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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1954-03-16 36 _ 4„„ MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND THE FORTY-THIRD REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION A Public Hearing and the 43rd Regular Meeting of the City Planning Commission were held on Tuesday, March 16, 1954 at the City Hall, Livonia, Michigan. Vice-Chairman H. Paul Harsha called the Public Hearing to order at approxi- mately 8:04 p.m. Members present: William Newton Robert L. Greene H. Paul Harsha Edwin Conway Irving Geer Rufino Salinas Members absent: *Clarence Jahn *Dallas F. Hay Peter Ventura Mr. Malcolm F. Waring, Planning Consultant; Mr. Howard Middlewood, Building Inspector; Mr. Max Koehler, Building Inspector; and Bob Perry, Fire Depart- ment were present, together with approximately 100 people attending the Public Hearing and the Regular Meeting. The secretary read Petition No. Z-45 by Joseph Lynch asking that the zoning classification of parcel located on the East side of Merriman approximately 672 feet North of C & 0 Railway in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 26 be changed from M-1 to M-2 for a depth of 1,500 feet from the East boundary of Merriman Road. Mr. Joseph Lynch was present. No one present was in favor of the petition. A Notice of Public Hearing on this petition was sent to property owners with- in 500 feet as an experiment. To the Commission's knowledge, none of the people that appeared in opposition to the peition were property owners within 500 feet. *Mr. Clarence Jahn arrived at approximately 8:05 p.m. The following were present objecting to the rezoning of this area because it would allow business too close to their homes, and would set a precedent for further M-2 in the future, there is plenty of M-2 available, and M-2 would be injurious to the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Wm. White, 31341 Schoolcraft Mr. John Daugherty, 14336 Brookfield Mr. West, 13781 Merriman Mr. Turner, 30304 Schoolcraft Mr. Royal Zeigin, 14151 Hillcrest Mrs. M. Armstrong, 13741 Merriman Mrs. Crawford, 30844 Schoolcraft Mr. Lycka, 13361 Merriman Mr. Lynch stated that he bought the land with the understanding that he would be able to establish a ready-mix plant and that he had spent consid- erable money on the latest equipment. He checked with Wolfe Realty and Sheldon Land and found that there wasn't M-2 land available. Agreed with the County Road Commission to maintain the road. The secretary read the recommendation of Waring and Johnson dated 2/15/54 and the uses that are permitted in a M-1 district as listed in the Zoning Ordinance. 363 5/ 9 Mr. Wm. Brashear arrived at approximately 8:40 p.m. Hr. Daugherty referred to Page 10, Section 29 of the Charter of the Cityof Livonia and Page 2, Section 1.04 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance stating that an ordinance adopted by the electorate may not be amended or repealed by Council for period of two years and then only by affirmative vote of five Councilmen. Mr. Brashear stated that State Law supersedes any city or township law. Mr. West recommended that the Commission abide by the will of the people who live in that neighborhood and that this petition be denied. A Mheet of paper was passed so that those who opposed this petition could sign their name and address. The paper was never returned. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Conway and seconded by Mr. Newton, it was RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission on consideration of Petition No. Z-45, Joseph Lynch and after hearing the petitioner as well as neighboring residents do hereby recommend to the City Council that the requested change of zoning from M-1 to M-2 be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Conway, Jahn, Greene, Geer and Harsha NAYS: Salinas The Chairman called a recess at approximately 8:55 p.m. *Mr. Dallas F. Hay arrived at approximately 8:57 p.m. Chairman Dallas F. Hay called the 43rd Regular Meeting to order at approxi- mately 9:10 p.m. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was a discussion with the Traffic Commission about the Master Plan, Part VI. The following were present representing the Traffic Commission: Jack Hickox, Chairman Harry Curtner, Vice Chairman Victor Lothman Mr. Hickox stated that the commission had met with the State Highway Commission at which time the "Y" at Plymouth and Ann Arbor Roads and lights at Stark, Merriman and Levan Roads were discussed. The State Highway Commission would pay the entire cost of lights if Stark, Merriman and Levan Roads are paved from Plymouth to Schoolcraft Roads, The Traffice Commission expected to have another meeting with the State Highway Commission at which time a complete lighting system will be decided upon at Plymouth and Ann Arbor Roads. It is the State Highway Commission's desire to put an island here. This matter should be taken care of this coming week. Mr. Jahn stated that the Master Planning Committee could not give their aJ e+{O report regarding Waring and Johnson's clover-leaf plan in relation to 1[: Middlebelt at Plymouth Roads and Farmington at Plymouth Roads as one of their members has been out of the city. Mr. Greene gave a detailed report regarding the Traffic Commission's report and drawing dated February 12, 1954 as follows: Areas to be considered 1. Middlebelt and Joy Roads. Very bad situation. Lot available Northeast corner Freemont and Joy Roads - 60 X 100. Also land may be made available by condemning three houses on West side of Middlebelt Road North of Joy Road which would give lot about 60 X 400. Business in this area: Drug store, two churches, meat market, hardware and doctor's office. 2. Plymouth and Inkster Roads Lot available Northwest corner Arcola and Plymouth Roads - 651 100. Also lot available in this vicinity from Cavell to Cardwell - 80 X 250. 3. Plymouth Road area - Merriman to Hubbard Roads Lot available Southeast corner of Melrose and Plymouth Roads - 80 X 100. Committee questions need for parking on the South side of Plymouth in the following blocks: Between Berwick and Auburndale Between Blackburn and Cranston 4. Plymouth and Stark Roads Lot available North of Plymouth and East of Stark Road - 60 X 80. Business in this area: Barber shop and Easyway Appliance Company 5. Five Mile and Farmington Roads Land available North side of Five Mile between Edington and Surrey 92 X 478. Business in this area: Drug store, super market and doctor's office. 6. Seven Mile and Farmington Roads There is only room for about four or five cars in the back of the build- ings in this area and it is rather difficult to get back there. A separate lot would be better. Lot available South side of Seven Mile between Westmore and Farmington 60 X 100. Also land available Northeast corner of Westmore - 60 X 100. 7. Grand River and Eight Mile Road There was a question of a laundry in this area. The committee had not noticed it. Committee did not see any need for parking facilities in this area. Commission recently approved rezoning of land for parking facilities adjacent to the bahk. Lunch room has adequate facilities. 367 a,,2/ 8. Seven Mile and Floral Roads I[: Lot available Southwest corner of Floral and Seven Mile - 80 X 100. Also land available on Southeast corner of Deering Street and Seven Mile Road. 9. Six Mile and Middlebelt Roads Park facilities in this area seem to be adequate. Mr. Greene recommended that this report be incorporated in one master plan and not piece-meal as it was suggested at the last meeting. Mr. Brashear stated that he did not think it should be part of the master plan, that it would be better to take care of each area one at a time. The ideas should be written up as an official record and placed on record with the City Council and the Planning Commission. *Mr. Edwin Conway left the meeting at approximately 9:40 p.m. Mr. Hickox stated that the problem of traffic coming out of the National Food Store and the Barber Shop on the West side of Harrison near Plymouth is being taken care of by the City Council. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Jahn and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the committee (Messrs. Salinas, Greene and Geer) meet with the City Attorney to try to find a solution in carrying out their report pertaining to the nine areas to be considered for municipal parking lots and that Waring and Johnson be authorized to prepare a map showing the areas in this report, and FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the map prepared by Waring and Johnson be forwarded to the Building Department. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was the petition of Kenwood Church of Christ for permission to erect a church on Lots 486 and 487, Supervisor's Livonia Plat, No. 8 situated on the Northwest corner of Middlebelt Road and St. Martins Street in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 2. Rev. Crandell was present. Rev. Crandell submitted a more detailed site plan of the proposed church. Rev. Crandell explained that he had checked on the drain that was mentioned by Mrs. Bracken, 19703 Middlebelt at thelast meeting and he found that it would offer no problem as it could be tiled. Also stated that the church feels that a large congregation is not as satisfactory as a small one and that the two units as planned will be sufficient. The following were present and stated that they objected to the church: Peggy Hester Mr. E. Gresehover Mr. & Mrs. L. Hickens 19620 Middlebelt 19704 Middlebelt 12597 Filbert, Detroit 369 :2-- The following were present in favor of the proposed church and stated that the church is necessary to the welfare of the community and that there isn't another church near by: Mr. Herbert Hoppe Mr. Vernon Woodcox 21652 Tulane, Farmington 19890 Deering Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Salinas, seconded by Mr. Geer and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the petition of Kenwood Church of Christ for per- mission to erect a church oh Lots 486 and 487, Supervisor's Livonia Plat, No. 8 situated on the Northwest corner of Middlebelt Road and St. Martins Street in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 2 be granted. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was the proposed Hearthstone Subdivision located on the South side of Eight Mile Road approximately 300 feet East of Parkville Avenue in the East 1/2 of the North- west 1/4 of Section 1. Messrs. Ross Campbell, Charles Brown and Lloyd Fall were present. Mr. Campbell stated that they had met with Waring and Johnson, Livonia Build- ing Department, City Attorney, Park and Recreation Department and the Board of Education as suggested by the Planning Commission at the last meeting. Mr. J. B. Folsom and Mr. Dave Meinzinger were present representing the Park and Recreation Department. Mr. Brashear left the meeting at approximately 10:20 p.m. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the property to be dedicated to the city for park and school purposes. A petition with approximately 41 names was submitted in favor of Morlock being left as a dead end street. The following were present questioning the route of Morlock Street as shown on the proposed plat and objected to it becoming a through street to Eight Mile Road. Mr. & Mrs. L. Stopar, 20334 Parkville Mr. Robert Shawl, 28980 Morlock Mr. & Mrs. Biegelehn, Detroit Mrs. M. Moreland, 29110 Morlock Mr. Hickox was present as chairman of the Traffic Commission and stated that his commission will study the problem of traffic control on Morlock Street and will try to find a solution which will prevent the use of that street as a cut off for race track traffic. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was 371 5;43 RESOLVED, that the plat of Hearthstone Subdivision located on the South side of Eight Mile Road approximately 300 feet East of Park- ( ville Avenue in the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 1 is hereby tentatively approved on condition that the proprietors of this subdivision make and deliver a quit claim deed to the City of Livonia conveying parcels in accordance with letters from Thompson- Brown Company to the City Attorney dated March 12, 1954 and March 15, 1954; provided however, that such quit claim deed and the legal description therein shall be subject to the approval of theCity Engineer and the City Attorney. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Petition No Z-36a by Harry Smith, et al asking that the zoning classification of parcel located on the Northwest corner of Plymouth and Farmington Roads in the northerly 100 feet of land in Section 28 be changed from RUFB to C-2. Mr. Smith and his attorney were present. Mr. Smith stated that the proposed clover-leaf will not affect his proposed building, if he is granted the additional 100 feet, and that he is willing to cooperate with whatever decision the County Road Commission makes regarding the clover-leaf in this area. The secretaryread the recommendation of Waring and Johnson dated 2/2/54. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene, seconded by Mr. Salinas and unanimous- ly carried, it was RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission on consideration of Petition No. Z-36a by Harry Smith, et al and after hearing the petitioner do hereby recommend to the City Council that the re- quested change of zoning of the northerly 100 feet of petitioner's property from RUFB to C-2 be granted, and FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission recommends that no con- struction be started until after the Traffic Commission has met with the State Highway Commission and a decision has been obtained on the clover-leaf, under-pass or over-pass in this area. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The next item on the agenda was Petition No. V-3 by Rev. John G. Davies, Minister St. Paul's Presbyterian Church of Livonia asking that the first 20 foot alley situated South of Five Mile Road between Arcola and Cavell Streets in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 24 be vacated. Rev. Davies was present. Mr. Sipson, representing the Bell Telephone Company stated that he did not have an answer to the letter dated 3/10/54 from Wm. Brashear regarding the cost to remove their equipment. Stated that he expected to have an answer within a dayor two. A reply to the letter dated 3/10/54 from Wm. Brashear to The Detroit Edison Company regarding the cost to remove their equipment had not been obtained. 373 Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that Petition No. V-3 by Rev. John Davies, Minister, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church of Livonia asking that the first 20 foot alley situated South of Five Mile Road between Cavell and Arcola Streets in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 24 be vacated be tabled until the Special Meeting, March 30, 1954. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The next item on the agenda was the petition of George W. Hall, Jr. request- ing that the land known as J. Ziegler Woods Subdivision, No. 1 be rezoned from RUFB to R - 1 - A. Mr. George W. Hall, Jr. and Mr. Aubrey Ettenheimer were present. The secretary read the letter dated 2/26/54 from Rose-Hill Builders. Mr. Ettenheimer stated that he had no objection to this petition. It was suggested by the Commission that Mr. Hall draw up the proper petition and submit it to the Planning Commission at which time they will hold a public hearing. The secretary gave the petition back to Mr. Hall. The next item on the agenda was the petition of Dewey R. Dyer for permission to build a chicken house on Lot 4, Garden Farms Subdivision located on the East side of Deering Avenue approximately 420 feet North of Curtis Avenue in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 12. Mrs. Dyer was present. Mrs. Dyer stated that the chicken house was on a separate lot from where the residence is located and that her mother owns the property. There was a question about this petition being filed by someone other than the owner of the property. Mrs. Dyer stated that her mother was ill and that she had no objection to the chicken house being located there. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the petition by Dewey R. Dyer for permission to build a chicken house on Lot 4, Garden Farms Subdivision located on the East side of Deering Avenue approximately 420 feet North of Curtis Avenue in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 12 be granted in the name of Mr. Dyer's mother-in-law, Mrs. Ella K. Connor's, 18357 Foch, Livonia. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The next item on the agenda was the proposed Devonshire Park Subdivision located in a part of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 35 and situated North of 375 West Chicago between Merriman and Henry Ruff Roads. Mr. Ettenheimer and Mr. Alper were present. Mr. Alper read letters dated 3/11/54 addressed to Park and Recreation Depart- ment and Mr. Carl J. Thrun, Attorney, Board of Education signed by Rose-Hill Builder's attorney, Mr. Milton Maddin. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Harsha, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the plat of Devonshire Park Subdivision located in a part of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 35 and situated North of West Chicago between Merriman and Henry Ruff Roads, which plat is identified by the signatures of the Secretary and the Chairman of the City Planning Commissio;, is hereby tentatively approved on condition that the location and acquisition of park and school sites are approved by the Board of Education and the Park and Recreation Commission. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The Chairman called a recess at approximately 11:50 p.m. The Chairman called the Regular Meeting to order at approximately 12:00 p.m. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Salinas,and unanimous- ly carried, it was RESOLVED, that the proposed subdivision sponsored by Biltmore Homes located in the South 1/2 of Southwest 1/4 of Section 14 on the North side of Five Mile Road and East of Merriman Road be denied without prejudice. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. There was a lenghty discussion regarding the letter dated 3/4/54 from Chief Calvin Roberts, Livonia Fire Department concerning the Notice of Public Hearing. Sgt. Bob Perry was present. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that Waring and Johnson meet with Sgt. Perry and Chief Roberts and that a solution be reached concerning what further material pertaining to the proposed plats, petitions, etc. the Fire Department should receive. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. There was a lengthy discussion regarding a public thoroughfare between Greenette Subdivision and Elliott Subdivision. 377 Upon a motion duly made by. Mr. Geer, seconded by Mr. Jahn and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that the matter of a public thoroughfare between Greenette Subdivision and Elliott Subdivision be tabled until the Special Meeting, March 30, 1954, and FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of Mr. Robert A. Kellogg's letter dated 2/12/54 be sent to Mr. Hultquist, Supt. of Public Works for his written opinion. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. A letter reminding the commission of the Michigan Society of Planning Officials Annual Meeting April 2 and April 3 in the University of Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Michigan was passed to the members. Upon a motion duly made by blr. Jahn, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that this meeting be adjourned. At approximately 12:55 a.m. the Chair declared the meeting' adjourned. c Rufino alinas, Secretary ATTESTED: Dallas F. Hay, Chairman aulHar sul ars , Vice Chairman