba stated that the matter was for rezoning only.

Ms. Dedenbach inquired as to whether the rental house that was on the petitioner’s property will stay as a buffer.

Mr. Aggeler stated the house will stay.

Ms. Dedenbach inquired as to whether the petitioner could submit a request to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance.

Mr. Cassin stated that a variance would be considered if there is a hardship.

Mr. Nickerson stated his opinion that there is no hardship.

Mr. Aggeler stated that he only needs 25 feet of Lot 74.

Ms. Dedenbach asked for the Planning Department’s opinion as to how far back along Gratiot to McKishnie, should be developed as Commercial.

Mr. Cassin stated that the Township will start updating the Master Plan next year. He added his opinion that the area along Gratiot should be developed back 500 feet as Commercial.

Ms. Dedenbach stated her opinion that the rental house to act as a buffer is good.

Mr. Roach stated that when the petitioner was here a year ago rezoning the adjacent lot, he told the Planning Commission that he would clean up the area and nothing has been done.

Mr. Gudobba stated this meeting is for rezoning only. He added his opinion that the decision to rezone this property should wait until after the Master Plan has been reviewed.

Mr. Aggeler stated there are many inconsistencies with the zoning on Gratiot in this area. He added that he needs 25 feet of Lot 34 rezoned.

Mr. Cassin stated that the petitioner is agreeing to rezone 25 feet of Lot 34.

Mr. Tomlinson inquired as to whether the petitioner is agreeable to putting in a berm and trees along McKishnie at the time of site plan submittal.

Mr. Aggeler stated he will remove the evergreens from the lot and place them by the fence.

Motion by Mr. Roach, supported by Mr. Consiglio, with reference to File #5381 and application from Mike Aggeler, John’s Lumber, P.O. Box 828, Mt. Clemens, Michigan 48046, concerning request for rezoning from R-5 One-Family Residential to B-3 General Business for Lot 35 and the east 75 feet of Lot 34, Supervisor’s Plat of McKishnie Farms Subdivision (Section 33/34), generally fronting the northline of McKishnie, west of Gratiot Avenue, that recommendation be submitted to the Township Board to table the matter until the Master Plan is reviewed and updated. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Roach, Consiglio, Dedenbach, Gudobba, O’Neal. Nay- Nickerson, Tomlinson, Trombley. Absent- Landa. Motion carried.

2.17 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE EAST LINE OF HAYES ROAD, SOUTH OF CANAL ROAD (SECTION 7)
- REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
–BEACON OFFICE CENTER
MF #5389: PETITIONED BY LORENZO GARRISI
REPRESENTED BY: CRAIG DUCKWITZ

_________________________________________________________________________________

Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.

Craig Duckwitz, Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc., 51301 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315, representative, stated they plan to build a 2-story, 12,000 square foot office building. He added the building will look residential.

Motion by Mr. Consiglio, supported by Mr. Roach, with reference to File #5389 and application from Lorenzo Garrisi, Sunshine Homes, Inc., 18557 Canal Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, as represented by Craig Duckwitz, Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc., 51301 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315, concerning request for recommendation of approval for Beacon Office Center located on 2.17 acres of land fronting the east line of Hayes Road, south of Canal Road (Section 7), that recommendation for approval be submitted to the Township Board. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Consiglio, Roach, Dedenbach, Gudobba, Nickerson, O’Neal, Tomlinson, Trombley. Nay- None. Absent- Landa. Motion carried.

2.36 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE WEST LINE OF ROMEO PLANK ROAD, NORTH OF 19 MILE ROAD (SECTION 5)
- REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
–MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S ACADEMY
MF #5383: PETITIONED BY JAN AND SHIRKANT MALKAR
REPRESENTED BY RICHARD POSTEMA

_________________________________________________________________________________

Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.

Richard Postema, Richard Postema Associates, P.C., 1580 44^th Street, SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509, representative, stated they plan to build a Montessori School. He added the petitioner owns one in Roseville. The building will be 4,400 square feet and look residential. He stated they are waiting for a decision from the Road Commission regarding the radius and the by-pass lane. He stated they need the left turn lane.

Ms. O’Neal stated she spoke with a representative from the Road Commission and stated that the driveway was close to the intersection at 19 Mile.

Mr. Postema submitted pictures to the Planning Commission regarding the sight line for the left turn lane.

Ms. Dedenbach stated her opinion that a deceleration lane is needed.

Motion by Mr. Gudobba, supported by Mr. Nickerson, with reference to File #5383 and application from Jan and Shirkant Malkar, Malkar L.L.C, 1445 Devonshire, Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230, as represented by Richard Postema, Richard Postema Associates, P.C., 1580 44^th Street, SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509, concerning request for recommendation for approval of Site Development Plan for Montessori Children’s Academy (Non-Profit School), that recommendation for approval be submitted to the Township Board subject to a 30'-wide approach being provided; further, the Planning Commission would like to have the Macomb County Road Commission review the proposed with consideration to the following: left turns onto Romeo Plank being prohibited due to limited sight distance at that subjection location; 2) a by-pass lane being installed on the east side of Romeo Plank and 3) recommendation by the Road Commission being submitted prior to the Township Board meeting. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Gudobba, Nickerson, Consiglio, Dedenbach, O’Neal, Roach, Tomlinson, Trombley. Nay- None. Absent- Landa. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION REGARDING NEXT MEETING

Mr. Cassin stated that there are two site plan reviews on the agenda for the next meeting.

Mr. Gudobba stated that the Planning Commission members should attach a picture to the ID that was distributed. This ID is for when the Commissioners are viewing petitioner’s property.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mr. Nickerson, supported by Mr. Gudobba, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise C. Trombley, Secretary
CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION