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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1952-07-30 265 MUTES -0P THE TWENTY-POURTH REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION The t*enty-fourth regular meeting of the City Planning Commission was half. on July 30, 1952 at the Court House Building, Livonia, Michigan, The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:45PM, by Chairman Dallas Hay. Members present: Harold Bower Helen Byers George Bentley Edwin Conway Dallas Hay H. Paul Harsha Robert Maclntyre Walter Russell Members absent: Clarence Jahn Also present were Mr. Wm Brashear, City Attorney, and Mr. Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant. Upon a motion duly made by Walter Russell, seconded by Robert Maclntyre and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to accept the minutes of the last meeting as received. A brief discussion ensued regarding the Zoning Ordinance (proposed). At approximately 7:55 PM, a motion was duly made by Robert Maclntyre, seconded by Edwin Conway, and it was RESOLVED, that the regular meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, August 13, 1952 at 7 PM. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Harsha, Bower, Bentley, Conway, Russell, LIaclntyre, Hay and Byers. NAYS: None MINUTES OF TIE PUBLIC HEARING The public hearing was called to order at approximately 8 PM, by the Chair. Approximately 170 persons were present. All Planning Commission members were present except Clarence Jahn, Wm Brashear, City Attorney, and Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant, were also present. The Chair requested the Secretary to read the Notice of Public Hearing in its entirety. Chairman Hay advised the audience that Petition #43, Proposed Zoning Ordinance for the City of Livonia, was the only petition to be heard at this hearing. He further announced that the purpose of this hear- ing was to obtain objections or amendments to the proposed ordinance and since time will not permit the making of any extensive speeches that not more than three minutes will be allowed any one person so that all may have a chance to express their opinions. He then asked the City Attorney to read the titles of the articles of the proposed Zoning Ordinance. Mr-, Brashear advised the assembly of the length of the Zoning Ordinance and said that he would read the titles in full, and if any persons de- sired to have any portion of the Zoning Ordinance read in full, all they need do is request it. 267 The following sections were read in Dull per requests: 2.46 Rural Perms 2.47 Story 2.50 Subdivision Regulations 3.01 Creation of Districts 3,06 Boundaries of Districts 4.05 Lot Sizes 4.06 Approval of Plats 4.12 Waste and Rubbish 4.13 Removal of soil, sand and gravel 4,14 Excavations or Holes 4.22 Non-Conforming Use: Condemnation During the time that Mr. Brashear was reading, he was interrupted sev- eral times by persons not recognized by the Chair. The gist of the interruptions was that the majority of the people present were not in- terested in the reading of the proposed Zoning Ordinance; they were present only to question the proposed change of zoning on Schoolcraft. At 8:45 PM, the Chair announced that in recognition of the large num- ber of persons present on the proposed change of zoning on Schoolcraft, the reading of the articles of the Zoning Ordinance would be delayed in order that those wishing to speak may be heard. Mr. Earl Demil, "I originally intended to appear on behalf of five individuals who protested the area east of Merriman between School- craft and the railroad, but just this afternoon I was presented with a list of persons protesting the change, and I would like sufficient time to file a petition or to submit a letter of protest as it will take much longer than the three minutes allotted for speaking. Will there be another meeting held by the Planning Commission to discuss this protest before it is referred to the City Council?" Mr, Kenneth Gage, 33950 Schoolcraft, "I am interested in the rezoning of the area between Plymouth and Schoolcraft. I feel that Schoolcraft is one of the most beautiful streets in our city. The general pattern has been set by the citizens of the city. Is Livonia going to be a beautiful residential city or will it be like Hamtramck. I have $25,000 invested in my home and I feel that my property and those around me are set up as beautiful homes and they will all be devaluated.. I protest the rezoning of that section." Elsie Gilmore, 30415 Puritan, "I live about a mile and a half from the area and I object also because most of our people moved out here for residential areas, and I think the people should be protected. " Mr. Earlmont Ho Dill, 1250 Penobscot Bldg" representing Louis Savage, "I would like some information as I understand each person is allowed only three minutes to speak. The parcels I represent are of consider- able area, and I would first like to inquire whether any further meet- ing is planned at which the matters will be taken up orally. " The Chair advised Messrs, Demil and Dill the next meeting would be that of the City Council on August 11th. Mr. Dill, "Could I obtain any copy of the map for examination purposes and apply it to the law for comments and suggestions. Could I have Waring and Johnson make a copy of the map, or could we have the map for a photograph?" 269 The Chair advised that the map had been on display for 20 days prior to the public hearing which gave them ample time to have accomplished these things they now request. Mr. Dill, "We want a copy of the map as it is a part of the ordinance under the law. When we get done with the Ordinance, we want to know if it is valid." Margaret Kennedy, 34040 Schoolcraft, "I am a neighbor of Mr. Gage's, and I am in full support of Mr. Gage's speech." James Burgess, 14851 Cavell, "I have taken into consideration the zoning laws and proposals. I am in favor of the laws. When it comes to ex- ploiting someone's property such as Schoolcraft, I think that all res- trictions should be taken out. We fought it down before, and you have no such authority, and I would like to have a vote on it right now. " Mrs. Kenneth Crawford, 30844 Schoolcraft, "I object to the zoning of the area across from us for factory use. We all have $20,000 invested in our homes. I would like to have my people back me up." (B. E. Taylor's Subdivision #1) Raymond Sharp, 14025 Hillcrest Rosa Sknek, 30856 Schoolcraft Max Skura, 14000 Hillcrest L. B. Zeigan, 14151 Hillcrest Fred Dietrich, 35700 Schoolcraft Carolyn Zeigan, 14151 Hillcrest Max Schram, 13542 Surrey MacAvoy Family, 14340 Hillcrest K. Hoyt, 33509 Schoolcraft William Zag, 14020 Hillcrest J. Stanek, 30856 Schoolcraft A. R. Valentine, 34140 Schoolcraft W. S. Brown, 30670 Mason Court Martin Wismeg, 32391 Schoolcraft Louis Szabo, 14150 Hillcrest Deloris Szabo, 14150 Hillcrest Alex West, 13781 Merriman M. J. Crawford, 30844 Schoolcraft Fred Holmes, 14050 Start Road Mr. Tucker, 30840 Schoolcraft Bertha Shaw, 30303 Schoolcraft Charles Bush, 30850 Schoolcraft John Pelzak, 14151 Livonia Crescent Mrs. H. T. Benoit, 30624 Schoolcraft Mrs. J. Kunes, 14131 Livonia Crescent Anna Stanek, 30856 Schoolcraft Robert L. Pine, 14014 Hillcrest Mr. Stankevich, 14253 Livonia Crescent Marie Zang, 14020 Hillcrest Chas. Terris, 29650 Schoolcraft Mrs. Helen Skura, 14000 Hillcrest Clare Shuur, 32465 Schoolcraft, "I am opposed to rezoning from Farming- ton to Merriman." 271 Mr. Demil, "I would like to read the names and addresses of the people I represent and I would like a notice of the meetings that pertain to this rezoning. I ask for another meeting of this Planning Commission before it goes to the City Council. A lot of these people are property owners involved and we are entitled to another meeting." F. L. Dietrich, 35700 Schoolcraft, "I am utterly opposed to anything such as heavy manufacturing in that district. " Max Schram, 13542 Surrey, "I moved to Livonia to get away from factories, I will be within 100 feet of a factory if this goes through and I am opposed. " Mrs. Hoyt, 33509 Schoolcraft, "You have heard from the south side of Schoolcraft and now I want to speak for the north side, I am opposed." Mrs. A. R. Valentine, 34140 Schoolcraft, "When we bought our property out here we paid for restricted property. We had to follow the law and we have a very nice home and so do our neighbors and we don't think it fair to change it now. I would like to speak for all of the people from Farmington to Eckles." Mr. Wismeg, 32391 Schoolcraft, "I am opposed to having a factory next to me." Max Skura, 14000 Hillcrest, "I moved from Detroit to get away from the noise and machinery and now I don't want to get into smoke and fac- tories again." Alex West, 13781 Merriman, "Between Plymouth and Schoolcraft, from Inkster to Merriman, I think that area should stay the same." Clare Schuur, 34265 Schoolcraft, "Who planned this thing in the first place?" Fred Holmes, 14050 Stark, "i built one of the better homes in Livonia. I came out here five or six years ago, and now you go ahead and zone to heavy industry. I move it be turned down." Mr. E. J. Demil, 690 So. Main, Plymouth - Mr. Demil read the list of names in protest of the rezoning of land east of Merriman between Schoolcraft and the railroad: Mr. and Mrs. Claude Davis, 13345 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Watson, 13560 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Amy Clair, 13580 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lycka, 13620 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Frank Caruthers, 13660 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Carmel Castigbone, 13740 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Russell J. Hasselbach, 31361 Schoolcraft Mr. and Mrs. A. West, 13781 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Ed Chojnowski, 13599 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Milton Kaponin, 13561 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Spitza, (no address) Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Buxton, 13780 Merriman Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Wilson, 31201 Schoolcraft Mr. and Mrs. George W. Holmes, 31231 Schoolcraft I[: Miss Elizabeth Lewis, 31261 Schoolcraft Miss Doris Heinzman, 31181 Schoolcraft L. R. Rackel, 31121 Schoolcraft Walter Potoczok, 31101 Schoolcraft 273 Miss Marion Sutliff, 31105 Schoolcraft Miss Juanita Mahoney, 30975 Schoolcraft Charles B. Smith, 30925 Schoolcraft Paul Lombard, 30901 Schoolcraft Doris Baumgartner, 30881 Schoolcraft Mrs. Mary Masters, 30861 Schoolcraft George Jensen, 30856 Schoolcraft H. T. Rice, 30581 Schoolcraft At approximately 9:35PM, Mr. Hay announced that the date would be set for a conference with Mr. Demil regarding the rezoning of land south of Schoolcraft to the railroad on Merriman Road. Again the question arose from the audience as to who suggested the change of zoning on Schoolcraft. Mr. Waring explained to the people the necessary planning a city must have and pointed out the use that could be made of the railroad if it were zoned property. He further explained that the taxation received from industry must be recognized. In this case the property on both sides of the railroad has been used for building homes, but with in- dustrial planning, and the use of restrictions and greenbelts, it could be worked out. L. Wyman, 14101 Stark, "I pull routes in Detroit all the time, and the slums are found right around the factories. " Mr. A. R. Valentine, 34140 Schoolcraft, "What do you call the General Motors and Ford plants. You said there is no heavy manufactuimg in Livonia. " Mrs. A. R. Valentine, 34140 Schoolcraft, "Will you please read the definition of general industrial districts?" Mr. Brashear read the definition. Mrs. Gilmore, 30415 Puritan, "The citizens in Livonia are not having enough say and I move that you put some of these people on the Board. I don't think that what is being done is being done in the interest of the people. We have enough intelligent people out here without any outside help." (Reference is made to Waring & Johnson) Mr. Hay, at this point, again explained the purpose of the public hearing. Mrs. Crawford, "All we have at the present time is just names, I would like to have something legal. Is it necessary to have a lawyer, or is our word sufficient." The Chair advised that the statements would be contained in the minutes of the meeting and no lawyer was needed as far as the Planning Commission was concerned. Mr. Hughes, 13741 Farmington, "Could we have your word that you will recommend to the City Council that you will not give this change to the City Council. You are supposed to recommend to the City Council, is that right?" The Chair informed Mr. Hughes that he was unable to speak for the entire Planning Commission. Margaret Kennedy, "We are all here as citizens of Livonia. Do we have to have legal advice? Do we have to sign something? We are here sincerely as the matter is close to our hearts. " 275 Mr. E. M. Hardom, 39105 St. Martins, "I would like to have the City Attorney correct a statement that the Chair just made, 'The City Council has the final word on the Zoning Ordinance. ' If the City Council does pass the Zoning Ordinance, the people can put this to a vote and have it put down." City Attorney, "That is correct." Mr. Dietrich, "In the book (Zoning Ordinance) you say you are against asphalt plants and stuff like that. The plant went after we &aid we didn't want it." Mr. Brashear explained that the old ordinance did not restrict asphalt plants, but the new proposed ordinance does. Wm White, 31341 Schoolcraft, "I bought a home in Detroit for $20,000. and neglected to find out if there were restrictions on the building. I bought in Livonia and took the time to find out the property was restricted. Now along comes some clique to change the zoning to put in heavy industry and those fools should be sent to jail for 30 years. Who has proposed this change, I would like to know as a matter of record." The Chair advised Mr. White that the question was already answered by Mr. Waring when he advised that a city needs planning. It was planned by the Planning Commission and Waring and Johnson and the City Attorney. Miss Byers asked for the floor and said, "Don't forget I am one of you. I live in a section of Livonia, I am buying my home and I want to pro- tect it too. I can sincerely tell you that nothing will be railroaded through. We do not intend to take away anything from any of you folks. We have taken a lot of things out of the ordinance to help you folks. Just express your wishes and whatever we do will be for the majority of the people. I can assure you that as long as this Board is together no one is being favored. We don't need a debate or arguments; we want your questions and we will try to answer them to the best of our ability, thank you." Mr. T. C. O'Connor, 30175 Seven Mile, I would like to explain that I came here tonight to enter my complaint also, but I first want to say that I have confidence in this Planning Commission." Mr. Golnick, 32901 Schoolcraft, "Is it necessary to make Livonia an industrial town? There are many nice cities that do not have industry. We work in Detroit, and we have employment already, and we want to get away from it. We are the people that are dissatisfied with Detroit and want to have a better more beautiful town. I am sure that School- craft is a beautiful street and I don't see why people can't come here and not look at factories. I wish to protest this rezoning." Mr. Robert Maclntyre of the Planning Commission said, "There is no one who dislikes industry any more than I do. It is, however, very good planning for a city. Industry is 98% taxation." Mr. Maclntyre went into detail on school taxation and pointed out the fact that the in- dustry in Livonia is needed to relieve the tax burden from the citi- zens. Some persons not recognized by the Chair said that they prefer to pay the necessary tax themselves. Mrs. Clare Shuur, 32465 Schoolcraft, "How would you like Bentley High School overrun with colored people? We have the privilege of selling to whomever we want to. I don't think Livonia could stand up with all colored people in it. " 277 Mrs. Hoyt, 33509 Schoolcraft, "We have no children and we don't object to the taxes." Wm White, 31341 Schoolcraft, "Livonia has existed a long time and taxa- tion was lower. We had schools. The race track came in. We were told the tax would be reduced, the tax has climbed by the looks of my tax bill. I don't want to see the city grow. Why can't we leave it alone?" Mr. Theodore Bumting, 14094 Standford, "It seems to me the majority of the people are from that district and nobody wants it charged. I think it ought to be dropped." Floyd Mayo, 36569 Anaheim, "I bought Property 10 years ago. I question the wisdom of the Commission in trying to decide that all the manufac- turing in Livonia should be along the railroad. Wise planning would be to".set up manufacturing districts where people are not now living in houses." Mr. Ferris, "We are all in favor of not having a manufacturing area. We want to show you we are 100." " The Chair asked that the persons who opposed the manufacturing zoning stand up. There were approximately 80. Mr. Hughes, "I came down here for satisfaction and I can't get any from you people, let's get this over with as quick as possible. If you would give your word that this rezoning be dropped we would all go home. " The Chair advised that the Planning Commission would meet with Mr. Demil as promised. Mr. Brashear asked for the floor to explain to the people some of the things that have happened in Livonia in the past few years, and the reasons why. He also pointed out that the zoning to which they were so strenuously objection had been (3/4 of it) zoned exactly that way since 1942. He explained the asphalt plant incident and why it could not be stopped. He explained the great needs of a city and how the race track revenue is swallowed so quickly these days. Also he went into some detail on taxation and gave the people some idea of what the future would bring and the part that industry plays in relieving the people of that great burden. "We are trying our best to build a good city," he said. Mr. Brashear told the people that he recommends to the Commission that they vote in favor of the people's wishes. Mrs. Valentine, "We have lots of land on Plymouth Road and Farmington Road and Eckles Road. Why can't they fill that up with factories." Mr. Brashear asked, "How many are interested in the property between Farmington and Inkster on Schoolcraft?" There were 24 persons. Mr. Brashear then asked, "How many live and are interested in the area between Farmington and Eckles on Schoolcraft?" There were 40 persons. Mr. R. L. Pine, 14040 Hillcrest, "All of you admit that Schoolcraft is a beautiful drive. They have this whole area as industry right up to the street. In looking to the future, that would be a bombers paradise. I work at Burroughs and I drive out here every day. You might hurt a few people no matter where you plan this. " 279 Mr. Brashear said that he would like to explain what changes have been made. Following this he asked, "Are you people in favor of leaving the zoning as it was before the new ordinance was proposed?" The answer was a unanimous "Yes." Then Mr. Brashear said, "Starting at Farmington Road and running to Merriman was light manufacturing, and that is to be changed to heavy, do you object to that?" The indirect answer was "No". Mr. Brashear, "From Merriman over to Middlebelt and the front half was zoned RUFB, do you want that to stay the way it is?" The indirect answer was, "Yes". Mr. Brashear, "Where you do have manufacturing in here already, are you in favor of the set-back so they can't get too close to Schoolcraft?" The answer was, "No. the lots are 600 feet back." Mr. Gage, "There ought to be changes made, but I do think that along Schoolcraft the industry section ought to be brought back." Mr. Brashear, "Mould it be possible to appoint a committee of five of you people to discuss the matter with the Commission and make the lots 300 feet on Schoolcraft? They should be considered." There was a brief discussion among the people, and it was decided that 7 persons would be chosen to represent them. Mr. Brashear, "On the areas where they are still manufacturing, are you in favor of preventing the building of homes?" The indirect answer was, "Yes". Mr. Gage, "I would suggest the people be informed. The people are not clear about zoning. The thing that almost prevented me from moving to Livonia was the Ford Factory." Mr. Brashear, "We would like to do what the people are in favor of. They will do what the people want them to. (Reference is made to the Planning Commission.) Margaret Kennedy, "When the Commission is reconsidering the zoning of this, will you take into consideration the possibility of decentrali- zation. It would take up all of the space that the factories need and not have it all in one spot. " At approximately 11:05 PM, a motion was duly made by Edwin Conway, seconded and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to recess for 25 minutes. The Chair called the public hearing to order at approximately 11:30 PM and all members of the Commission were present except Clarence Jahn. During the recess period, the citizens chose the following to represent them: Clare R. Schuur, 32465 Schoolcraft, Chairman, Livonia 2094 William White, 31341 Schoolcraft, Liv. 4498 Margaret Adamczyk, 34465 Schoolcraft, Liv. 3911 Kathryn Valentine, 34140 Schoolcraft, Liv. 4807 Robert L. Pine, 14040 Hillcrest, Liv. 2861 Max C. Skura, 14000 Hillcrest, Use above phone A. J. Buxton, 13780 Merriman Stephen D. Spitza, 13526 Merriman, Liv. 2475 Kenneth Gage, 33950 Schoolcraft, Liv. 6505 or Fred Holmes 281 Mr. George W. Moore, 3627 Cadillac Tower, "I represent three property owners on Plymouth Road. They own a total of 24 acres. The owners I represent (just east of the Ford Plant) are in favor of the change to M-1 and would favor M-2 if it is possible to designate it thus." The names of the owners are: Roy Willis, Anthony Miceli, 35961 Fordson, Alfred Napolitano, 11361 Arcola. The property is located approximately 250 feet west of Arden Village. Yellow sheets of paper were passed around for signatures of persons objecting to the change of zoning. These were turned in with signa- tures on 11 sheets. Most of the people left at this point, after being informed the Commis- sion would hold a conference with their committee 8/13/52. Representatives of the Civic Association of the New Detroit Subdivision and Mr. Frischkorn were present regarding the parking called for in his petition that was tabled until the Zoning Ordinance is passed. Mr. Brashear read Article 13, P-1 District Regulations, as requested. There were no objections to granting Mr. Frischkorn's request. Mr. T. C. O'Connor, "There are two things I dont like; discrimination and monopoly. Article 10, Section 10.02 C-1 District Regulations (f) Uses Permitted. The poor devil in Livonia can't have a gas station but the surrounding communities can. Free enterprise is all I ask for. The 70%o is unfair to the people in the business districts. It was not compulsory to put that in there, was it? I don't believe in building up a tariff wall for a few people in Livonia." Miss Byers, "The paragraph (f) was included in our Ordinance because it was discriminating against the property owners if we didn't have it. None of us objected to the gas station but the insurance rates went up for everyone within 300 feet of the gas station. " Mr. O'Connor, "Would you change your opinion if you are wrong? That was three years ago." Miss Byers, "Yes". Mr. O'Connor, "Do you think there should be a law to protect the people who are now in the gas business? Remove the 70%, that is all I ask for. Free enterprise is all I ask for. " Mr. Elbert M. Hartom, 39105 St. Martins, "I object to the Zoning Ordinance for the following reasons": (These were written up and were presented to the secretary) . The Chair allowed Mr. Hartom to read for three minutes. At approximately 12:15 PM, a motion was duly made by Robert Maclntyre, seconded by Edwin Cores ay, and it was RESOLVED, to adjourn this public hearing. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Harsha, Bentley, Conway, Russell, Maclntyre, Hay and Byers. NAYS: Bower 283 Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway, seconded by Robert MacIntyre and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to hold a study meeting Thursday, July 31, 1952 at 9 PM. The secretary was instructed to ask the City Council to postpone their meeting of August 11, 1952 to some future date. Vic ( _ • Helen E. Byerfi etary ATTESTED: Dallas F. Hay, Chairman