PRESENT: Francis Marella, Chairperson
Carole
L. Schwartz, Vice-Chairperson
Robert
M. Campbell, Secretary
Joann
Granata
Michael
Nickerson
Paul
D. Woodring
Ramon
C. Young
STAFF: Michael P. Howell,
Community Planner II
DEPARTMENT
OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Marella called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Marella explained that the
petitioner will be given an opportunity to add or clarify information and the public will
be given an opportunity to speak in an orderly manner. He explained that the petitioner
must state his or her hardship, which cannot be for monetary reasons and cannot be
self-created.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Ms. Granata, supported by Ms. Schwartz, to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried.
PART OF LOT 118, LOTS 119-127, DEZIEL JEFFERSON GARDENS SUBDIVISION (SECTION 35/P.C. 565,
566)
- REF: TABLED FROM 10/21/98 MEETING
-- APPEAL: ELMIRA OFFICE BUILDING
FILE #5250: ALGER P. LAHOOD, LAHOOD PROPERTIES L.L.P.
Alger LaHood, 20333 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236, explained that they determined the width of the easement to be a total of twelve feet, which will enable them to provide a front yard setback of twenty-four feet from Harper Avenue. He noted that they actually gained a couple of parking spots and assured that their minimum parking requirements are met.
Mr. Campbell inquired as to why Mr. LaHood feels it is necessary to request a one-foot variance and inquired as to the possibility of shortening the building by one foot.
Mr. LaHood recalled that at the last meeting, they discussed keeping the building the same size. He did not feel it would be as attractive to change the design of the building and "straighten the wall" in order to meet the setback requirements.
Mr. Campbell questioned the hardship and why the proposed building has to be this specific length. He appreciated the comments from Mr. LaHood regarding the aesthetics but he wanted to know why they cannot achieve this appearance by making the building one foot smaller.
Mr. LaHood explained that they are restricted with the parking zone and the required easement in the rear. He replied that they have determined the minimum size of the building they need and that is what is being proposed. He did not feel it would be practical to reduce the size of the building.
Ms. Granata commented that Mr. LaHood has worked well with this Board in attempting to redesign the site development plan in order to comply with as many of the ordinances as possible. She complimented him on his other developments in the area. She felt his proposed plan will be an improvement to the neighborhood, and she further felt that the easement to the rear and the portion of the property zoned for parking make it difficult to comply with all ordinance requirements. She added that if this development would have been constructed a few years ago, it would have been built up to the front property line on Harper Avenue.
Mr. Young inquired as to where the sanitary sewer is located in relation to the parking.
Mr. LaHood explained that the parking will extend up to the sewer line. He replied to inquiry that he has a prospective tenant who needs a building this size.
Motion by Ms. Granata, supported by Mr. Nickerson, with reference to File #5250 and application from Alger P. LaHood, LaHood Properties, L.L.P., 20233 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236, for variance to Clinton Township Planning and Zoning Code, Chapter 1292.01-m, Land Use Regulations: Schedule of Regulations Limiting Height, Bulk, Density and Area: Chart and Footnotes; Minimum Front Yard Setback Requirements in the OS-1 Office/Service District, concerning part of Lot 18 and all of Lots 119 through 127, Deziel Jefferson Gardens Subdivision (Private Claim Nos. 565/566 and Section 35), generally located at the southeast corner of Elmira and Harper Avenue, that variance be granted to permit construction of an office building (proposed Elmira Office Building) in the OS-1 Office/Service District with front yard setback from Harper Avenue of twenty-four (24) feet being one (1) foot less than the minimum required twenty-five (25) feet; further, this variance is based on claimed practical difficulty that a portion of the property is zoned for parking and cannot be used for the building, and further, there is a required sanitary sewer easement in the rear; further, this grant of variance is contingent upon compliance with all other requirements of Township ordinances. Roll Call Vote: Aye - Granata, Nickerson, Schwartz, Woodring, Young, Marella. Nay - Campbell. Absent - None. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Nickerson, supported by Ms. Schwartz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. Campbell, Secretary
CLINTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF APPEALS