HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 2004-04-2021163
MINUTES OF THE 883M REGULAR MEETING
HELD BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
On Tuesday, April 20, 2004, the City Planning Commission of the City of Livonia
held its 883d Regular Meeting in the Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive,
Livonia, Michigan.
Mr. John Walsh, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members present: William La Pine Dan Piemecchi R. Lee Morrow
H. G. Shane Carol Smiley John Walsh
Members absent: Robert Alanskas
Messrs. Mark Taormina, Planning Director, and Scott Miller, Planner III, were
also present.
Chairman Walsh informed the audience that if a petition on tonight's agenda
involves a rezoning request, this Commission makes a recommendation to the
City Council who, in tum, will hold its own public hearing and make the final
determination as to whether a petition is approved or denied. The Planning
Commission holds the only public hearing on a request for preliminary plat and/or
vacating petition. The Commission's recommendation is forwarded to the City
Council for the final determination as to whether a plat is accepted or rejected. If
a petition requesting a waiver of use or site plan approval is denied tonight, the
petitioner has ten days in which to appeal the decision, in writing, to the City
Council. Resolutions adopted by the City Planning Commission become
effective seven (7) days after the date of adoption. The Planning Commission
and the professional staff have reviewed each of these petitions upon their fling.
The staff has furnished the Commission with both approving and denying
resolutions, which the Commission may, or may not, use depending on the
outcome of the proceedings tonight.
ITEM #1 PETITION 200403-08-05 MULTISTATE TRANSMISSION
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda, Petition 2004-03-
08-05, submitted by George LaForest, on behalf of Multistate
Transmission, requesting approval of all plans required by
Section 18.58 of the zoning ordinance in connection with a
proposal to construct a warehouse addition to the commercial
building located at 34957 Plymouth Road in the Northwest''/. of
Section 33.
21164
Mr. Miller: This site is located on the south side of Plymouth Road just
west of Wayne Road. The petitioner is proposing a one-story
addition to the south elevation of the existing transmission
facility to be used as warehouse space. The proposed addition
would be 3,107 square feet in size. New asphalt pavement
would be laid down in the areas behind the new addition and
along the westside ofthe building, which is currently covered by
gravel, for additional parking. Presently, the rear and side areas
are fenced in and are being utilized as equipment storage
space. There is also an existing large propane tank located in
the southeast corner of the site. An enclosed trash dumpster
area is shown next to the proposed landscape area at the
southwest comer of the site. Required parking is 76 spaces.
They are providing 48 parking spaces and are thus deficient by
28 spaces. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted the petitioner
a variance (Appeal Case 2001-07-88) for deficient parking on
July 17, 2001. As there was no time limit restriction placed on
the variance, it can be applied to this petition. Additional
landscaping is shown in front of the transmission shop and at
the southwest corner of the site. A note on the plan explains
that the design of the landscaping out near Plymouth Road
would be 'tin conformance with requirement prescribed by the
Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA)." This would
include brick piers and an ornamental brick wall. Landscaping
required is 15% of the total area of the site; landscaping
provided is 12% of the site. The two sides and rear elevations
of the existing transmission shop are constructed out of painted
block. The front elevation of the existing building is dryvit. The
elevation plan shows that the proposed warehouse addition
would be constructed out of painted block. A large overhead
door and an entrance door would be located on the east
elevation. The south elevation would have a single entrance
door.
Mr. Walsh: Is there any correspondence?
Mr. Taormina: There are four items of correspondence. The first item is from
the Engineering Division, dated March 29, 2004, which reads as
follows: "Pursuant to yourrequest, the Engineering Division has
reviewed the above -referenced petition. We have no objections
to the proposal at this time. Additional right-of-way of 27 feet
should be dedicated to the Michigan Department of
Transportation for Plymouth Road at this time. The proposed
storm sewer, which is shown out letting to Plymouth Road, will
require the approval of the Michigan Department of
Transportation." The letter is signed by Robert J. Schron, P.E.,
21165
City Engineer. The second letter is from the Livonia Fire &
Rescue Division, dated April 5, 2004, which reads as follows:
"This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in connection
with a request to construct a warehouse addition to the
commercial building on property located at the above
referenced address. We have no objections to this proposal."
The letter is signed by Randall D. Tromblay, Fire Marshal. The
third letter is from the Division of Police, dated March 23, 2004,
which reads as follows: We have reviewed the plans in regards
to the proposal to construct a warehouse addition to the building
located at 34957 Plymouth Road. We have no objection to the
plans as submitted, however, two handicap parking spaces are
required. There is currently one handicap parking space on the
property that is not property posted. Another parking space is
needed and we recommend that it be placed next to the current
parking space and that both spaces be property signed per city
ordinance." The letter is signed by Wesley McKee, Sergeant,
Traffic Bureau. The fourth letter is from the Inspection
Department, dated April 19, 2004, which reads as follows:
"Pursuant to your request of March 18, 2004, the above -
referenced petition has been reviewed. The following is noted.
(1) Attached please find a copy of the letter generated from
January 9, 2001 concerning this project and many of the
conditions still exist. (2) A current site visit revealed the
following conditions: (a) Five junk and/orinopereble unlicensed
vehicles were on site at the west end. (b) Rental equipment
parked in the rear area. (c) Unenclosed dumpster located in
west area. (d) The parking lot still needs repair, repaving, and
resealing and double striping. (3) A Zoning Board of Appeals
grant for deficient parking was issued. However, as of our site
inspection last week, they were in violation of several of the
conditions that attached to the variance. This department has
no further objections to the petition." The letter is signed by
Alex Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent
of the correspondence.
Mr. Walsh: Thank you, Mr. Taormina. Are there any questions for the staff
from the commissioners? Hearing none, is the petitioner in the
audience?
Mr. George LaForest, 34451 Industrial, Livonia, Michigan 48150.
Mr. Walsh: Is there anything you'd like to add to the staffs presentation?
Mr. LaForesl: No. The only thing I want to make a comment on is the front
parking lot. We are waiting for the PRDA to ... they were
21166
supposed to make the changes in the last couple years, but it
slowed down. As soon as that's done and they define the
entrance to that parking lot, we will resurface the parking lot.
We just don't know exactly where it's going to go yet. So as
soon as that's done, we plan on resurfacing the lot.
Mr. Walsh:
Okay. Thank you. Are there any questions for the petitioner?
Mr. Piercecchi:
Sir, you're aware that in August of 1995 and in March of 2001
you were granted approval to do this?
Mr. LaForest:
Right.
Mr. Piercecchi:
What was the problem?
Mr. LaForest:
In '95, Commercial Lawnmower was up there and we were
trying to add on storage room for them, and they made the
decision to move down the street. In 2001, that was just
two
months before 9-11, and at that time, the new tenant
in there
was RSI and they needed more space. After 9-11, they put that
on hold because their business went south for awhile also. Now
they need the storage space, so we're going to gel it built finally.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Is this a sure go-ahead?
Mr. LaForest:
Its a sure go-ahead thing as soon as we get the final ...
Mr. Piercecchi:
Its not going to be three strikes and you're out?
Mr. LaForest:
No. I don't want to go through this again either or waste your
time. But yes, we're definitely going ahead as soon as we get
the final approvals.
Ms. Smiley:
I had just a couple questions. I saw your addendum to the
lease. For example, it says that no vehicle is to be parked or
left in the front of the building. It also says that there are to be
no vehicles stored on the properly. But then in here it says
there's five junk or inoperable unlicensed vehicles that are on
the site now. Is that your responsibility or is it his responsibility?
Mr. LaForest:
No. I check it out. There's occasionally a vehicle parked in
front overnight and that's generally for a pickup. I try to police
that going in every day. In the back of the building, as soon as
he has something that people aren't picking up, he has got to
wait a certain number of days before he can declare them
abandoned and have them lowed out of there, and he's been
21167
1. That the addition shall be for storage or warehouse space
only. No commercial use, including Multistate
Transmission, shall be permitted to expand into any part of
this addition;
2. That the Site and Landscape Plan marked Sheet SDA
dated February 22, 2001, as revised, prepared by G.A.V. &
Associates, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
3. Thatthe height of the planted trees shall be measured from
the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader;
4. That all disturbed lawn areas shall be sodded in lieu of
hydroseeding;
staying pretty much on the ball on that compared to the previous
fellow. I think you're aware of the problems we had with him,
but he has been pretty much on the ball in the getting rid of
these abandoned vehicles. The problem he has is, once he
makes the repairs, people are supposed to pick them up and he
tries to, as much as possible, get his money out of them before
he has them towed out. But he does have them towed out
regularly.
Ms. Smiley:
The letter from Alex Bishop says there's five junk and/or
inoperable unlicensed vehicles, so those can't be ....
Mr. LaForest:
I'll check that out. But he's supposed to have those towed and
disposed of. I'll check on that.
Ms. Smiley:
Thank you.
Mr. Walsh:
Any other questions? Is there anybody in the audience that
wishes to speak for or against this petition? Seeing no one, a
motion is in order.
On a motion by LaPine, seconded by Smiley, and unanimously adopted, it was
#0443-2004
RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that Petition 2004-03-08-05,
submitted by George LaForest, on behalf of Multistate
Transmission, requesting approval of all plans required by
Section 18.58 of the zoning ordinance in connection with a
proposal to construct a warehouse addition to the commercial
building located at 34957 Plymouth Road in the Northwest''/. of
Section 33, be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. That the addition shall be for storage or warehouse space
only. No commercial use, including Multistate
Transmission, shall be permitted to expand into any part of
this addition;
2. That the Site and Landscape Plan marked Sheet SDA
dated February 22, 2001, as revised, prepared by G.A.V. &
Associates, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
3. Thatthe height of the planted trees shall be measured from
the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader;
4. That all disturbed lawn areas shall be sodded in lieu of
hydroseeding;
21168
5. That underground sprinklers are to be provided for all
landscaped and sodded areas, and all planted materials
shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Inspection
Department and thereafter permanently maintained in a
healthy condition;
6. That the Exterior Building Elevation Plan marked Sheet A-1
dated March 21, 2001, as revised, prepared by G.A.V. &
Associates, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
7. That all rooftop mechanical equipment shall be concealed
from public view on all sides by screening that shall be of a
compatible character, material and color to other exterior
materials on the building;
8. That the three walls of the trash dumpster area shall be
constructed out of the same material used in the
construction of the building or in the event a poured wall is
substituted, the wall's design, texture and color shall match
that of the building, and the enclosure gates shall be
maintained and when not in use closed at all times;
9. That the petitioner shall secure the necessary storm water
management permits from Wayne County, the City of
Livonia, and/or the State of Michigan;
10. That all light fixtures shall not exceed 20 feet in height and
shall be aimed and shielded so as to minimize stray light
trespassing across property lines and glaring into adjacent
roadway;
11. That the petitioner shall correct to the Inspection
Department's satisfaction the following as outlined in the
correspondence dated April 19, 2004:
- That the junk and/or inoperable unlicensed vehicles
parked on the site at the west end shall be removed;
- That the rental equipment parked in the rear area shall
be removed;
- That the site's entire parking lot shall be repaired,
repaved, resealed and double striped;
21169
That all conditions of variance appeal case 2001-07-88
shall be conformed to;
12. That the petitioner shall correct to the Police Department's
satisfaction the following as outlined in the correspondence
dated March 23, 2004:
- That all handicap spaces shall be identified and comply
with the Michigan Barrier Free Code;
13. That no vehicles shall be left parked in front of the building
after business hours, weekends or holidays;
14. That no outdoor storage, placement or display of
merchandise, parts, tansmission, oil or any other type of
fluids shall be permitted at anytime;
15. That no signs, either freestanding or wall mounted, are
approved with this petition;
16. That no LED lighlband or exposed neon shall be permitted
on this site including, but not limited to, the building or
around the windows; and
17. That the specific plans referenced in this approving
resolution shall be submitted to the Inspection Department
at the time the building permits are applied for.
Mr. Piercecchi: Was everything covered adequately there?
Ms. Smiley: I wanted to see if it was all right with Mr. LaPlne ...
Mr. Piercecchi: I'll ask for a friendly amendment on that, Bill.
Mr. LaPlne: Okay. I removed the wrong sheet.
Mr. Piercecchi: That's okay. We need to include the Inspection Department's
report dated April 19, 2004.
Mr. Walsh: We have a friendly amendment on the floor. Is there support for
the amendment? Is there any discussion on the motion?
Mr. Morrow: I'd just like to make a comment to Mr. LaForest. It seems that
transmission repairs have a way of accumulating either derelict
cars or cars for a protracted period of time wailing to be picked
up, possibly because of the expensive repair. So, we would
21170
certainly look forward to you helping us police that as far as
keeping the turnover going and not having any unlicensed cars
or...
Mr. LaForesl: I definitely will. I think they've done a much better job and we'll
slay on it.
Mr. Morrow: I'm happy to hear that because like I say, it seems to go with
transmission shops, so it just takes a little effort on those
particular tenants.
Mr. LaForest: Well, I agree. I look at the one on Eight Mile and Middlebell, for
instance, they must have 50 cars out there, and that will not
happen.
Mr. Morrow: Well, those are mistakes we don't like to think about.
Mr. LaForesl: I own the building. I don't want that to happen.
Mr. Morrow: Thank you.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #2 PETITION 2004-03-08-06 NATIONAL CITY BANK
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2004-
03-08-06, submitted by Jonna Companies, on behalf of National
City Bank, requesting approval of all plans required by Section
18.58 of the zoning ordinance in connection with a proposal to
construct a bank on property located at 19450 Haggerty Road in
the Southwest % of Section 6.
Mr. Miller: The property involved in this request is a small OS zoned parcel
located on the east side of Haggerty Road, approximately 660
feet north of Seven Mile Road. The subject properly is 0.69
acres in area with 200 feel of frontage on Haggerty Road by a
depth of 150 feel. The property contains an existing building
that has been used for the offices of a consulting engineer. The
north, east, and south boundaries of the parcel adjoin a major
development, zoned C-2, known as the Pentagon Entertainment
Campus. The petitioner is requesting approval to construct a
National City Bank with four drive -up window lanes. The
proposed bank would be one-story in height and 3,529 square
21171
feet in size. It would be setback 44.9 feet from Haggerty Road,
which complies with the 40 fool front yard setback requirement
for a building in an OS district. The bank's drive-thm service
would be located on the north side of the building and would
have four lanes. Each drive-thru lane would allow stacking of at
lead four vehicles. ATM banking would be available in the lane
closest to the building. An enclosed trash dumpster area is not
shown on the site plan. The majority of the parking for the bank
would be available on the south side of the building. The plan,
which integrates the parking for the bank with the parking at the
entertainment complex, results in surplus parking. Nineteen
parking spaces are required, and they are providing 44 spaces.
Required landscaping is not less than 15% of the total site, and
they are providing 20% landscaping. The bank would be
constructed out of brick on all four sides. A 1% fool band of
precast concrete would run along the entire base of the building.
The support columns of the drive-thm canopy would be
constructed out of the same brick and precast concrete
materials as the building. The archways framing the front
entrance of the bank would be made out of limestone panels.
The windows of the building would have limestone sills.
Standing seam metal roofs would lop the building and drive-lhru
canopy. A sign package has been submitted. The petitioner is
requesting approval for two wall signs and a ground sign. All
signage would be internally illuminated. According to the site
plan, the proposed monument sign would be located
approximately 35 feet north of the entrance drive off Haggerty
Road in an area that is currently a part of the Pentagon Campus
property. Because the proposed signage is in excess of what is
allowed by the sign ordinance, a variance from the Zoning
Board of Appeals would be required.
Mr. Walsh: Is there any correspondence?
Mr. Taormina: There are four items of correspondence. The first item is from
the Engineering Division, dated March 23, 2004, which reads as
follows: "Pursuant to yourrequest, the Engineering Division has
reviewed the above -referenced petition. We have no objections
to the proposal at this time. No additional right-of-way dedication
is required at this time. There is approximately nine feet of
grade difference between the existing pavement on the east
side of the site and the sidewalk along Haggerty Road. This
may require the construction of a short landscaping retaining
wall along the Haggerty Road side of the project to permit easy
maintenance of the landscaped area between the sidewalk and
the site pavement." The letter is signed by Robert J. Schron,
21172
P.E., City Engineer. The second letter is from the Livonia Fire &
Rescue Division, dated April 5, 2004, which reads as follows:
"This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in connection
with a request to construct a bank on property located on
property located at the above -referenced address. We have no
objections to this proposal." The letter is signed by Randall D.
Tromblay, Fire Marshal. The third letter is from the Division of
Police, dated March 23, 2004, which reads as follows: We
have reviewed the proposed plans in regards to the proposal to
construct a bank on property located at 19450 Haggerty. We
have no objections to the plan as submitted. We recommend
the installation of a stop sign for vehicles exiting the property
onto the access drive." The letter is signed by Wesley McKee,
Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The fourth letter is from the
Inspection Department, dated April 14, 2004, which reads as
follows: "Pursuant to your request of March 18, 2004, the
above -referenced petition has been reviewed. The following is
noted. (1) This site will need a cross parking agreement for the
off property parking to the south. (2) The proposed signage on
this site will require the following variances from the Zoning
Board of Appeals: (a) Excess number of wall signs - three
proposed, one allowed. (b) This site would be allowed
approximately 62 square feet of wall signage on one wall. Any
other walls would be excess square footage. (c) The monument
sign for excessive height and excessive square footage. 6 -foot
height allowed, 7 -foot height proposed. 30 square foot signage
allowed, 32.9 square feet signage proposed. This Department
has no further objections to the petition." The letter is signed by
Alex Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent
of the correspondence.
Mr. Walsh: Are there any questions from the Commissioners for staff?
Mr. LaPine: The Inspection Department says the site would be allowed
approximately 62 square feet of wall signage on one wall. Is
that right, Mark?
Mr. Taormina: I think they're actually referencing what would be required for a
commercial facility. Mr. Miller's report indicated the proper
signage, which is 16 square feel.
Mr. LaPine: Okay. That's what I was going to ask because I think at the last
meeting we talked about 16 feel. If that was correct, then they
could have three wall signs, if the ZBA gave it to them, at 20
square feet each. That would give them 60 square feet, which
21173
Mr. Frank Jonna, Jonna Companies, 26100 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan
48034. Thank you very much for having us here tonight. I have
with me tonight representatives of the architectural firm and
National City that can address some specifics about the building
and their signage program. I did want to clarify the issue of
cross easements. What we are proposing is that this site will
become part of a condominium. Currently, the method of
ownership in the Pentagon Entertainment Complex is a site
condominium. This site would be integrated into that and be
part of the condominium which would, in essence, give it access
would be close to the 62 square feet, but I thought it was 16.
Okay. That answers my question. Thank you.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Mr. Taormina, when did three signs get inlolhe picture?
Mr. Taormina:
I'm not sure if the Inspection Department was including the one
other sign that may have been shown on the elevation plans
that we did not consider as signage. Maybe Mr. Miller knows
the answer to that question. We're looking at the elevation
plans right now.
Mr. Miller:
The only other sign that they have is the ATM sign. They might
be counting that. We count that as a directional sign.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Because when we looked aphis, I remember in studylhere was
a sign on the west wall, 20 square feet, and a sign on the south
wall for 20 square feel. And there's a choice, of course,
between that and the monument, and it appeared that, in lieu of
other signage in that area, that the two wall signs appeared
appropriate, but I was wondering when the third one came in.
That was my original question. But as far as we're concerned,
we're still functioning under the west and south when we referlo
the documentation here?
Mr. Miller:
Yes. That's past practice when they have an ATM sign or an
enter/exitsign. We don't count those as signs.
Mr. Piercecchi:
So we're still talking about the west and the south?
Mr. Miller:
Yes.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Okay. Thankyou.
Mr. Walsh:
Any other questions for the staff? Mr. Jorma, do you care lojoin
us?
Mr. Frank Jonna, Jonna Companies, 26100 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan
48034. Thank you very much for having us here tonight. I have
with me tonight representatives of the architectural firm and
National City that can address some specifics about the building
and their signage program. I did want to clarify the issue of
cross easements. What we are proposing is that this site will
become part of a condominium. Currently, the method of
ownership in the Pentagon Entertainment Complex is a site
condominium. This site would be integrated into that and be
part of the condominium which would, in essence, give it access
21174
to utilities, site lighting, common landscaping, all the walks. This
was an integral part of this proposal and that is something that
we're currently working on - an amendment to bring this project
into the condominium. Also with respect to the retaining wall,
we've done some civil engineering and we do believe there will
be a need for a retaining wall. We will provide that along
Haggerty Road frontage. I think one of the keys also to this is
the complete removal of the existing structure, removal of the
existing driveway, and all the traffic patterns will flow through the
entertainment complex and allow access to all the members of
the condominium. There's cross parking. We feel this is a great
ft for this site because of the opportunity to have the peak
parking needs of the uses vary. Al night when the bank is
closed, that parking space will be available to theater -goers,
restaurateurs, whatever.
Mr. LaPine:
Mr. Jonna, one question. Now that you have established that
the retaining wall has to go along Haggerty, what will that wall
be? Will it be poured concrete? Will it be a brick wall? Will it
be a block wall? Will it be boulders? How will it be done?
Mr. Jonna:
We currently have some boulders that are retaining this site
from our Pentagon site on the north and east side of this site.
Our hope is to salvage that material and create it out of the
natural boulders.
Mr. LaPine:
Thank you.
Mr. Walsh:
Any other questions?
Mr. Morrow:
The question I have is primarily for the bank people. I asked at
the study session to the architect what the disposition of their
bank up at Six Mile and Haggerty would be. Would that be
vacated in preference to this place?
Lincoln Lewis,
National City Bank. I'm a Senior Vice President based in
Kalamazoo, Michigan. I'm here to answer your questions
regarding any operational issues. I didn't hear the question.
Mr. Morrow:
Currently you have a bank at Six Mile and Haggerty. My
question was, will you vacate that and move to this new location
or will you have both locations going?
Mr. Lewis:
We actually have two facilities in Livonia right now, one at Eight
Mile and Farmington and at Six Mile and Haggerty. Both are
leased locations and our lease at Six Mile and Haggerty is up
21175
next year. We haven't really made a decision yet but I think,
based on this prototype being built on the Jonna property, it
delivers the new systems that we like, the look we want and it's
a free-standing facility as opposed to one that's part of an office
building. So we think it's a better facility for our customers and
our employees, so it's likely that it would be closed, but that
decision is notfinal.
Mr. Morrow:
Okay. Thankyou.
Mr. Lewis:
Are there any questions about the bank?
Mr. Walsh:
Any questions? Okay, thank you, sir. Why don't we have the
architect come up and address the building for a few minutes?
Tony Burgoyne, GPD Associates, 520 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44311.
Just a few additional comments. A slop sign on the south
ingress/egress access drive will be added to the site plan
pursuant to the Police Department's request. The only other
question that I had about the signage requirements is, 64
square feel of wall signage is required for one wall. Is that
correct?
Mr. Taormina:
The limitation would be 16 square feel on the front of the
building, which would be that side facing Haggerty Road.
Mr. Burgoyne:
So additional signs for additional facades would require
variances?
Mr. Taormina:
Correct.
Mr. Burgoyne:
Our total square foot of package for wall signs is 60 square feel.
That would include three signs, one on the west side, one on
the south side and one on the east side. This is pursuant to the
study meeting we had in lieu offoregoing a monumenlsign. We
would request a variance for two wall signs and comply with the
requirements of the City for one wall sign.
Mr. LaPine:
What would happen here, all we can approve tonight is the
conforming sign, which is one sign, which is actually 16 square
feel. You can go to the ZBA and request two additional signs.
We'll give you three signs at 60 square feet, then you can make
all three signs 20 square feel. But right tonight, you're only
going to get approval for one sign.
Mr. Burgoyne:
For one sign?
21176
Mr. LaPine:
Then you have to file your appeal to the ZBA.
Mr. Shane:
I was just reading the conditions of approval. Item 13 says that
we would be approving only the wall sign and Item 14 says that
the approval is subject to the petitioner being granted a variance
form the Zoning Board of Appeals. That leaves me to believe
that we're talking about more than one wall sign. That's the way
I remember it. I don't know if it's two or three.
Mr. Burgoyne:
In our study meeting discussions, we increased it to three. It
was originally two on our site plan package.
Mr. Shane:
I was under the impression, at least I voiced my opinion at the
time, three wall signs is fine with me. You can't see them all at
once anyways.
Mr. LaPine:
I don't have any problem with three signs, but I think he has to
go to the ZBA to gel the variance.
Mr. Shane:
Oh, yeah. I agree.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Shane's question is to the language in Item 14 and Item 13.
Mr. Morrow:
If I'm following this correctly, you could be approved for two
signs tonight - one on the ground and one on the building. Is
that correct?
Mr. Walsh:
No, we're only able to approve one.
Mr. Morrow:
So what I'm saying, if you go in lieu of the ground sign, can you
have two on the building even though they exceed the square
footage?
Mr. Walsh:
We wouldn't be able to grant that. They would still have to go to
the ZBA.
Mr. Morrow:
So just one sign is all we can approve?
Mr. Piercecchi:
I don't agree with this logic here. There's no reason why we
can't approve two wall signs, which was the original package,
and then it has to be concurred on by the Zoning Board of
Appeals. We are just really recommending it. We've done this
many times. Its only rare that we just pass conforming signage.
We've done this many, many times in the past.
21177
Mr. Shane:
Mr. Chairman, that was my point. If we only approve the sign
that's permitted, then you don't need Item 14. If we do what I
thought we were going to do, we need Item 14.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Whalshould be in Item 14, if I may, is that the subject approval
of signage here, which is 20 square feel of signs located on the
west and the south is hereby approved
on the condition of a
variance being granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. Shane:
You could combine Item 13 and Item 14 together somehow.
Mr. Piercecchi:
That's the way we've done it in the past.
Mr. LaPine:
Mr. Chairman, if that's the case, and they want three signs, I
have no problem with the three signs. Let's go ahead and say
we'll give them three signs and let them go to the ZBA. If the
ZBA approves it, they approve it. Why slick with two?
Mr. Piercecchi:
Fine.
Mr. LaPine:
Just go ahead and give them the three signs with the
understanding ...
Mr. Walsh:
We'd have to change Item 13.
Mr.Shane:
Right.
Mr. LaPine:
With the understanding that there will be no free standing sign.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Yes, that's fine.
Mr. Walsh:
How does that sound?
Mr. Burgoyne:
That's sounds exactly what we talked about the in the study
meeting. Just to address the square footage of the sign, you
said 16 square feel would be the maximum square fool for a
wall sign?
Mr. Walsh:
That's correct.
Mr. Burgoyne:
We can shrink our lettering sign on the facades of our building
to meetlhalsquare footage requirement.
Mr. Walsh:
I think that's meaningful as we work towards a conclusion.
You're going to probably need to discuss that further with the
ZBA. I think what we're going to lel you leave with tonight, and I
21178
expect the votes will follow the discussion, you're going to leave
with a sign package for three wall signs tonight. And then our
approving resolution will be subject to the ZBA's action and
that's where you're going to gel into the nilly gritty of the exact
square footage.
Mr. LaPine:
Mr. Chairman, I think what we can do, we can approve three
wall signs not to exceed a total of 60 square feel, and the ZBA
can allow the three at 20 or if they want to knock them down to
16 or whatever, they can do it, as long as they don't exceed a
total of 60 square feel.
Mr. Walsh:
I think that's a good suggestion.
Mr. Morrow:
If they knock it down to 16 square feel, then we get three times
that. What if we approve the 16 and if he wants 20, he takes it
to the ZBA?
Mr. Piercecchi:
I think, Mr. Chairman, ilwould be prudent ifwe Ieftthe numbers
of square footage off the approval and let them carry the ball.
Mr. Walsh:
We have a couple suggestions on square footage, but Mr.
Piercecchi, I think,
just to move this along, I think your
suggestion might be
the best only because we will leave that
detail to the ZBA. They'll have access to our record and we'll
certainly have an opportunity to speak with them, and we will
convey to them your comments this evening. We'll lel you work
with them on that.
Mr. LaPine:
Mr. Chairman, it's not acceptable to me because then we're
giving power to the ZBA that I really think is our power to set the
square footage that we want. The ZBA can say the number of
signs they can have. They can tum us down. The ordinance
says only one sign and they can put one sign at 60 square feel
in reality. I would just as soon give them the 60 square feel or if
you want to say 16 times 3, which is 48, 1 have no problem with
that. But I think we should set the standard here.
Mr. Walsh:
Will you commit to 48 square feet in total for the three signs?
Mr. Burgoyne:
National City Bank would prefer to go with the 20 square fool,
60 square feel total in a signage package. We would be willing
to concede to that, but again, I'd like it on record that we would
prefer the 20 square foot size.
21179
Mr. Walsh:
To move along, let's make sure we have any other questions
answered, and let's see what resolutons percolate from our
discussions this evening. Are there any other questions for the
petitioner?
Mr. Taormina:
I wasn't clear as to the type of retaining wall that was proposed
along the west side.
Mr. Burgoyne:
The design is in the process, right now, obviously, but from what
we understand, they're trying to use the existing boulders on
site to create this one to six fool retaining wall along the west
side of the site. Mr. Jonna could probably answer the questions
about that better than I could.
Mr. Taormina:
The reason I raise that, Mr. Chairman, is only to get a sense of
what the height is going to be and what that grade separation is
going to be adjacent to the sidewalk. This is just to alert the
petitioner and its designers of the possible need for some kind
of a protective barricade adjacent to the sidewalk, but it sounds
like it may not be necessary if you retain a one on six slope
adjacent to that area.
Mr. Burgoyne:
F�aclly. We do maintain a nice slope from the south side of the
site where the retaining wall will be needed. There will be a
drop but no more than six feel.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Jonna?
Mr. Jorma:
If I may add, Mark, the other thing when previous development
put a new approach in, they swung the sidewalk toward the
building. When we remove that approach, there was something
the County asked them to do about that. We'll straightened that
out so we can get the pedestrians further away. Our hope
would be to have a minimum of three to four feel of flat area
adjacent to the sidewalk, start the slope down, set the wall back
a couple of feet off the back curb, which should provide a pretty
safe situation, similar to the condition up near Bahama Breeze,
but we would use the boulders as the method of retaining.
Mr. Taormina:
I think that would work, especially if the sidewalk is realigned in
that area. It would provide greater separation so there wouldn't
be a concern over safety as much as there would be if that
boulder edge was immediately adjacentto the sidewalk.
Mr. Piercecchi:
In reference to the motion that was prepared, the sign package
submitted on March 17 was for two wall signs and one
21180
monument. The motion scrubs the monument sign so there
would be no free-standing idenlifcation. My question, Mr.
Chairman, is should March 17 be changed to a new date which
represents the three signs?
Mr. Walsh:
Clearly, whoever offers the motion is going to have to amend
Item 13 to achieve what we discussed this evening.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Okay. Is there a specific date? This is submitted by these
people on March 17, so that would be changed to April 20?
Mr. Walsh:
Mark, do we have in our possession an updated site plan?
Mr. Taormina:
I'm not sure that we have a plan that shows the three wall signs,
so we'll have to just eliminate any reference to a sign package.
Instead, the Planning Commission would just approve the three
wall signs not to exceed whatever square footage is agreed
upon. That language could substitute the language in Item 13.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any other questions from the petitioners? Hearing
none, is there anybody in the audience wishing to speak for or
against this petition? Seeing no one, is there anything the
petitioner would like to add?
Mr. Jorma:
No, just thank you for having us here this evening.
Mr. Walsh:
A motion is in order.
On a motion by Piercecchi, seconded by Morrow, and unanimously adopted, it
was
#04-44-2004
RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that Petition 2004-03-08-06,
submitted by Jonna Companies, on behalf of National City
Bank, requesting approval of all plans required by Section 18.58
of the Zoning Ordinance in connection with a proposal to
construct a bank on property located at 19450 Haggerty Road in
the Southwest I/ of Section 6, be approved subject to the
following conditions:
1. That the Site Plan marked Sheet C2 dated March 11,
2004, prepared by GPD Associates, is hereby approved
and shall be adhered to;
2. That appropriate recordable legal instrumentation, such as
a cross parking agreement, that gives notice and outlines
21181
the terms of how the subject property(s) would share
parking, be supplied to the City;
3. That the Landscape Plan marked Sheet Ll dated March
11, 2004, prepared by GPD Associates, is hereby
approved and shall be adhered to;
4. Thalthe height of the planted trees shall be measured from
the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader;
5. That all disturbed lawn areas shall be sodded in lieu of
hydroseeding;
6. That underground sprinklers are to be provided for all
landscaped and sodded areas, and all planted materials
shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Inspection
Department and thereafter permanently maintained in a
healthy condition;
7. That the Exterior Building Elevation Plan marked Sheet
A200 dated March 1, 2004, as revised, prepared by GPD
Associates, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
8. That the brick used in the construction shall be full face 4
inch brick, or in the case a precast concrete system is
used, it shall meet ASTM C216 standards;
9. That all rooftop mechanical equipment shall be concealed
from public view on all sides by screening that shall be of a
compatible character, material and color to other exterior
materials on the building;
10. That the three walls of the trash dumpster area shall be
constructed out of the same brick used in the construction
of the building or in the event a poured wall is substituted,
the wall's design, texture and color shall match that of the
building, and the enclosure gales shall be maintained and
when not in use closed at all limes;
11. That the petitioner shall secure the necessary storm water
management permits from Wayne County, the City of
Livonia, and/or the Stale of Michigan;
12. That all light fixtures shall not exceed 20 feet in height and
shall be aimed and shielded so as to minimize stray light
21102
trespassing across property lines and glaring into adjacent
roadway;
13. That three wall signs, not to exceed a combined total of 60
square feet, is hereby approved; further, this site shall not
be permitted a freestanding identification sign;
14. That this approval is subject to the petitioner being granted
a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for excess
signage and any conditions related thereto;
15. That no LED lighlband or exposed neon shall be permitted
on this site including, but not limited to, the building or
around the windows;
16. That any additional signage shall come back before the
Planning Commission and City Council for their review and
approval; and
17. That the specific plans referenced in this approving
resolution shall be submitted to the Inspection Department
at the time the building permits are applied for.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there any discussion?
Mr. LaPine:
So we're saying in Item 13, we're going to allow the three signs.
Is that correct?
Mr. Walsh:
Correct.
Mr. LaPine:
But we're not giving any square footage for the three signs?
Mr. Walsh:
It was not provided in the motion, so do you want to suggest
that as an amendment?
Mr. LaPine:
I prefer to have it, but if the other members feel comfortable with
it, I wouldn't fight it. But I would feel more comfortable if we said
not to exceed 60 square feel for the three signs.
Mr. Shane:
I would concur with that. I would like to see the 60 square feel.
Mr. Walsh:
So I will accept that as a motion of amendment and support.
Mr. Piercecchi:
I accept the friendly amendment so you won't have to go
through any motions.
21183
Mr. Walsh:
Okay, we will add that in Item 13. Is there any further
discussion?
Mr. Piercecchi:
I'd like to make a comment to the people here that are putting
this bank up. I am very pleased that this is the structure that is
going there. Originally, there were a couple of companies that
were supposedly thinking about moving in there, and neither of
them would have had an access off of Haggerty Road. And I
know I speak for the majority of the members of the Planning
Commission that this is a safety item that we were hoping could
be avoided, and I personally am delighted that you people will
not access onto Haggerty Road and will eliminate that safety
problem.
Mr. Jorma :
I appreciate your comments.
Mr. Walsh:
I'd also like to thank the Jonna Company for slicking with us.
This is about a seven or eight year project.
Mr. Jorma :
I didn't have any grandchildren when this started, now I do.
Mr. Walsh:
We're pleased that it is going to be part of complex and thank
you for your patience.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #3 PETITION 2004-03-08-07 ADVANCED AUTO WASH
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2004-
03-08-07, submitted by Gallagher Group, on behalf of Advanced
Auto Wash, requesting approval of all plans required by Section
18.47 of the zoning ordinance in connection with a proposal to
renovate the exterior of the car wash located at 29100 Seven
Mile Road in the Southwest % of Section 1.
Mr. Miller: The petitioner is requesting approval to renovate the exterior of
the existing car wash located on the north side of Seven Mile
Road between Middlebelt Road and Parkville Avenue. The
existing car wash is a painted while brick building containing a
flat roof. The only distinguishing feature is a brightly colored
vinyl awning that runs around the front and east elevations of
the building. A new multi -gabled roof would increase the height
21164
of the building from about 13 feet to approximately 34 feel.
Some of the new architectural elements would include roof
dormers, louver screening, glass blocks, aluminum trim on the
fascia, and a shingled roof. A fully funclional clock would be
integrated into the design on the front (south) elevation. EIFS
panels would infill the peak areas of the roof. New glass
overhead doors would be installed at the entrance of the car
wash, which is on the north side (rear) of the building, and the
three exit doors on the south side (front) of the building. The
site plan shows that the existing small building (pay booth) just
east of the car wash would be removed. Additional landscaping
would be established on the site and some of the existing
landscape areas would be replanted. Towards the rear of the
building there is presently a striped asphalt area that outlines
one side of the stacking lane and helps direct vehicles to the
entrance of the car wash. The landscape plan shows a new
landscape area developed in this unused space. New
foundation landscaping would be planted along the east side of
the building. The existing areas out in front of the car wash,
between the two drives off Seven Mile Road and east of the
easterly drive, would be reestablished with new plantings.
Required landscaping is not less than 15% of the total site, and
they are providing 22% landscaping.
Mr. Walsh: Mr. Taormina, is there any correspondence?
Mr. Taormina: There are four items of correspondence. The first item is from
the Engineering Division, dated April 2, 2004, which reads as
follows: "Pursuant to yourrequest, the Engineering Division has
reviewed the above -referenced petition. We have no objections
to the proposal at this time. Additional right-of-way is not
required. The legal descriptions provided with the application
are correct except that the phrase Liber 60 in the description of
parcel 1 should be Liber 66." The letter is signed by Robert J.
Schron, P.E., City Engineer. The second letter is from the
Livonia Fire & Rescue Division, dated April 5, which reads as
follows: "This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in
connection with a request to renovate the exterior of the car
wash located at 29100 Seven Mile Road on property located at
the above referenced address. We have no objections to this
proposal." The letter is signed by Randall D. Tromblay, Fire
Marshal. The third letter is from the Division of Police, dated
April 16, 2004, which reads as follows: "We have reviewed the
plans in connection with a proposal to renovate the exterior of
the car wash located at 29100 Seven Mile Road. We
recommend that a stop sign be installed at the sidewalk for
21185
vehicles exiting the business. Please remind the petitioners that
the handicap parking space must be individually posted." The
letter is signed by Wesley McKee, Sergeant, Traffic Bureau.
The fourth letter is from the Inspection Department, dated April
13, 2004, which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request of
March 24, 2004, the above -referenced petition has been
reviewed. The following is noted. (1) The Flagpole is not
correctly located on either the existing site plan orproposed site
plan. It currently exists at a permitted location near the
southeast corner of the main building. Azoning variance would
be required to locate it any closer to the property line. (2) An
unused dumpster enclosure is currently existing on the east end
of the back building and is not noted on the site plan. (3) The
concrete paving of the site needs clean up repair and
maintenance. Several areas may need to be replaced or top
coated. (4) The areas behind the north building and west of the
main building need to be cleaned up. (5) No signage has been
reviewed." The letter is signed by Alex Bishop, Assistant
Director of Inspection. That is the extent of the correspondence.
Mr. Walsh: Are there any questions from the Commissioners? Is the
petitioner here this evening?
Mr. Richard Gallagher, Gallagher Group, 27476 Five Mile, Livonia, Michigan
48152. Good evening. A lot of things have happened since we
put this package together. Last year, Seven Mile was pretty
well tore up and everybody knows about that. They lost a lot of
business over this, and we're trying to get financing, and the
financial statement does not look very promising for this project
basically because of what happened last year. He might be
selling this property, not because he wants to but because that's
just the way it is. But the people that are interested in
purchasing this properly are interested in what we are doing.
Okay? I didn't go ahead with color renderings and the whole
nine yards like you guys like to see, but I do have photographs
of copies of the colors that we will use. We would like to gel
your blessing on everything we're talking about doing right now,
and there's a lot of things that have to be done on that site,
which we're aware of that Mark has just brought up in his letter
from different things, but it has not been a picnic over there.
Nobody says, hey, we're sorry your business has been
interrupted but your taxes still go on. There's a lot of things that
happened to a lot of businesses on Seven Mile that are not very
favorable to some of the people on that road. But in any event,
we would like to proceed with this, get your blessing on what
we're doing because if it does get sold to somebody else,
21186
they're probably going to want to do what we're proposing to do
here because somebody has already brought that up. Now the
way I look at this, two things can happen now. We can gel your
blessing. I'd like to postpone our Council setup until a future
dale, but I would like to gel this behind us either plus or minus
or whatever which way we want to look at it, but I would like to
drop off these photographs for your files of the colors we want to
use on this, if that's okay with you people.
Mr. Walsh: If you would pass that on to Mark, he will pass it around.
Actually start with Mr. Morrow. Are there any comments or
questions from the Commissioners? Ms. Smiley asked if we
can proceed. We do have a valid petition before us submitted
by the property owner. What Mr. Gallagher has done is simply
informed us of a potential future event, so we have a valid
petition before us for consideration. How that affects your vote,
though, is up to you. Mr. Shane?
Mr. Shane:
Mr. Gallagher, do you have any feel for timing on this thing?
Mr. Gallagher:
It would be nice if I could really hear well, you know. I can hear
you perfectly on television.
Mr. Shane:
Assuming that we give you a blessing tonight, you said you
would hold off going to the Council. Do you have any feel for
how long that would be?
Mr. Gallagher:
Well, just hold them off for maybe a month or two, but I know
this moves right on to Council as soon as we're through here,
generally. We want to make sure everything is flying, so I don't
want to waste anybody's time.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Gallagher, we don't control the Council's calendar. If we do
approve this, you would have to confer with the Council
secretary and Mr. Taylor to determine whether or not they are
willing to hold up the consideration of the item. We don't have
the ability to control their calendar, so if we pass it, it leaves our
hands under the normal and ordinary course and it would be
scheduled unless Mr. Taylor agrees otherwise. So that would
be something you'd have to address with them. Now, I'm
curious, if my colleagues will permit me to ask this question:
What about tabling this item until you have a buyer in hand.
Mr. Gallagher:
I'm sorry?
21107
Mr. Walsh:
If we table it until you have a buyer in hand, is that meaningful to
you?
Mr. Gallagher:
We can table it if you want to.
Mr. Walsh:
Its up to you.
Mr. Gallagher:
I would rather it pass now with you guys if we can, and just
postpone it with Council. I mean, why bother you people twice?
Mr. Walsh:
Because we have a role in the process, we would like the
definitive information before us before we act. And I'm really
speaking without conferring with my colleagues, but I think we're
in a very speculative area here. I suspect that makes some of
us a little nervous, I for one.
Mr. Gallagher:
Okay.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Shane?
Mr. Shane:
That's kind of where I was leading when I was asking him how
long it might be. If it's going to be a few weeks, that's one thing,
but a lot of things can change when property changes hands.
I'd feel more comfortable talking to the new owner if the property
is going to be sold. There might be even a different package
than you have here. So that's my feeling at this point.
Mr. Gallagher:
Okay.
Mr. Morrow:
Mr. Walsh, I concur with you. Il sounds like it's remote that the
current property owner will move forward with this and they will
probably move forward when a new property owner comes into
the picture. Al that time, we can deal with the specifics and
possibly approve plans that may change quite dramatically. So
I would concur with the tabling resolution.
Mr. LaPine:
I agree with you 100 percent, Mr. Chairman. When we originally
looked at these plans, we liked them. It was upgrading what's
there now. The problem is, I think I'm approving what I see
here. Once we approve these plans and they go on to Council,
we basically lose control because the Council could revise the
new plans and we would have no say in this. Unless there's a
real dire need for us to go ahead and approve this, I don't see
any reason why tabling would hurt you. It wouldn't hurt the sale
of the property, and as Mr. Morrow brought up, the new owner
may come in with a whole new project, a whole different design.
21188
We could approve one design and the Council could approve
something else, and all of sudden there's a design we didn't
approve.
Mr. Gallagher: Okay, then, if we want to table this, we can table this.
Mike Ivanovski, 25644 Tireman, Dearborn Heights, Michigan. The guy that's
looking at this properly has already looked at these plans and
he loves them. So if we wail now, in two months when he goes
to buy the properly, it's going to be loo Tale to go through all the
site plan approvals because it will be wintertime and nobody
builds in the wintertime. But he's already looked at all these
drawings. Otherwise I never would have told him to come here
and go ahead and gel this approved.
Mr. Walsh: I appreciate the circumstances that were described to us, but it's
still speculative. The potential purchaser is only potential, and
he's not here this evening to hear our comments or for him to
convey what his vision is. Sir, I'm anticipating a tabling
resolution, but what I can give you is a commitment between
this body and our staff to find the quickest dale available when
he's ready to be here and you have a signed purchase
agreement. I think we would be more comfortable moving
forward al that point. The best I think we can do is give you that
commitment that we will schedule you as quickly as possible.
The other problem here is, even if we went along with the
suggestion and approved it tonight, I'm not so sure that the
Council is going to buy our actions. Tonight we have no chance
to confer with Mr. Taylor or his colleagues as to whether or not
they're willing to put the brakes on their own process. So there
are more questions here than answers. I'm not trying to belittle
your concern. I understand it. The best I think we can do as a
body is agree with you that we will schedule it as quickly as
possible when you have the purchase agreement in hand and
he's ready to move forward.
Mr. Ivanovski: Well, Tel's say this deal closes in two months. How long is it
going to lake to gel it approved from there?
Mr. Walsh: Depending on what our schedule looks like, we can have you on
within a week or two. If we're lucky, I think we can look ahead a
little bit. Ask Mr. Gallagher to keep in touch with Mr. Taormina,
and he could certainly keep him informed at what our schedule
looks like. A month would probably be the worst case scenario.
The pipeline isn't so clogged that we can't squeeze you in faster
than that.
21189
Mr. Piercecchi:
Mr. Chairman, if time is a problem, we could always schedule a
special meeting.
Mr. Walsh:
Correct. Mr. Piercecchi indicated a willingness, and we'd all
have to be willing to do it, but we could schedule a special
meeting if we had to. We will work with you to keep this moving.
You're going to end up with a tabling resolution anyways.
That's going to be my prediction. All we can agree to is we will
schedule you as quickly as possible so that you can move
forward when you have a purchaser.
Mr. LaPine:
We also shouldn't mislead the petitioner. We can rush this
through as much as we want. We can give it a seven day
waiver for that matter. But it's the Council that could hold it up;
it could be six weeks before they gel on an agenda, so we don't
want to mislead you.
Mr. Walsh:
That's a good point.
Mr. LaPine:
It could be anywhere from a month, two months to three
months. We can do our part. If all the members agree, we can
waive the wailing period Council can get you on the agenda
ahead of time, that's fine. But they may be jammed up because
we're gelling into that time of the year when there's going to be
a lot of business and the Council's going to be busy and
possibly it's going to be later. So I don't want to mislead you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Walsh: That's a good point.
Mr. Ivanovski: You know what? This would have never happened but the way
those guys were going last year on Seven Mile. It look them
eight and half months for a one mile stretch of road. I walked
past the guys that were doing the work. I had regular clothes
on; I didn't have my shirt on. They're silting there arguing about
their boss and how much money he's making off the job and
what they're making. That was their only job lineup for the
summer, so they said, kick back and take your time. They'd
work for five minutes and take an hour break.
Mr. Walsh: Well, sir, we're unable to address that. That wouldn't be our
responsibility. We wouldn't have the ability to investigate that or
acknowledge it.
21190
Mr. Ivanovski: But see, you know, what government workers are like. They
don't look at the domino effect hal it lakes on other people,
other businesses. The poorguy lost his Schwinn bicycle shop.
The guy next to me, he lost his restaurant. There's a new guy in
there now. He's been in there five months.
Mr. Walsh: Sir, I've indicated that we've heard the concerns and we
understand them. The best that we can do is agree with you
that we will schedule the item as quickly as possible when you
have a purchaser in hand. You've heard the comments from
virtually all of us. There's not a willingness here to consider the
item in the absence of the assurance that its going to move
forward as brought forward. Are there any other questions or
comments? Hearing none, a motion is in order.
On a motion by Shane, seconded by Smiley, and unanimously adopted, it was
#0445-2004 RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend that Petition 2004-03-08-07, submitted by
Gallagher Group, on behalf of Advanced Auto Wash, requesting
approval of all plans required by Section 18.47 of the zoning
ordinance in connection with a proposal to renovate the exterior
of the car wash located at 29100 Seven Mile Road in the
Southwest''/. of Section 1, be tabled.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. We will reschedule this upon notification from the
petitioner through Mr. Taormina.
ITEM #4 PETITION 2003-09-08-26 HUNTER'S PARK
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2003-
09-08-26, submitted by Spalding Properties, on behalf of
Hunters Park Estate Site Condominiums, requesting approval
for an entrance marker for the condominium development
located on the south side of Plymouth Road between Newburgh
Road and Eckles Road in the Southeast''/. of Section 30.
Mr. Miller: Hunters Park is a 29 unit site condominium development that
was approved in November 19, 2003. This site is located on the
south side of Plymouth Road between Newburgh and Eckles.
As part of the approval of the Master Deed and Bylaws, it was
conditioned: "That an entrance marker application shall be
submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council fortheir
review and approval" In compliance with the above-mentioned
21191
condition, an application for a conforming entrance marker has
been submitted. The sign would be located on the west side of
the development's road off Plymouth Road. One entranceway
sign is permitted under Section 18.50E, which is what they are
proposing. As required, the sign would be constructed out of
natural materials. The nameplate would be created out of
limestone with metal letters. The base or platform would be
natural stone with a limestone pier cap. The sign would not be
internally illuminated but is permitted to be ground lighted.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there any correspondence?
Mr. Taormina:
There is one item of correspondence from the Inspection
Department, dated April 13, 2004, which reads as follows:
"Pursuant to your request of March 18, 2004, the above -
referenced petition has been reviewed. The following is noted.
(1) The total sign area may not exceed 20 square feet. (2) The
sign must be 10 feet away from all property lines including the
east property line of 37865 Plymouth Road. This Department
has no further objections to this petition." The letter is signed by
Alex Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent
of the correspondence.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any questions for the staff? Hearing none, would the
petitioner please join us?
Craig Corbell, 3941 Telegraph Road. I'm here on behalf of Hunter's Park Estates
Condominium.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there anything you'd like to add to Scott's presentation.
Mr. Corbell:
Not at this time.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any questions from the Commissioners? Hearing
none, is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak for
or against this petition? Seeing no one, a motion is in order.
On a motion by
Shane, seconded by LaPine, and unanimously adopted, it was
#04-46-2004
RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend that the request for approval for an entrance
marker, submitted by Spalding Properties, on behalf of Hunters
Park Estates Site Condominiums in connection with Petition
2003-09-08-26, which previously received site plan approval by
the City Council on November 19, 2003 (Council Resolution
#612-03) for the condominium development located on the
21192
south side of Plymouth Road between Newburgh Road and
Eckles Road in the Southeast'''/ of Section 30, be approved
subject to the following conditions:
1. That the Entrance Marker illustrated on the plan marked
Sheet 1 dated March 1, 2004, prepared by Spalding
Properties, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
2. That the brick used in the construction shall be full face 4
inch brick, or in the case a precast concrete system or
stone is used, it shall meet ASTM C216 standards; and
3. That the specific plans referenced in this approving
resolution shall be submitted to the Inspection Department
at the time the sign permits are applied for.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #5 PETITION 2003-04-02-09 RED ROBIN
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2003-
04-02-09
00304-02-09 submitted by Ansara Restaurant Group, on behalf of
Red Robin Restaurant, requesting to amend the signage, which
previously received waiver use approval by the City Council on
June 23, 2003 (CR #305-03), to utilize a Class C Liquor License
for a full service restaurant located at 37701 Six Mile Road in
the Northeast'''/ of Section 18.
Mr. Miller: On June 23, 2003, Red Robin Restaurant received waiver use
approval to utilize a Class C Liquor License in connection with
the redevelopment of a full service restaurant. As part of the
approval it was conditioned: `That only conforming signage is
approved with this petition, any additional signage shall be
separately submitted for review and approval by the Planning
Commission and City Council." The petitioner is requesting
approval to amend the above condition. Red Robin is
requesting to erect a nonconforming ground sign. This site is
allowed one ground sign at 30 square feel, 6 feel in height and
setback 10 feel from the right-of-way line. They are proposing
one ground sign at 75 square feel, 9 feel 7.5 inches in height
and setback 23 feel from Six Mile Road. They are in excess of
45 square feel in ground sign area and 3 feet 7.5 inches in
21193
ground sign height. The proposed ground sign would be
located at the northeast corner of the site, just to the north of the
northern most drive off Laurel Park Drive. A note on the site
plan indicates that the sign would be mounted on an existing
pole. The sign would be internally illuminated and the base
would be black vinyl. Because the proposed ground sign is in
excess of what is allowed by the Sign Ordinance, a variance
from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be required.
Mr. Walsh: Is there any correspondence?
Mr. Taormina:
There is one item of correspondence from the Inspection
Department, dated April 7, 2004, which reads as follows:
"Pursuant to your request of March 19, 2004, the above -
referenced petition has been reviewed. This ground sign, as
proposed, will require a minimum of three variances form the
Zoning Board of Appeals. (a) Excessive height. 6 feet allowed,
9 feet 7-1/2 inches high proposed. (b) Excessive area. 30
square feet allowed, 75 square feet proposed. (c) Excessive
length. 10 feet allowed, 10-1/2 feet proposed. This Department
has no objections to this petition." The letter is signed by Alex
Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent of
the correspondence.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any questions for staff? Hearing none, would the
petitioner please join us?
Chuck Veres,
Planet Neon, 46593 Grand River, Novi, Michigan. I'm the sign
vendor for Red Robin.
Mr. Walsh:
Thank you. Is there anything you'd like to add?
Mr. Veres:
First off, I did not realize that we would have been looking for a
variance for three items. I knew about the square footage and
the height. I guess we'd like to volunteer, if it helps, to bring the
sign with 10 foot of width so we'd only be attempting to secure
two variances. We went with a little more setback than is
required. We had the room to put it there. We feel pretty
strongly about the sign for a couple reasons. One is it's a
standard that Red Robin uses. It's their corporate identity. It's
depicted on all their new restaurants, on the building and out at
the road. What they will do is, they'll have the red letters that
read Red Robin done in what's called a channel letter format
and that's individually lit letters with neon inside the letter fortes
that creates the letter that you read. That's been a standard
that they've used and they would like to utilize it here, but
21194
they're pretty close to what they need in terms of size to be able
to manufacture the letters in that process.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Mark, with a sign like that with neon in it, is that permitted in our
ordinance?
Mr. Taormina:
Yes, as long as the neon is not exposed. The way it is
constructed, I believe the neon will be encased in each letter
channel.
Mr. Shane:
If you move this sign closer to the road right -0f --way as you're
allowed to do, would that increase the exposure even though
the sign was conforming?
Mr. Veres:
Yeah, the main reason we're asking for this type of sign though
is not necessarily for visibility. I mean obviously you want to
have your sign visible, but it's a matter of construction and how
small we can make this sign and make it match their other
locations. The other thing I have not mentioned yet is that we're
proposing to remove the existing pylon sign that is quite a bit
taller than this sign.
Mr. Morrow:
The one question I have is, you indicated this is kind of a
corporate identity type of thing for ground signs. I went out to
look at your facility in Novi, and for the life of me, I didn't see a
ground sign there at all. So I guess I'm concerned from the
standpoint of was that an option that you were given, your
option not to put the sign there or did the City require that the
ground sign not go in, or did I miss seeing the sign?
Mr. Veres:
That's why I said the item about the new identity for Red Robin.
I have Lew Ansam with Red Robin here with me this evening. I
believe that sign, I put it up for them probably 12 or so years
ago before they had their current standard. If you are familiar
with the Novi Red Robin, the letters are all on one plane. They
are all straight across. Since then, they've gone to this sunburst
type layout.
Mr. Morrow:
Are you talking about on the building?
Mr. Veres:
Yes. Its a totally different signage package, but all the ones I've
done with them over the last several years, they've gone to this
new layout.
Mr. Morrow:
Okay. Thankyou.
21195
Mr. Walsh: Any other questions? Mr. LaPine?
Mr. LaPine: One thing that always amazes me when restaurants or any
business comes in that has a national identifying sign, they say,
well, we only make two or three different sizes and this is the
way we want our sign. And numerous times since I've been on
this Commission, they tell me that and then I can drive around
Metropolitan Detroit and go to Birmingham or Bloomfield Hills,
and they got a little smaller sign. They modify the sign
according to the ordinance of whatever the community has. So
I think the argument that this is the only sign that Red Robin has
and this is the one we have to have, just doesn't hold a lot of
water because I guarantee, you go to some communities, you
probably won't get even the size of sign that we allow you to
have.
Mr. Veres:
I should clarify the reason I'm saying that is because of
manufacturing limitations. To manufacture the type of sign, its
a physical impossibility. And that's why the first thing I said
when I got up here was, we'd be more than happy to make a 10
foot sign, which would be a totally custom sign just for Livonia's
Red Robin because that would have us seeking less of a
variance. So it would be a totally custom sign made specifically
for Livonia.
Mr. LaPine:
So what are you saying? The sign would go from what? From
what size to what size? Instead of 10'6" it would be 10 feet?
Six inches your knocking off?
Mr. Veres:
We could even bring itdown a little bit more. We could probably
go down, I think this sign is roughly 75 square feet. Our
calculations ...lo get the neon in there and conform to the
national electric code, we could be closer to 50 square feet,
which would probably bring the sign down fairly substantially. I
don't have the exact dimensions, but it would be more like I'd
say five by, well, not quite 5 by 10, but it would be somewhere in
that ballpark for the sign face.
Mr. Piercecchi:
I agree with Bill on this so-called prototype signs or whatever
you want to call them. I recall a pizza place here that came in
Livonia and had to have this and that. I happened to be in
Chicago staying at a hotel across the street, and they didn't
have any signs. But they had to have it. This was corporate
signage. What do you figure you'd lose if you abided by our 30
square feel?
21196
Mr. Veres:
Well, we would not be able to make the sign match the other
signs that we put up in the Metro Detroit area. I can say that by
manufacturing method. It would be a different type of sign
totally.
Mr. Piercecchi:
You're in a different community.
Mr. Veres:
I understand that.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Are you saying that you cannot make a sign that would fl our
ordinance?
Mr. Veres:
Not with the same manufacturing methods as we've made the
other ones. No.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Tell me what you mean by manufacturing methods, sir?
Mr. Veres:
The individual letters with the neon in the channels.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Well, can't you make a smaller letter?
Mr. Veres:
No. Physically you have certain limitations as far as ...
Mr. Piercecchi:
Can you put that sign up on the wall again, Mark? What is so
unique that you can't make a smaller letter?
Mr. Veres:
Well, you have certain things you have to do to prevent arcing. I
mean, I've been in the industry 20 years. I could get pretty
technical here, but basically, .. .
Mr. Piercecchi:
That's all right. We can handle it.
Mr. Veres:
Okay. Basically, you have to have a certain clearance between
neon, which is that outline you see inside the letter, and the
metal sides. One for readability, two to prevent arcing and to
have it light properly. We have successfully made a Red Robin
sign at 50 square feet. We felt in-house to be able to make it a
UL approved sign and be able to place a UL label, we do not
feel we can go any smaller than that with that type of
construction.
Mr. Piercecchi:
Part of the problem we have is the next guy that comes in and
says, man, you gave Red Robin 75 square feel of a monument
sign. Well, if you were here earlier, one company didn't even
get a monument sign. Okay? Then we're stuck with those
numbers. There's a reason for the 30 square feel. It's a nice
21197
comfortable sign. It's very viewable. If you can't use the neon,
well then use something else.
Mr. Veres:
Okay. The only thing I would also mention is that we're going to
a further setback than we need.
Mr. Piercecchi:
You're a sign man. I don't know if you're really speaking for the
company. The bigger the sign you make, the better for you. I
realize that. That's your business.
Mr. Veres:
Well, sir, I've been in the industry 20 years, and I've had several
cities imply that and I think it's, you know, for somebody 20
years in the industry, I do take offense to that remark.
Mr. Piercecchi:
I know. I know.
Mr. Veres:
I think that's pretty low.
Mr. Piercecchi:
I'm aware of that.
Mr. Veres:
Okay. I don't attack you personally. I have the highest of
integrity, and I'm not going to question your integrity if you don't
question mine.
Mr. Piercecchi:
I'm not being adversarial at all. I'm just saying that I see no
reason why you can't meet our codes. This is a separate
community. It's a different community. Its a high class
community, and part of the reason why its a fine community is
because we don't have obnoxious signage all over the place.
You go some places in the south, they don't even have signs
and the restaurants are jammed. Now, I don't see why you
can't live with it. Now you said you could go from 75 to 50.
Mr. Veres:
Yes.
Mr. Piercecchi:
If you can do that, I don't see why you can't go from 50 to 30.
Mr. Veres:
I'd like to introduce Lew Ansara.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Ansara, if you could stale your name and address.
Lew Ansara, Ansara
Restaurant Group, 39303 Country Club Drive, Suite A22,
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331. 1 am one of the owners of
the Red Robin restaurant chain. I'm sure most of you know our
family has done business in Livonia for over 30 some years,
starting with the Big Boy restaurants. We currently own and
21198
operate 11 Red Robins, 10 of which are in the Stale of
Michigan, one is in Toledo, Ohio. We have another one,
obviously as you know, we're talking about here in Livonia and
another one under conslmcton almost in Flint. It's true that yes,
some of the cities don't allow signs at all. So there's nothing we
can do about that. But any monument signs that we have put in
have been with neon channel letters, plex-base covered, and
physically, as Chuck was indicating, that anything less than 50
we cannot possibly do the neon. It has been our signature sign.
It has been wherever possible to put in, we put in. Sure, we
could put in a sign at 20 square feel if we had to, but it becomes
at that point .... we can do a linear sign at 30 feel, but it won't
be this sign. And that's what we put in. Our signs are attractive
as our buildings are. I'm sure you know. And we're asking
obviously for a variance. It doesn't need to be the 75 feel, so
you wouldn't have to tell the next person up that we granted 75
feel to Red Robin. We are asking for a slight variance to 50
feet. We can make it happen at 50, but anything less than,
we're going to be faced with a sign that we simply haven't put
up.
Mr. Morrow: This is just a point of information. The fact that the setback is
23 feet versus the 10 fool, does that allow any larger sign
according to the ordinance?
Mr. Walsh: No.
Mr. Morrow: In other words, the setback doesn't dictate the size?
Mr. Walsh: That's correct.
Mr. Morrow: Thank you.
Mr. Piercecchi: I want to add, sir, that if this was your only signage, that's
another ballgame too, but you know you do gel 80 square feel
on the wall.
Mr. Ansara: I think It's 75.
Mr. Piercecchi: According to what I've got written here, you've got one wall sign
not to exceed 85 square feet, and it said you've already got the
permit on that one.
Mr. Ansara: Well then I guess our variance, if we go to 50 feet, we're only
asking for a 10 fool variance total in sign package, because
we're only pulling 75 feel on the building.
21199
Mr. Piercecchi:
Well, you're allowed 85.
Mr. LaPine:
Will you justjog my memory, Mr. Ansara?
Mr. Ansara:
Yes.
Mr. LaPine:
The front of the building, the way it's built, isn't there a big robin
integrated in the front of the building?
Mr. Ansara:
No.
Mr. LaPine:
There's not?
Mr. Ansara:
What we have on the lop of the restaurant is what we call the
bird's nest. Its more like a barrel now. We put our arched Red
Robin sign right on that barrel.
Mr. LaPine:
So that's up pretty high, isn't it?
Mr. Ansara:
Its above the doorways, 10 -15 feet.
Mr. LaPine:
Let me tell you. On two occasions if I remember right, the
restaurant to the east of you, I think it's been sold, the Ground
Round, had a small sign. They came in to us and wanted a
larger sign because they felt that the business wasn't going and
we denied them on both occasions. Now, I understand thallhe
restaurant has been sold, and they're going to be coming back
to us for a new signage package and a new deal. If I give you
75 or even 50 square feel, I dont know what he's going to come
in and ask for. He's probably going to ask for the same thing we
give you.
Mr. Ansara:
I know the owner of that restaurant, by the way. I know who it
is. Personally, he's a friend of mine. I can only ask for what our
company would like to have.
Mr. LaPine:
And we're not trying to give you a hard time.
Mr. Ansara:
Oh, I understand.
Mr. LaPine:
We're just trying to protect our ordinance. I guess I'm open to
some give and lake here, but I don't know if I can go with the
50.
21200
Mr. Shane:
Is there any other way you can construct this sign with internal
lighting as opposed to the method of lighting you're talking
about now and still achieve the same effect or similar effect?
Mr. Veres:
Not the same effect, no. We could backlight a sign and make it
two square feet, but it would not have the same effect.
Mr. Shane:
Yes, but could you make the sign so that the Red Robin
appears in the same position that it does?
Mr. Veres:
No. Oh, the same position? Yes. We could have it just be a
backlit face.
Mr. Shane:
And America's Gourmet Burgers and Spirits could also appear
on the sign if it was smaller?
Mr. Veres:
Yes.
Mr. Shane:
And move the sign up to 10 feet, move it close to the road, and
you've got the same basic effect as you have here except that
you don't have the neon. That's something to think about.
Mr. Veres:
Its a unique look that has worked out real well, and it kind of
helps idenlifylhe restaurant.
Mr. Shane:
I understand, but I think what you have to understand is our
point of view is that we have an ordinance that we try to slick lo.
It doesn't always happen, but this Commission sticks to the
ordinance as you probably can see most of the time.
Mr. Veres:
It is my understanding that we can just reface the pylon sign and
have a sign less in compliance than what we're proposing.
Mr. Shane:
I appreciate that.
Mr. Veres:
I mean that's probably what we'd look at if we can't do this.
Mr. Shane:
Well, I would like to have you do something like this, but I'd like
to see if you couldn't come a little closer to where we are and no
further where you are, I guess.
Mr. Morrow:
To go along with what H has said here, the Planning
Commission writes the ordinance. That's our responsibility.
People constantly come to us and say you know, we want you
to waive the ordinance thalyou wrote, and that's kind of hard for
us to do because if we felt it should be 50 square feel or 75
21201
square feet, we would have it in the ordinance. The dilemma
we face is people asking us to move off of the ordinance that we
write as if we don't know what we're doing.
Mr. Ansara:
We would never insinuate that.
Mr. Morrow:
I know that, and I'm not laking it personally either, Mr. Ansara.
Mr. Ansara:
We dont want to put the Zoning Board out of business.
Mr. Morrow:
That's what they get paid for, but no, I'm not talking specifically
to you, I'm just talking in general. The dilemma we face day in
and day out.
Mr. Ansara:
As I said, we respect what this committee does and what it
stands for. Its just that we feel strongly that our sign has been
the neon. Like I said, some cities and we mentioned the Town
Center, I believe, obviously still has the existing 12 year old sign
up there. Town Center is not going to allow those type of signs
there. Frankly speaking, we're appealing for something else
there anyway right now. And Novi has been far tougher than
Livonia, as I'm sure most of you know. It is an attractive sign.
That's all I can say. Its a first class sign done by a first class
company, and we like to feel we're a first class organization.
Mr. Morrow:
We're certainly delighted that you've come to Livonia and
certainly we're delighted with the building you're pulling up
there. Our only point of contention right now is the size of the
sign.
Mr. Ansara:
Well, what we came in for is very large, and we could obviously
do the same type of sign down to 50 square feel, but as he said,
its physically impossible to UL comply and have anything that's
going to be safe to put up there.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any further comments or questions from the
Commissioners? Is there anybody in the audience that wishes
to speak for or against this petition? Seeing no one, Mr.
Ansara, would you like to have the last word before we go to a
motion?
Mr. Ansara:
I would just hope and appeal to you that maybe this is one time
where the committee would make an exception in the better
interest of our restaurant chain, and hopefully, maybe one day
you will re -write the rules. I don't know. But I hope today that
you'll see it our way.
21202
Mr. Walsh:
Thank you. A motion is in order.
On a motion by Smiley, seconded by Pieroecchi, and unanimously adopted, it
was
#04-47-2004
RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that the request to amend the
signage in connection with Petition 2003-04-02-09 submitted by
Ansara Restaurant Group, on behalf of Red Robin Restaurant,
requesting to amend the signage, which previously received
waiver use approval by the City Council on June 23, 2003
(Council Resolution #305-03), to utilize a Class C Liquor
License for a full service restaurant located at 37701 Su Mile
Road in the Northeast % of Section 18, be denied for the
following reasons:
1. That the applicant has failed to comply with all the
requirements outlined in Section 18.50H of the Zoning
Ordinance;
2. That the applicant has not justified the need or
demonstrated any type of hardship for such a large sign for
this location;
3. That approving this signage request would set an
undesirable precedent for the area;
4. That approving this application would not be aesthetically
in the City's best interest; and
5. That a conforming ground sign would adequately serve in
identifying the site and directing customers to the
restaurant.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there any discussion? Mr. Shane?
Mr. Shane:
I'd just like to say to Mr. Ansam that Novi used to be tougher
than we are until Mr. Morrow came on board.
Mr. Walsh:
Mr. Ansara, we appreciate you coming this evening, and we're
certainly familiar with your company's business in the City. My
family and I frequent at lead two of your restaurants on a
regular basis and we enjoy them both. And Planet Neon, I've
seen you here both in my capacity as a Planning Commissioner
and a Council member. I think you've always done a good job,
21203
but I think what you're hearing tonight is we don't see a need
justification to move this forward, but we will always attempt to
work with you and look forward to a good continuing
relationship.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to City Council with a denying resolution.
This concludes the Miscellaneous Site Plan section of our
agenda. We will now proceed with the Pending Item section of
ouragenda.
ITEM #6 PETITION 2003-09-02-19 JON MASSA
Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2003-
09-02-19,
00309-02-19, submitted by Jon Massa requesting approval of a
landscape plan as required by Council Resolution #620-03 for
the automobile and light truck repair facility located at 30759
Eight Mile Road in the Northwest %of Section 2.
Mr. Walsh: We have a tabled item. I would first look for a motion to remove
this from the table.
On a motion by Piercecchi, seconded by Shane, and unanimously adopted, it
was
#04-48-2004 RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend that the request for approval of landscaping,
submitted by Jon Massa, in connection with Petition 2003-09-
02-19, which previously received waiver use approval by the
City Council on December 3, 2003 (CR 620-03) for the
automobile and light truck repair facility located at 30759 Eight
Mile Road in the Northwest %of Section 2, be removed from the
table.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
Mr. Miller: On December 3, 2003, the petitioner received waiver use
approval (CR 620-03) to operate an automobile and light truck
repair facility on properly located on the southwest corner of
Eight Mile Road and Milburn Avenue. As part of that approval it
was conditioned: "That a fully detailed landscape plan shall be
submitted for approval by the Planning Commission and City
Council within 60 days following approval of this petition by the
21204
City Council," and "that the site plan shall be revised so as to
provide additional landscaping in the east side yard area
between the building and the Milburn Avenue right-of-way." The
original landscape plan only showed projected landscaping for
the front yard of the site, between the building and Eight Mile
Road. On March 31, 2004, the pefitioner submitted a revised
landscape plan. The new plan shows an expanded landscaped
area at the northeast corner of the site. The new area would be
planted with dwarf burning bushes and other low laying shrubs
and a crab apple tree.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there any correspondence, Mr. Taormina?
Mr. Taormina:
No, there is none. I'd just like to point out that following the last
meeting, Mr. Miller and I mel the owner of this property on-site
to discuss the various opfions. The one thing that we keyed in
on was the fact that this portion of the site is not presently well
defined with any type of landscaping. As Scott showed on the
previous plan, a number of improvements were scheduled along
the front of the building as well as within the right-of-way and
immediately south of the sidewalk adjacent to those parking
stalls. What was not being considered at that time was any kind
of enhancement to the northeast comer of the property. In
looking at that area, we fell that there was some opportunity to
increase the landscaping by removing one additional parking
space since there is surplus parking available presently on the
site, and then define that area better through shrubbery and a
tree planting. There is one constraint. There is a utility pole that
you can see if you look on the lett side of the drawing. The red
dol shows the pole and guy wires that are in that location
presently, but the area adjacent to that would be planted with
shrubs as well as an ornamental tree, something that would not
interfere with the overhead power lines. Thank you.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any questions for staff? Hearing none, if the petitioner
would please join us.
Jon Massa, Jon's
Advanced Auto Center, 8916 Danzig, Livonia, Michigan 48150.
Mr. Walsh:
Is there anything you'd like to add?
Mr. Massa:
No. Just the sooner we can get approval, the better.
Mr. Walsh:
Are there any questions for Mr. Massa? Hearing none and
seeing no one in the audience, a motion is in order.
21205
On a motion by Smiley, seconded by La Pine, and unanimously adopted, it was
#0449-2004 RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that the request for approval of
landscaping, submitted by Jon Massa, in connection with
Pefilion 2003-09-02-19, which previously received waiver use
approval by the City Council on December 3, 2003 (CR 620-03)
for the automobile and light truck repair facility located at 30759
Eight Mile Road in the Northwest % of Section 2, be approved
subject to the following conditions:
1. That the Landscape Plan prepared by Green Valley
Landscaping, as received by the Planning Commission on
March 31, 2004, is hereby approved and shall be adhered
to;
2. Thatthe height of the planted trees shall be measured from
the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader;
3. That all disturbed lawn areas shall be sodded in lieu of
hydroseeding;
4. That underground sprinklers are to be provided for all
landscaped and sodded areas, and all planted materials
shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Inspection
Department and thereafter permanently maintained in a
healthy condition;
5. That all other conditions imposed by Council Resolution
#620-03, which granted wavier use approval for the
operation of automobile and light truck repair facility, shall
remain in effect to the extent that they are not in conflict
with the foregoing conditions; and
6. That the specific plan referenced in this approving
resolution shall be submitted to the Inspection Department
at the time the building permits are applied for.
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to City Council with an approving
resolution.
21206
ITEM #7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 881st Regular Meeting
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of the
Minutes of the 881" Regular Meeting held on March 9, 2004.
On a motion by Shane, seconded by Smiley, and adopted, it was
#04-50-2004 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the 881st Regular Meeting held
by the Planning Commission on March 9, 2004, are hereby
approved.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES:
LaPine, Shane, Piercecchi, Smiley, Walsh
NAYS:
None
ABSTAIN:
Morrow
ABSENT:
Alanskas
Mr. Walsh, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 883rd Regular
Meeting held on April 20, 2004, was adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
ATTEST:
John Walsh, Chairman
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Carol A. Smiley, Secretary