FENTON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
City Hall Council Chambers
301 S. Leroy Street
December 22, 2011
Chairman Parker called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
ROLL CALL
Present:Kasper, Morey, Orzol, Parker, Smith
Absent:Farella, Lenhart, Sprague, Steffey
Others Present:Brad Hissong, Building & Zoning Administrator; Carmine Avantini, LSL Planning
MINUTES
Moved by Kasper, support by Smith to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2011 meeting.
MOTION CARRIED, ALL AYES
OLD BUSINESS
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Parker opened the floor to accept nominations for Planning Commission Chairman.
Kasper nominated Orzol, support by Morey.
MOTION CARRIED, ROLL CALL VOTE: Kasper-aye, Morey-aye, Orzol-aye, Parker-aye, Smith-aye
Parker opened the floor to accept nomination for Planning Commission Vice-Chairman.
Kasper nominated Morey, support by Parker.
MOTION CARRIED, ROLL CALL VOTE: Morey-aye, Orzol-aye, Parker-aye, Smith-aye, Kasper-aye
Parker opened the floor accepting nominations for Planning Commission Secretary.
Orzol nominated Steffey, support by Kasper.
MOTION CARRIED, ROLL CALL VOTE: Orzol-aye, Parker-aye, Smith-aye, Kasper-aye, Morey-aye
Orzol took over as chairman of the meeting. Sprague arrived to the meeting at 7:10pm.
NEW BUSINESS
HEIGHT WAVER – FENTON CORNERSTONE BUILDING, SOUTHEAST CORNER OF NORTH LEROY STREET AND SILVER LAKE ROAD
Burns reported that the DDA working in conjunction with the SAAB Group towards redeveloping the southeast corner of Silver Lake Road and North Leroy Street. Burns stated that initially the Saab Group intended on constructing a three-story building but they have determined that it is more feasible to have four-story structure that would consist of a first floor containing restaurant/retail and the remaining three floors as residential apartments. Burns is requesting a waiver on behalf of the Saab Group to allow construction of a four-story building in the Central Business District (CBD).
Hissong informed the board of the changes that are being proposed to the building. Avantini reviewed the LSL Planning letter dated December 19, 2011 and recommends that the Planning Commission approve the requested height waiver, conditioned upon site plan approval and corresponding ability to meet the parking requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Morey requested clarification for the building not meeting the 10’ setback requirement.
Avantini explained the planned setback is very close to 10’ and typically a couple of inches does not require the Planning Commission to send the applicant to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance. There was discussion regarding the process of granting this type of waiver or variance. Avantini clarified that the request is a waiver and not a variance, and the waiver is to allow construction of a four-story building. Avantini added that the waiver, if granted, should be conditioned upon site plan approval.
Cherie Smith, 200 Union Street, stated that she likes the idea of less office space allowing more residential but is concerned that a four story building is to large and would look out of proportion.
Councilwoman Cheryl King stated that a four-story building might be to large and draw attention from the other buildings. She said there is a need for the development to the downtown area.
Kassem Saab of the Saab Group stated that a three-story building at this time is likely not economically feasible but a four story building would allow the extra square feet needed to finance the building.
Motion by Parker, support by Kasper to grant the requested variance from the PUD allowing the building height not to exceed 51’, and allowing a minimum of 8’for the 4th floor setback, conditioned upon site plan approval.
MOTION CARRIED, ROLL CALL VOTE: Parker-aye, Smith-aye, Sprague-aye, Kasper-aye, Morey-aye, Orzol-aye
USE DETERMINATION – POWER SPORTS INTERNATIONAL, WEST SIDE OF NORTH LEROY STREET JUST NORTH OF THE RITE AID PLAZA (PREVIOUS HANSON CLEANERS BUILDING/SITE)
Scott Heemstra of Power Sports International LLC (PSI, LLC) stated that they are intending to open a dealership that buys and sells pre-owned power sports at 1017 North Leroy Street. Avantini reviewed the LSL Planning letter dated December 19, 2011 and stated that the use does not meet the definition of auto sales and would be considered retail use. Hissong reviewed the plan with the board members.
Parker expressed concerns about inventory being displayed outdoors, and outdoor lighting. Kasper stated concerns about the delivery or pick up by customers creating heavy traffic. Heemstra stated that their marketing is done on the internet and that outdoor displays or walk in customers are not the intended target customers. Heemstra stated that the majority of inventory will be kept off site and that PSI, LLC is not a maintenance or repair facility. Heemstra added that they intend to make alterations to the front of the existing building, and repair/stripe the existing parking lot.
Motion by Morey, support by Smith to approve special use for PSI, LLC as retail use up to 7,500 square feet of Gross Leasable Area in the NBD District.
MOTION CARRIED, ROLL CALL VOTE: Smith-aye, Sprague-aye, Kasper-aye, Morey-aye, Orzol-aye, Parker-aye
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Hissong is requesting approval of the 2012 Planning Commission Meeting Dates.
Motion by Orzol, support by Kasper to approve the 2012 Planning Commission meeting dates as presented.
MOTION CARRIED, ALL AYES.
Hissong reported that the Marathon façade is complete and that the administrative staff is pleased with how it looks. Hissong stated that his office and the DDA have approved the Michigan Brewing Company façade administratively and the Brewing Company will be coming to the Planning Commission for approval of the site plan.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Cherie Smith, 200 Union Street, stated that after seeing the Cornerstone Building four-story design it looks very nice.
Councilwoman Cheryl King, stated she likes the concept of the Cornerstone Building after seeing the plans and complimented the Planning Commission for their work.
LSL ITEMS
None
COMMISSION MEMBER ITEMS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm
Respectfully submitted by,
Charles Decator
Charles Decator
Recording Secretary