| REGULAR MEETING |
AUGUST 13, 2009 |
| PLANNING COMMISSION |
1 - 1 |
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Heidt at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present.
PRESENT
Chairman John Heidt, Commissioners David Ebert, Gary Goodenow, Craig Johnston, Timothy Juidici, Larry Keef, Bill Serchak, Karen Worrell
ABSENT
Commissioner Kathy Amerman
ALSO PRESENT
Zoning Administrator, Randy Sapelak; Planning Consultant, Nickolas Lomako
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Meeting July 9, 2009
PC-09-43 Goodenow moved, Juidici seconded, to accept the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of July 9, 2009, as presented. Motion CARRIED
CALL TO PUBLIC
James Crane, 113 S. Washington, Ypsilanti, was present on behalf of the Lee Home located at 215 E. Commerce, which is a group home for women. He stated their concerns with the property located at 219 E. Commerce being used for anything other than what is currently allowed in the O-1, Office District. He said the future land use map shows the property remaining office and believes the current uses in the office district work best for the community. He said any other type of use such as a music hall, or restaurant would create a large amount of traffic that would not be compatible with the adjoining neighborhood.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment, Sec. 94-344, Recreational Vehicle Storage Requirements
Commissioner Goodenow reviewed the changes in the 7/14/09 draft of the proposed language amendment (on file at Village office). He explained that (c) and (d) of item (6) Special Provisions, relating to the maximum allowable lot coverage and the type of material used to cover a recreational vehicle have been removed from the draft.
PC-09-44 Goodenow moved, Ebert seconded, to recommend to Village Council the adoption of the proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to Sec. 94-344, Recreational Vehicle Storage Requirements, based upon the Wade Trim draft of 7/14/09.
ROLL CALL VOTE
YES – Goodenow, Keef, Juidici, Worrell, Ebert, Heidt
NO – Johnston, Serchak Motion CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment, Sec. 94-158 (4), (5), Principal Uses Permitted Subject to Special Conditions
Mr. Lomako reviewed his letter dated 8/4/09 (on file at Village office), which contained proposed language which would allow a cultural arts center as a special condition use in the 0-1, Office District. He highlighted several important features contained in the draft language explaining that the center could contain a recital hall which he said, by definition, is a small venue. He further explained that the language relied on cross-referencing existing standards, such as Sec. 94-357, requiring the use to front on a major thoroughfare or collector street, and Sec. 94-340 which regulates the location of the primary driveway. Mr. Lomako said that even while this amendment was instigated by the request of Mr. Subhash Kapur, the owner of the property located at 219 E. Commerce, it is important to have zoning language which considers all 0-1 district property.
The Planning Commissioners and Mr. Lomako discussed the proposed amendment. They discussed restricting the number of seats allowed in a cultural arts center recital hall and there was general agreement that 200 seats are too many. Planning Commission does not want a cultural arts center to be interpreted as a concert hall.
Michael Labadie, with Professional Engineering Associates, Inc. 2430 Rochester Ct., Troy, was present and stated that his firm was retained by Mr. Kapur to determine how much parking would be necessary if Mr. Kapur were to convert the former St. Mary’s church in a manner that would allow performing arts shows. He provided copies of his analysis to the Commissioners (on file at Village office).
Chairman Heidt allowed comment from the Public.
Mr. Crane expressed concerns regarding the potential nuisance effects a use such as a cultural arts center could generate to the adjacent neighborhood. He also asked for clarification as to whether alcohol could be served at this type of facility. Mr. Crane provided to the Commissioners for their reference several ordinances from other communities to see how they addressed his concerns.
The Commissioners directed Mr. Lomako to address the following in a revised amendment: A definition for cultural arts center should be added to Sec. 94-2, definitions. Secondary driveways and service delivery areas should be exempt from Sec. 94-340, off-street parking requirements. Screen wall requirements should reflect existing standards which would allow Planning Commission to modify or waive the requirement in certain situations, however, it should be stipulated that a screen wall would be an ornamental masonry wall. The wall height should be specified and written agreements allowing off-site parking should be subject to approval by the zoning administrator or the Village attorney.
PC-09-45 Goodenow moved, Keef seconded, to postpone further discussion of the proposed language amendment to Sec. 94-154 (4), (5), until the September meeting. Motion CARRIED
Discussion – Home Occupation Standards
Commissioners Worrell, Serchak and Keef agreed to be part of an ad hoc committee that will meet at 6:45 prior to the regular Planning Commission meetings for the next few months to determine different classes of Home Occupations and what should be addressed in a language amendment.
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Resulting from PA 110 of 2006 (Michigan Enabling Act) Installment 4: Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
Mr. Lomako reviewed the proposed text amendment from his letter dated 7/8/09 (on file at Village office). He explained the amendment will create more precise language for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) pertaining to the terms of office, the removal of members and rehearings.
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Resulting from PA 110 of 2006 (Michigan Enabling Act) Installment 5: Open Space Preservation Provisions
Mr. Lomako reviewed the proposed text amendment from his letter 7/17/09 (on file at Village office). He explained the amendment will bring the ordinance regarding open space preservation into compliance. Mr. Lomako said that there would be one more installment before setting a Public Hearing.
CONSULTANT COMMENTS
Mr. Lomako reported that he, Mr. Sapelak and DDA Director, Ann Barnette, met with the owners of Kroger to discuss a proposed expansion of their floor space and the possibility of a gas station in the existing parking lot.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Worrell asked if anyone had noticed the Rite Aid stores closing.
Commissioner Johnston asked if administration was aware of any proposals for the former O’Callaghan’s site.
Mr. Sapelak said that he had not heard about anything pertaining to O’Callaghan’s.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Nancy Scott, CMC
Milford Village Deputy Clerk | 
