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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1951-07-11 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION A public hearing and special meeting of the Planning Commission were held on July 11, 1951 at 33110 rive Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan. The meeting was called to order at approximately 8 PM by Chairman Bentley. Members present: George Bentley Edwin Conway Clarence Jabn Harold Bower Dallas Hay Robert MacIntyre Helen Byers Members absent: Walter Russell and Carson Johnston Mr. Wm Brashear, City Attorney; Mr. Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant; Mr. Donald Wilson, Building Inspector; and Herald Hamill, City Engineer were also present. There were approximately 45 persons attending the public hearing. Chairman Bentley requested Miss Byers to read Petition #27A - David and Sarah Newman - to change zoning classification to C-1 at Newburg and Plymouth Roads. Miss Byers also read a letter regarding Petition #27A which was signed by 28 persons. (Letter is now attached to Petition #27A) The 28 persons who signed the letter were opposed to the classification change. Miss Byers read a letter that was sent to the public hearing and was signed by Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin of 37917 Plymouth Road, who were also opposed to the change. Chairman Bentley asked if anyone wished to speak for or against this petition and was then advised that the attorney representing David and Sarah Newman would be delayed for a short time. As a result the hearing progressed to the next petition. Miss firers read Petition #31 - vacating alleys in new Detroit Subdivision, except alley in rear of all lots located on Plymouth Road. Chairman Bentley read a note to the group signed by Miss Byers, explaining that she wished to withdraw from the discussion regarding Petition #31 as she is a resident in that vicinity. Mrs. Hensley, 11831 Cavell: Speaking for a group of people who do not want the alley closed in our block, we keep the alley clean and would like to have it kept open. Mrs. Gage, 11532 Cardwell: A telephone pole is in our yard, and if the alley is closed, the utility company would have to gain access via oar front gate. We are all satisfied and would like the alley left open. Mrs. Naomi Whitt, 10023 Arcola: I am for the petition. We would like the alley closed. The people on Arcola and Cavell are the ones who asked for it in our block. Mrs. R. Monet, 11345 Arcola: Certain people want it closed and some want it open. Would it all be closed? Should be closed, I think, as the utility companies dont use the alley, they walk to the utility poles. Mr. E. Englund, 9611 Cardwell: We dont need alleys as we have wide lots and our yards have been designed with side drives. If the city maintains the street, it would be better to close alleys and not have the maintenance of same. Mr. Englund then presented a petition dated May 4, 1949 that was signed by 91 people who favored having alley closed. Mrs. Hensley: Regarding that 1949 petition, our block vote was solid to keep alley open. 3 Mr. Forsyth, 10051 Cavell: When this was taken up a few years ago we were told that legally there are no alleys as Wayne County would have to take care of them. It would be a good point if alleys were closed. The top of the sewer lima sticks up a few inches above the ground and the trucks knock the top off and water leaks into the basements. Mrs. Whitt: The 1949 petition was signed but did not go through before Livonia became a City. Mrs. Tregear, 9637 Cardwell: On the west side of the street most of the people own lots in back and are interested in closing the alley and we could main- tain it and keep it as our own back lot. This would encourage people to keep the alley clean. Mrs. Whitt: Three-fourths of the people are in favor of closing, why not close all except the one alley? Mr. Englund: I think alleys should all be one way or the other all the way through. Mrs. Campbell, 11347 Cavell: I would be interested in knowing if our block would be left open if the rest voted against it. I want it open. Opposed To Vacating Favor Vacating Mr. and Mrs. H. Kelley, 11331 Cavell Mr. R. Monat, 11345 Arcola Mr. and Mrs. S. Reynolds, 11307 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. Sam Whitt, 10023 Arcola Harry Campbell, 11347 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. Fedrizzi, 11375 Arcola Mr. & Mrs. 0. Hensley, 11531 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. Chappell, 11393 Arcola W. Gillis, 11499 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. Englund, 9611 Cardwell Mr. & Mrs. W. Gage, 11532 Cardwell Mr. Johnson, 11401 Arcola Mr. & Mrs. Carney, 11369 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. Tregear, 9637 Cardwell (See note submitted on blotter) Mr. & Mrs. R. Tobin, 9651 Cardwell Malcolm Forsyth, 10051 Cavell Michael Hopkins, 9967 Cavell Mr. & Mrs. C. Funk, 9915 Cavell Mr. Bentley instructed those present tonight to get absentee property owners to write a letter to the Planning Commission, advising whether they are opposed or in favor of vacating the alley. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Harold Bower and unani- mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to table Petition #31 until the necessary information is received. At 8:45 PM a recess was called to await the petitioner or a representative on petition #27A. At approximately 8:55 PM the meeting was again called to order, to take up Petition #27A. Chairman Bentley asked if anyone wanted to speak either for or against the petition. 1[40 Mr. James Davey, representing the Wayne County Boad Commission, presented objections to the reclassification of zoning to C-1 as follows: 5 1. It would be detrimental to the park's purpose. He suggested that the Planning Commission might want to reserve areas for reasons of less commercial use. l[ws 2. Safety factors at that point. That point has three converging roads. Commercial development at that intersection would create hazards. 3. The character of the neighborhood would be changed by this commercial development, and it should remain as it is. Charles E. Pummill, 37706 Plymouth: I think it would be a great thing to have a shopping center such as a group of buildings containing a super market, drug store, etc. for the people. Mr. F. Wilson, Attorney for David and Sarah Newman, 2153 Penobscot Bldg: I would appreciate consideration of the petition at this time. Mr. Wilson presented a petition signed by 35 persons in that neighborhood who were not opposed to the reclassification. (Is now apart of Petition #27A). Miss Byers read the names and addresses of the persons who had signed the above-mentioned petition. Mrs. Wm Schnell, Plymouth Road: Only three names; Pummill, Shaw and Mendy that are close to the property in question. I have never heard of all these people. Mrs. James Shaw, 37811 Plymouth: We have a new home and would like to have a shopping center. It is very inconvenient to buy a loaf of bread. Harmon Gates: We have been there for 27 years and we do not need a shopping district. Mrs. Schnell: I do not believe that a store in this neighborhood would get enough trade. We have a shopping center in Rosedale Gardens. Mr. Wilson: I would like to have the Commission give a fair hearing and that is why we have presented it in this manner. Donald Wilson, Building Inspector: Newman should have investigated the property before the purchase was made. John Hollander, 11916 Newburg Road: Owners of acreage have no access to back of properties and there is no possibility of getting much more con- gested so there is no business possibility. Mrs. Huppert, 37560 Plymouth Road: Consider the proximity of the signers of the petition that Mr. Wilson presented. Mr. Charles E. Pummell, 37706 Plymouth Road: I have known Mr. Newman's buildings for 25 years. I dont believe the people would object to his buildings. I think it would be an improvement. Mr. Jule Roberts: I live across from there and someone tried to make me sign that. He was in my house. They would like to build a great big restaurant. Mr. P. Wilson again stated that his client is willing to submit for approval the type of business before it is built. 7 . . Mr. Harold Bower, after stating that nothing bad been submitted for approval, made a motion to deny the petition and the motion was seconded by Robert MacIntyre. Mr. Edwin Conway objected to the motion, pointing out that the Commission cannot demand to know the kind of business that will be established. Chairman Bentley: I would like to have this settled tonight as it is costly to have a petition come before a public hearing repeatedly. Mr. F. Wilson: We should be given a chance. We have offered to submit the plans to this Commission and the offer has neither been accepted nor rejected. Chairman Bentley; Inasmuch as your offer was not rejected, the plans could have been submitted at any time. Mr. Bower: No plans were submitted and I made a motion to deny the petition. Mr. Wilson: We do not want to push this if you do not feel it would be bene- ficial. Miss Byers asked Mr. Davey if the Wayne County Road Commission ever considered getting together with Mr. Newman with the thought of purchasing this parcel of land for part of the park. Mr. Davey said that he would have no authority to answer that question. Miss Byers asked him to discuss it with the Wayne County Road Commission. Mr. Bower, with the approval of Mr. Maclntyre said that he would like to withdraw the motion in order to discuss this petition at the special meeting to be held immediately following the public hearing. Upon a motion duly made by Dallas Hay, seconded by Helen Byers and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the public hearing be adjourned. The public hearing was adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM. * * * * * * * * * MINUTES OF TEE SPECIAL MEETING The special meeting was called to order at approximately 9:45 PM with all members present. A brief discussion was held regarding petition #27A and upon a motion duly made by Harold Bower, seconded by Robert Maclntyre and carried by majority, it was RESOLVED, to deny Petition #27A. YEAS: Harold Bower Clarence Jaren Dallas Hay Robert MacIntyre George Bentley Helen Byers NAYS: Edwin Conway tJ Messrs. George Roth and Harry Lewis of Durable Construction Company and Maurice James and Mr. Orr held an informal discussion with the Planning Commission regarding a sketch of a proposed plat. (East of Harrison bounded on the north by Chicago and on the south by Joy Road. SE corner of Section 36.) Robert MacIntyre advised the Planning Commission that he had been visited by Mr. Harry A. Kinyon regarding the proposed civic center land. The land. that Mr. Kinyon was proposing is located on the corner of Schoolcraft and Merriman Roads. He claimed that he would dedicate 15 acres to the city if the Commission would make a choice of the location for the civic center. Mr. Kinyon said that he paid $1,300 per acre for 175 acres. Following a discussion it was decided to hold a meeting at noon on Saturday, July 14th in order to have Mr. Kinyon appear before the Planning Commission for questioning. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Dallas Hay and unani— mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to adjourn this meeting. At approximately 11 PM the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held on July 25th. / Helen E. Byers, Secret ATTTED: George 8. Bent ey, Chairman l,