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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1956-04-03 l272. 21$ MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION On April 3, 1956 the above meeting was held by the City Planning Commission at the City Hall, 33001 Five Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan. Chairman William R. Robinson called the Public Hearing to order at approximately 8:09 p.m. Mr. Peter A. Ventura presided as secretary pro tem in the absence of Mr. Fred Lotz. Members present: Peter A. Ventura Robert L. Greene Daniel Lepo Robert Miller William R. Robinson Members absent: *Dallas F. Hay Karle Steinhoff Fred A. Lotz H. Paul Harsha Lieutenant Bob Perry, Livonia Fire Department, George D. Haller, City Attorney and Dr. Eino Michelson, Asst. Supt., Livonia Public Schools were present to- gether with approximately 45 people attending the Public Hearing. The secretary announced that the first item on the agenda was the proposed Meri-Lynn Farms Subdivision and Meri-Lynn Farms Subdivision, No. 2 through No. 9 located on the West side of Merriman Road between Lyndon Avenue and Schoolcraft Road in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 22. The secretary read letters dated April 3, 1956 from Benton Yates, Supt., Livonia Public Sc'ools dated April 3, 1956 from Donald Wilson, Chief Inspector and dated April 2, 1956 from Calvin Roberts, Chief, Livonia Fire Department. Mr. Irving Levine was present. Mr. Ventura asked Mr. Levine if he had met with Livonia Gardens Civic Association as requested. Mr. Levine stated he had. Stated in all fairness to residents, he pointed out to them some of the objections to the revised plat and that the first plat submitted was the best offer as far as existing school is concerned. Stated traffic can be controlled by traffic signs. *Mr. Dallas F. Hay arrived at meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m. Mr. Robinson stated he agreed with the Fire Department and Board of Education that the revised plat is a poor layout; however the original plat did not take into consideration the safety of the school children. Mr. Edward Pugh, 15050 Melrose stated that inasmuch as there is a fire station at Five Mile Road there would be no need for the Fire Department to come into area from Schoolcraft Road and that he could not see where the Fire Department would have any problem getting to school. Lieutenant Perry stated the Fire Department is not always sure that it will have the equipment available at the Five Mile Road station. Mr. Robinson stated at this time Lyndon Road is not cut through. Mr. Pugh stated an eye should be kept fixed to the future. 214 ;;Ii Mr. Ventura stated he discussed this itea with Mr. Benton Yates, Supt., Livonia Public Schools and that he indicated to him that the entire school plan was for Berwick Road to go through and that the enterance to the school property is on Berwick Road. Dr. Michelson stated there is no access at all to the sd,00l site from the P" Mr. East and South and the children would have to walk up to Lyndon Road in order to get to school property. It was pointed out to Dr. Michelson that there is a walk way provided for children on the Southeast side of school site. Mr. Ventura stated the water main was installed by Livonia School District in what is Berwick Road and Mr. Levine has made an agreement with Livonia School District that he will reinburse the School District the cost of in- stallation of water main. Dr. Michelson stated Mr. Levine has also agreed to pave Berwick Road adjoin- ing the school site. Stated there is a fire plug approximately at the middle of the school site. Mr. Ventura stated according to plat book the Livonia School District has acquired a little piece of land going out to Lyndon Road just to make sure Berwick Road would be cut through. Mr. Robinson stated Berwick Road should come up to school site. Mr. Greene stated he did not believe anyone other than Commission members have seen alternate plan as submitted by Mr. Albe Munson, Planning Consultant. Suggested Planning Consultant might have solved problem and that sketch be presented to those present for comment. Mr. Pugh stated he did not believe it is the idea to put more corners in driver's path and that point is to keep drivers on mile and half mile roads and residential areas to local traffic. Mr. Ventura stated alternate plan as submitted by Mr. Munson is the same thing as original plat as submitted by Mr. Levine except there is a right angle corner instead of a gently curved street. Read portion of Mr. Munson's recommendation dated April 3, 1956. Mr. Miller stated in his opinion perhaps the traffic situation has been blown up too large and gave West Chicago Road as example. Mr. 1obinson stated Berwick Road is second main street East of Civic Center and it is only natural that it will receive more than its share of traffic. Mrs. Michael Lyons stated Bentley High Schoolb football field sides on Berwick Road which will make situation worst. Mr. Levine suggested that the Berwick traffic can be controlled by various devices at such times field is being used. An unidentified man stated the high school children will use Berwick to get in and out of school property. 1274 25 Mr. Lepo asked whether the Fire Department had had an opportunity to study this alternate plan as submitted by Mr. Munson. Lieutenant Perry stated it had not and that he does not have authority to change letter that has been submitted by Calvin Roberts. Mr. Robert Kellogg, Principle, Jackson School stated that the alternate plan as submitted does not seem to be the best one as far as the traffic coming into school is concerned. Stated at the present time 30? has to be left in the parking lot for access to fire plug. Mr. Greene asked Mrs. Lyons which plat the association would perfer (Mr. Mun- son's alternate plan or originally submitted by Mr. Levine la week.) Mrs. Lyons stated she perferred Mr. Munson's plan. Mr. Greene stated Mr. Levine's revised plat is objected to by almost everyone therefore Commission should discard it completely. Suggested original plan be acdepted blocking Berwick further South to get around traffic situation. Berwick could be extended to Scone or Summers and jog it over to Ingram. Mr. Ventura stated this is still same plan except by putting curve into street. Mrs. Lyons stated the Police Department maintains that stop signs do not con- trol traffic unless there is an officer behind every one. Mr. Levine requested letter from Police Department be read. The secretary read letter dated March 20, 1956 from Sergeant Robert G. Campbell addressed to Chief George E. Harmon. Chairman William R. Robinson called a recess at approximately 8:45 p.m. in order to afford Mr. Levine and those present representing Livonia Gardens Civic Assocation to come to an agreement. The Chairman called the meeting to order at approximately P:47. p.m. with all present as named at beginning and course of meeting except Dr. Eino Michelson Asst. Supt., Livonia Public Schools. Mr. Levine stated plan as suggested by Mr. Munson would leave him with a lot problem. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Lepo and unanimously carried, it was #4-132-56 RESOLVED that, revised preliminary plat (Plan B dated March 26, 1956) of proposed Meri-lynn Farms Subdivision and Meri-Lynn Farms Subdivision, No. 2 through No. 9 located on the West side of Merriman Road between Lyndon and Schoolcraft Roads in the Southeast 1/4 ofSection 22 be denied because it does not meet with approval of any of the City Department Heads nor with the approval of School District. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. 216 Mr. Levine asked that Commission reconsider original plan. Cts at Mr. Lepo stated he still thinks it is one of the best ones submitted. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Lepo and seconded by Mr. Miller, it was _ #4-133-56 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held on March 20, 1956 the City Planning Commission does hereby give approval to preliminary plat of Meri-Lynn Farms Sub- division and Meri-Lynn Farms Subdivision, No. 2 through No. 9 (dated October 26, 1955 as revised November 18, 1955 and February 14, 1956) located on the West side of Merriman Road between Lyndon Avenue and Schoolcraft Road in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 22, and FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was sent to the abutting property owners, proprietors, City Departments as listed in the Proof of Service and copies of the plat together with notice having been sent to the Building Department, Superintendent of Schools, School Board President, Fire Depart- ment, Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Members of the Plat Committee. Mr. Ventura stated he would like to support Messrs. Lepo and Miller's stand and that Commission has discussed item fully with residents to the North and that their objections are based on what may happen rather than what in reality will happen. Concurred with Mr. Lepo that it is best design that has been submitted. Mr. Robinson stated he is opposed to plan and that Commission should exercise all efforts to have suitable plan for area. Stated traffic situation is going to be a serious one. A roll call vote on the Resolution No. 4-133-56 resulted in the following: AYES: Miller, Lepo, Hay and Ventura NAYS: Greene and Robinson Mr. Donald Wilson, Chief Inspector arrived at meeting at approximately 8:55 p.m. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was the proposed Koloffts Greenbriar Meadows Subdivision and Koloffts Greenbriar Meadows Sub- division, No. 2 located on the South side of Five Mile Road approximately 1,300 feet West of Ashurst Road in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21. The secretary read letters dated April 3, 1956 from Donald Wilson, Chief Inspector and dated April 2, 1956 from Calvin Roberts, Chief, Livonia Fire Department. Mr. Henry Koloff was present. Mr. Koloff questioned comment regarding lot size as referred to in letter from Chief Inspector. Mr. Donald Wilson stated 25' side yards are required. Mr. Koloff stated he would agree to making this correction and requested that motion be made to approve subdivision plat as he will be unable to attend another meeting for approximately two months because of illness. Stated the }' 76 eight lots on Five Mile Road lack 3" of the necessary frontage although they have much more than the required area. Mr. Ventura suggested Mr. Koloff be given copy of Mr. Munson's recommendation dated April 3, 1956 regarding amended subdivision plat. Mr. and Mrs. Laurence J. Aubert, 35217 Five Mile Road asked whether drain will be covered. Mr. Koloff stated it would. Mr. Robinson stated there is only one East-West street in the entire mile. Mrs. Aubert statedfbr this reason it does rot appear to be a very good plan. Mr. Koloff stated if there is another street it would make three very short blocks. Mr. Ventura sta ed there is only 1,2001 between Lyndon Road and proposed , street; therefore Mr. Koloff is within regulation of Subdivision Rules and Regulations. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Yr. Greene and unanimously carried, it was #4-134-56 RESOLVED that, revised Koloff's Greenbriar Meadows Subdivision and Koloff's Greenbriar Meadows Subdivision, No. 2 located on the South side of Five Mie Road approximately 1,300 feet West of Ashurst Road in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21 not be approved and that item be tabled in order to afford petitioner opportunity to make corrections and submit another revised plat. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was the proposed Gordon Begin Subdivision, No. 2 located on the East side of Middlebelt Road approximately 900 feet North of Schoolcraft Road in the West 1/2 of Section 24. The secretary read letters dated March 27, 1956 from Calvin Roberts, Chief Livonia Fire Department and dated April 3, 1956 from Donald Wilson, Chief Inspector. Messrs. Harold Gordon, Louis Begin and William Ponder, Attorney 31707 Plymouth Road were present. Mr. Greene stated he did not understand comment by Chief Inspector regarding Lot 195. Mr. Wilson stated there must be 251 set back on both sides of lot. Mr. Ventura asked how long proposed }ruse will be. Mr. Gordon stated they are generally less than 40 feet. Mr. Miller stated according to revised plat, the extension of Garden Avenue will eliminate the problem of Lots 107 and 108. No one was present opposed to preliminary plat. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Hay and unanimously carried, it was 91 P #4-135-56 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held on March 20, 1956 the City Planning Commission does hereby give approval to revised preliminary plat of Gordon-Begin Sub- division, No. 2 located on the East side of Middlebelt Road approximately 900 feet North of Schoolcraft Road in the West 1/2 of Section 24, and FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was sent to the abutting property owners, proprietor, City Departments as listed in the Proof of Service and copies of the plat together with notice having been sent to the Building Department, Superintendent of Schools, School Board President, Fire Depart- ment, Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Members of the Plat Committee. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Petition No. Z-153 by Michael J. and Helen J. Watchko requesting that the zoning classifi- cation of Parcel 31FF2c located on the West side of Hix Road approximately 680 feet North of Joy Road in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 31 be changed from RUFB to R-2. The secretary read letter dated March 28, 1956 from Mrs. Helen Watchko. The petitioner nor a representative was present. No one was present obecting to petition. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Hay, seconded by Mr. Ventura and unanimously carried, it was #4-136-56 RESOLVED that, Petition No. Z-153 by Michael J. and Helen J. Watchko requesting change of zoning in the Southwest 1/4of Section 31 from RUFB to R-2 be tabled until April 17, 1956 as requested. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Petition No. Z-143 by Leona M. LaGrant requesting that zoning classification of Lots 10a, l0bl, 10b2, lla2, llb and 16, Elmwood Farms Subdivision located on the South side of Norfolk Avenue between Louise and Hugh Avenues in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 2 be changed from RUFB to R-1-B. The petitioner nor a represent- ative was present. Mr. Robinson stated he wanted to bring this to Commission's attention in order to find out whether Commission wanted this held up until Mr. Munson has had opportunity to finish the Land Use Survey. Kr. Hay stated action could not be taken on petition as petitioner was not notified. Mr. Lepo asked how long it will be before Land Use Survey will be available. Mr. Robinson stated that the contract has not been completed yet and that it will take approximately four months to complete survey. 1278 2i Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hay and unanimously carried, it was #4-137-56 RESOLVED that, Commission temporarily table Petition No. Z-143 as submitted by Mrs. Leona M. LaGrant for change of zoning in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 2 in order to 'rear Item No. 7 as shown on the agenda. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted. The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda wa3 Application TA14 by Light Weight Aggregate Corporation requesting permission to remove topsoil from Parcels A32cDlalb, A32b2, Alb and Dlalal located on the East side of Farmington Road between Schoolcraft Road and C & 0 Railway in the North 1/2 of Section 27. The secretary read letter dated March 30, 1956 from Butzel, Eaman, Long, Gust & Kennedy. The petitioner nor a representative was present. Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Haller whether hhe concurred with letter from Attorney. Mr. Haller stated that the decree will probably be entered on Thursday. Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Haller whether he would suggest that Commission go along with request. Mr. Haller stated he would because there is the possibility that whatever action Commission takes may be in conflict with terms of decree. Twenty persons were present objecting to Application TA14 as presented. Mr. Hay suggested a list of those present be obtained and that notification be mailed to them when this application will again be presented to Commission. Mr. Howard Hiles, 32541 Schoolcraft Road, representing those present asked how far down Light Weight Aggregate could go. Mr. Haller stated there is no provision in the ordinance limiting the distance Light Weight Aggregate can go down in excavation. Mr. Ventura stated that he believed Mr. Hiles is referring to section in ordinance which states one cannot go below ?rade. Mr. Haller stated that this is a quarry operation and that that provision is limited to topsoil, sand, etc. removal. Mr. sherman stated Light Weight Aggregate is asking that they be allowed to extend their operation. Mr. Haller stated wording of agenda is copied from the wrong source. Mr. Haller stated they may enlarge the hole but they are not enlarging the use. Yr. Henry Golnick, 32901 Schoolcraft Road stated that the noise is objection- able and no control of speed of trucks. Yr. Robinson stated matter of noise and speed of trucks would be out of order and not under this Commission's jurisdiction. Mr. Haller stated that if the operation is a nuisance residents have the right to go to court and ask for restraining injuction. 990 Mr. Ventura stated to Mr. Haller that he (Mr. Haller) pointed out that Light Weight Aggregate had a right to carry on use that was established. Asked whether it was legal for them to start operation and what zoning was at the time and whether operation was a permitted use at that time. Mr. Wilson stated there was no ordinance at the time. Mr. Ventura stated that if use was illegal use before Zoning Ordinance, No. 60 then City of Livonia may have something. Mr. Haller stated that that may be true. Stated it may have been overlooked when first case was tried four years ago. Mr. ventura stated according to ordinance adopted in 1945, they were located in a M-1 District. An unidentified man stated they were building building in 1949. Mr. Haller stated this matter was litigated when William Brashear was City Attorney and the case was lost at that time. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Hay and seconded by Mr. Lepo, it was #4-138-56 RESOLVED that, Application TA14 by Light Weight Aggregate Corporation requesting Permit to Remove Topsoil from Parcels A32cDlalb, A32b2, Alb and Dlalal located on the East side of Farmington Road between Schoolcraft Road and C & 0 Railway in the North 1/2 of Section 27 be tabled as requested and that residents present be notified when item will again be presented to Commission. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Miller, Greene, Lepo, Hay and Robinson NAYS: Ventura Mr. Ventura stated attorney ask that application be tabled until Mr. Percy M. Lovett returns to office. Stated letter is from a large firm and they could have sent another representative. Stated in his opinion it looks like a delay- ing action and in the meantime they are removing dirt. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Lepo and unanimously carried, it was #4-139-56 RESOLVED that, Commission return to regular order of agenda. The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted and called a recess at approximately 9:50 p.m. Because of tornado warnings the Chairman declared at approximately 10:01 p.m. April 3, 1956 that the Public Hearing would be adjourned to April 17, 1956. C--- e_Ye.i/ Peter A. Ventura, Secretary pro tem k; ATTESTED: Wlliiaw R. Robinson, Chairman