HomeMy WebLinkAbout1,225 -February 4, 2025MINUTES OF THE 1,225th PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR MEETING
HELD BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the City Planning Commission of the City of Livonia
held its 1,225th Public Hearing and Regular Meetings in the Livonia City Hall,
33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, Michigan.
Mr. Ian Wilshaw, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Members present: Wafa Dinaro Patrick Droze
Sam Caramagno Glen Long
Ian Wilshaw
Members absent: None
David Bongero
Peter Ventura
Mr. Jacob Uhazie, Planning Director, and Stephanie Reece, Program Supervisor,
were also present.
Chairman Wilshaw 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 turn, 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 filing. 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 2025-01-02-01 Eman Enterprises
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda, Petition 2025-
01-02-01 submitted by Eman Enterprises LLC requesting waiver
use approval pursuant to Section 6.06 of the City of Livonia
Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to redevelop an existing
commercial site, including adding service bays, renovating the
interior and exterior of the building and operating an automobile
repair facility at 27819 Plymouth Road, located on the southwest
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Uhazie:
February 4, 2025
31740
corner of Plymouth and Cardwell Street in the Northeast '/4 of
Section 34.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Uhazie.
This is a request to renovate and operate automobile and light
truck repair up to one ton, which is regulated under Section 6.06
of the zoning ordinance. As mentioned, it is located on the
southwest corner of Plymouth and Cardwell Street. The existing
zoning is C-2 (General business). To the north and northwest are
commercial properties which are zoned C-1 (Local business),
while the northeast is zoned C-2 as well. To the east, across
Cardwell Street is the Royal Motor Inn, which is zoned C-2. To
the south is the Thomas Elliott subdivision and is zoned N1 for
neighborhood. And finally, to the west of the site is a small
commercial building zoned C-2. A little history on the site. The
site was previously approved to be light auto repair facility in 1971
and again in 1982, although the use was never put into operation.
The prior occupant was Mickey Shorr Electronics, who was
granted approval to expand the existing building in 1987. The
building currently sits vacant. The subject property is 0.37 acres
in area with 148 feet of frontage on Plymouth Road and 110 feet
along Cardwell Street. The existing building measures
approximately 2,049 square feet with two driveways that provide
access to the site, one on Plymouth Road and another off of
Cardwell Street. Parking requirements for automobile and truck
repair facilities are required as two spaces for each workstation,
plus one space per employee. The floor plan shows three bays
and three workstations that would operate with up to three
employees. The minimum required parking is nine for the three
bays. We have received an updated site plan since our study
session. This new site plan shows three parallel parking spaces
next to the Plymouth Road right of way, and an additional eight
parking spaces along the western property line. The parking
configuration on the plan shows five parking spaces are located
in front of the site, and another 10 additional spaces are behind
the proposed fencing area. Under Section 6.06 all vehicles left at
the facility for repair overnight must be stored within the building,
and absolutely no dismantled damage or unlicensed vehicles
shall be permitted on the site. The ordinance also states that the
total number of vehicles stored and awaiting work shall be subject
to recommendation by the Planning Commission and be
approved by City Council. Another change from the study session
is the dumpster enclosure has been moved from the rear of the
site and attached to the northwest corner of the building. The site
plan shows additional landscaping was added along Plymouth
Road and Cardwell Street. Along Plymouth Road, there are 14
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Uhazie:
February 4, 2025
31741
shrubs, two trees, which are located in front of the PRDA fencing,
and an additional 16 shrubs located between the driveway and
the corner. On Cardwell Street the plan shows three deciduous
trees and 10 shrubs. The shrub species are listed as boxwood
and the type of trees not given, but the plan states that the
specific species will be selected from the Livonia approved
species list. The zoning ordinance requires the following on
Plymouth Road: three deciduous trees or evergreen, two
ornamental trees and 24 shrubs, and along Cardwell Street, two
deciduous trees or evergreen, one ornamental and 10 shrubs.
The site plan also shows updates to the existing and proposed
fencing. The existing wooden fence at the rear of the property
would be replaced with a six-foot high masonry wall. The rest of
the fencing is listed as being a six -foot -high vinyl privacy fence,
or block fence to match the proposed rear wall. No signage plans
were submitted with this petition. On the elevations the existing
stucco veneer would be replaced by a brick veneer on the north
and east walls. The canopy, aluminum fascia and all associated
framing would be removed and replaced with the new aluminum
or stone coping and fascia at the parapet. All the existing windows
and doors would remain. On the south and west elevation,
exterior brick or CMU walls will be patched and repaired. The new
elevation plan shows the daylighting of existing windows that are
currently bricked over. One new window is shown on the east
elevation, and there are two additional windows shown on the
north elevation. Additionally, the updated elevation plan identifies
lighting that will be angled down at 45 degrees. With that, Mr.
Chairman, I can read out the departmental correspondence.
Yes, please.
The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated January 16,
2025, which reads as follows: "In accordance with your request,
the Engineering Division has reviewed the above referenced
petition. We have no objections to the proposed waiver use at this
time, but would like to note the following items: 1. The subject
parcel is assigned the address of #27819 Plymouth Road. Should
additional addresses be needed, the Owner will need to contact
this Department once approvals have been obtained. 2. The
existing parcel is currently serviced by public sanitary sewer and
water main. The submitted drawings do not include any proposed
utility information or calculations, so we cannot comment on any
proposed impacts to the existing systems, but we do not believe
the proposed usage will adversely affect the existing utilities.
Should alterations to the existing services be required, the owner
shall submit drawings to this department to determine if permits
will be required. 3. Although the drawings do not indicate any
February 4, 2025
31742
future utility information, it should be noted the any proposed re-
development other than building renovations will be required to
provide storm water improvements and detention per the Wayne
County Stormwater Ordinance . 4. Any disturbances with the
Plymouth Road right-of-way will require permits through the
Michigan Department of Transportation, including drive approach
and sidewalk removals and placements." The letter is signed by
David W. Lear, P.E., Assistant City Engineer. The next letter is
from the Livonia Fire & Rescue Division, dated January 31, 2025,
which reads as follows: " This office has reviewed the site plan
submitted in connection with a request to renovate a commercial
building on the property located at the above referenced address.
We have no objections to this proposal with the following
stipulations: Evaluation for possible suppression system and fire
alarm installation due to vehicles that are EV. A further detailed
plan review will take place when this division receives an official
plan set." The letter is signed by Brian Kukla, Fire Marshal. The
next letter is from the Division of Police, dated January 17, 2025,
which reads as follows: "1 have reviewed the plans in connection
with the petition. I have no objections to the proposal."The letter
is signed by Paul Walters, Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The next
letter is from the Inspection Department, dated January 29, 2025,
which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request, the above -
referenced Petition has been reviewed. 1. The parking lot shall
be repaired and restriped as necessary. Parking spaces shall be
10' wide and 20' deep and double striped. 2. The van -accessible
barrier -free parking space shall be sized, signed, and marked in
accordance with the Michigan Barrier -Free Code. 3. An enclosure
of sufficient height to completely screen the dumpster is required
on three (3) sides of the waste receptacle, with a solid gate on
the fourth side. The height of the enclosure must be not less than
six (6) feet or at least one (1) foot above the height of the
dumpster, whichever is greater. The enclosure gates shall be of
solid panel steel construction or durable, long-lasting solid panel
fiberglass and, when not in use, closed at all times. The enclosure
must be constructed of the same or compatible material and
colors as the principal building in terms of texture and quality. 4.
A variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be required
for the proposed 6' tall vinyl fencing proposed. This Department
has no further objections to this Petition.."The letter is signed by
Jerome Hanna, Director of Inspection. The next letter is from the
Finance Department, dated January 31, 2025, which reads as
follows: "1 have reviewed the addresses connected with the
above noted petition. As there are no outstanding amounts
receivable, general or water and sewer, I have no objections to
the proposal." The letter is signed by Connie Kumpula, Chief
Accountant. The next letter is from the Treasurer's Department,
February 4, 2025
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dated January 17, 2025, which reads as follows: "All taxes on this
property are current." The letter is signed by Susie Nash,
Treasurer. Next is a letter from a resident, dated February 3,
2025, which reads as follows: "Dear City of Livonia Planning
Commission and everyone this letter concerns, I am writing this
letter regarding petition 2025-01-02-01 submitted by Eman
Enterprises LLC. Property known as 27819 Plymouth Rd Livonia,
MI. 1 own the residential property that is right next door to the
above -mentioned property. I am writing this letter asking you not
to approve this type of business. 1 will state my reasons. This
property is not a large property. This would mean cars that are
waiting to be worked on would be stored outside. The person that
is looking at buying or leasing the mentioned property is already
using the property to store vehicles. 1 have seen a tow truck going
in and out of the property. Where would this tow truck be stored?
Visually with the stored cars and tow truck, this would not be a
good look to our neighborhood and community. This building
currently has two bay doors. One facing north toward Plymouth
Rd. The other facing east exiting out on to Cardwell. Cardwell is
a residential street. Automobile repair facilities like the one
mentioned above are generally noisy businesses. Air
compressors are generally used with air tools such as air impact
guns, air chisels and a variety of other air tools and hammering
tools to remove broken and stuck parts on vehicles. There is also
the noise of the tow truck and vehicles being moved around and
stored on the property. Please refer to the maps of how my
property 11563 Cardwell and 27819 Plymouth Rd are in close
proximity of each other. There is very little distance between my
residence and the business that is looking to get a waiver to use
this property. The reason this property is not zoned for this type
of business is to protect the residents from the above -mentioned
concerns and noise. City of Livonia Planning Commission please
look at the number of already existing auto repair facilities we
already have in this area. The one mile of Plymouth Rd, between
Middlebelt and Inkster roads, there are already seven Automobile
repair facilities and one car wash. 1. Firestone Complete Auto
Care 29200 Plymouth Rd. 2. Livonia Car & Truck Repair 28850
Plymouth Rd 3. Oval Auto Repair 28735 Plymouth Rd 4. Speedy
Auto Service 28411 Plymouth Rd 5. Livonia Auto Sellers 29068
Plymouth Rd 6. Feinn Tire Repair Facility 28055 Plymouth Rd 7.
Raceway Pit Stop 28085 Plymouth Rd 8. Zax Auto Wash 36001
Plymouth Rd I would also like to remind the City of Livonia
Planning Commission that a few years ago you denied a rezoning
for a car dealership/repair facility for the same concerns as I have
mentioned above. The property I am referring to is located at
28121 Plymouth Rd Livonia, MI 48150. This property was the
former location of Penalty Box Bar. 1 ask that you reference back
February 4, 2025
31744
to the reason you did not rezone the above mentioned property
and denied a waiver of use. One of the main reasons this
business was denied a waiver of use, the size of the property and
how close it was to the proximity of residential homes. This
property at 28121 Plymouth Rd is larger in size and has more
distance from the resident's home then the property at 27819
Plymouth Rd which is next to where I live. Another reason the
Planning Commission denied a "waiver of use permit" was
concern of noise pollution to the residential neighborhood. In
closing, Livonia has zoning ordinances for a reason. The reason
is to protect residents and neighborhoods from businesses that
do not fit in a particular location. This business does not belong
at this location and that is why a "waiver of use permit" is being
asked for. 1 ask the City of Livonia to enforce the current zoning
laws and deny this business. Thank you for your time."The letter
is signed Jeff Nicholas, 11563 Cardwell, Livonia, MI. The last
letter is from a resident, dated February 4, 2025, which reads as
follows: "In regards to this 1 have some concerns. I am all for
businesses being rehabilitated but when we have so many other
car repair facilities on Plymouth road how will this affect
business. What is the sound impact? Currently there is a bay that
faces the neighborhood and my backyard faces that. 1 don't want
to hear the various repair tools running all day. It's a large
disruption to anyone If the business were to go in, I would say
that the bays in use could only face Plymouth road, this would
held reduce any excess noise going into it the neighborhood. No
doors or bays facing residential areas. I can't imagine the sound
for the person who lives directly behind it. 1 think there are other
more commercial slots this would fit in. If the petition passes , I
would also suggest that additional landscaping be put I place to
reduce noise. What are the hours of this proposed business? Are
we to hear the noise all day/evening and weekend? I enjoy my
backyard and also wfh, if all l hear is pneumatic tools it will distract
from enjoying my home and I would have to keep windows shut
to avoid interruption to my work. Where will excess cars be
parked? The lot is very very small and there is no room for
parking. Will they park in the streets blocking spots for any
residents to use? Overall I disagree with the petition and hope
that Livonia agrees. Mickey shores was bad enough this will only
be worse."The email is signed Kelly Richard, Cavell St., Livonia,
MI. That is the extent of the correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there anything else, Mr.Uhazie? Okay. Ms, Reece, just a
question for you. You don't see this picture on the TV on the
outside, do you? I don't think anybody's in the booth
broadcasting. I just looked and I don't think we're live, so...I don't
know they fall asleep or what? Thank you. I appreciate that.
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Wilshaw:
February 4, 2025
31745
We'II continue on with the meeting, though, because the show
must go on, as they say, as our petitioner here. If you want to
come forward to our podium. Is there any questions for our
planning staff before we hear...Mr. Droze.
I guess there is a question about landscaping. Do we count
landscaping in the right way towards the site, or does it need to
be on the site proper?
We count on the site proper, but there have been cases where if
the space isn't available, that can be counted or in lieu of some
kind of stuff that we would require.
And then one other question. There was a note on the building
official regarding a variance being required for the fence. Is that
related to the vinyl fence or the wall.
I read that as the fencing along the west of the property adjacent
to the other commercial properties.
Okay, any idea why? Is that just typical?
That's just the typical fencing process.
Okay, got it. And then the last question, did we receive any
information regarding the masonry wall? And maybe the
petitioner can offer that, but I didn't see anything in the packet
about the materials.
No details about materials, just that it would be changed to a
masonry wall.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you. Mr. Droze. Any other questions?
I don't know why this went out.
Yeah, I think we got our broadcast going, though that may have
knocked out your feed there.
I will let you work on that. Thank you. Ms Reece, for checking on
that. Any other questions for planning staff? Mr. Bongero.
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Wilshaw:
February 4, 2025
31746
Jacob, so in the ordinance 6.06 they can't have any cars outside.
They all have to be pulled inside the building at the end of the
day?
Unless that is waived by the Planning Commission and Council.
It stipulates that, based off the plan, they can keep x amount of
cars...
Because it's kind of confusing. It says no...all vehicles that are
left for repair overnight must be stored within the building, and
then it says Planning or Council can dictate how many numbers
are stored inside.
It is a little confusing, but if the Commission and Council decide
to waive that, they can park the set number of cars outside in the
rear part.
Okay, that's it. Appreciate Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Bongero. Any other questions for staff? Okay,
think we covered all that. Thank you, sir, for being here tonight.
You're our petitioner, if you want to start with your name and
address for our record.
Mohammed Essa, 27819 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI.
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Essa:
Excellent. Thank you, sir. And what would you like to tell us about
your business that you want to operate here?
Well, the business, I believe, has been auto related since it was
built. I think it was originally a gas station with auto service when
it was originally built. I would like to continue the auto service.
But, you know, include auto repair. There's currently three
existing bay doors. The third door is hidden. I showed you guys
pictures last week, so that overhead door is still there. There's
two in ground hoists that will be removed above hoist instead. So
I would like to operate as an auto repair, light auto repair, you
know, maintenance, brakes, tune ups, tires, mufflers, you know,
exhaust, whatever, just maintenance, like the Midas down the
street, basically. As far as I think Patrick was trying to zone in on
the two trees, there's two Wayne County trees that are between
Plymouth Road and the sidewalk. So, when we did the
landscaping, I spoke with Jacob, I told him there's two already
existing. I know they're not on the city side, but there's two on
there, so we thought maybe we'll present that. We'II only plant the
three in the front. That'll be a total of five, but if more are required,
you know, we don't have a problem putting more trees. As far as
February 4, 2025
31747
that fence in the back, the whole reason to enclose that fence is
to leave some cars outside overnight. The three parallel parking
spots that we're proposing in front are only to be used during
hours of operation. So, you can see that on the site plan. So if
there is anything that's going to stay overnight, it'll be behind the
wall. Nobody will see them from Plymouth Road at all.
Mr. Wilshaw: It'II be in the fenced area.
Mr. Essa: In the fenced area, correct.
Mr. Wilshaw: Anything else you'd like to tell us about your business before we
go to questions?
Mr. Essa: Not really. I mean, unless you have any questions,
Mr. Wilshaw: We'll see what we have here. Any questions for our petitioner?
Ms Dinaro.
Ms. Dinaro:
Mr. Essa:
I have some questions. So, since we saw the site plan at the
study session, there's quite a few changes. Can you talk me
through, specifically the fencing, the lighting and the
landscaping?
Sure. Well, the fencing, the rear wall, Jacob told us, must be
masonry, so we have to put that masonry. Depending on the
pricing, and you know how it's going to turn out, I assume the east
and west, you know, I didn't know whether I was going to go vinyl
or masonry to match the rear wall yet, until I see what the
estimates are for that. But the rear wall must be masonry because
it attaches to a resident, so that's why we changed that to
masonry instead of vinyl. The landscaping was updated because
it needed to be beefed up, as Jacob told us, so we tried to meet
all of the ordinance requirements. I believe we met the shrub
requirements on the north and the east side. We met the tree
requirements on the east side, on Cardwell Street and on the
north side, if you include the two trees that are preexisting from
Wayne County, then we should meet those requirements as well.
If you need more trees or shrubs, you know, I'm not opposed to
it. Lighting is going to be nothing is going to shine towards the
street. They're going to be 45 degrees or down. I was planning
on just having building mounted lights, but I think Jacob told me
that he would like a pole. So, if I do put a pole in the back area
where the fence is, it'll be towards the rear residence, facing the
building so the rear resident will not have any visual effects. And
another thing that noise complaints. So noise, you know this
Mickey Shorr used to install audio equipment and alarms with
Ms. Dinaro:
Mr. Essa:
Ms. Dinaro:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
February 4, 2025
31748
boom boxes and kicker boxes and stuff. I'm not sure if any of you
are familiar with what that is, but I don't believe auto repair shop
will generate as nearly as much sound as Mickey Shorr used to.
And all of the tools that are used these days, or 90% of them, are
electronic these days, so all the impacts and everything in air red
are ratchets have been converted to electrical tools like your drills
and stuff at home, so there's no more loud air tools there. It will
be an air compressor, but it's going to be only used for the tire
machine and for airing up vehicles. Mickey Shorr had a air
compressor at all times in their facility. So, I don't think it's going
to cause noise disturbance, to be honest. As far as smell, I think
I seen the report somebody...smell pollution or whatever. This is
not an auto body shop. So, there's no paint work. There's no
bondo work. You know? There's no fumes.
So, just a follow-up question. So, there's going to be three bay
doors, two facing Plymouth, one facing the neighborhood. What
are they all used for? Can you tell me about the uses? Are they
different?
They're all the same depending on how many vehicles you have
to work on.
Okay? Thank you.
Thank you. Ms Dinaro. Any other questions? Mr. Ventura.
Just to follow up on Ms. Dinaro's question. So there's no bay door
facing south, facing the house behind you.
No, no, no doors facing south, just one on the east.
So the only bay door that is not facing Plymouth Road is facing
Cardwell on the east, correct? And on the other side of Cardwell
from there is the motel, not a resident, correct?
Correct.
It's a motel. So, you really don't have a bay door facing anybody's
house.
No.
Do you own a tow truck? Are you gonna have a tow truck there?
I own a tow truck, Yes, I do on a tow truck.
February 4, 2025
31749
Mr. Ventura: And how do you...why do you have this truck? What do you do
with that?
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Well, I had two other businesses. I told you I was selling the one
in Redford, right? So, I do have a tow truck that's gonna stay with
me. Am I gonna leave it here? Am I gonna leave in Plymouth? I
don't know, but if I do leave it here, or if it does be here, it'll be
behind the brick wall. It's a little wrecker.
How many vehicles do you anticipate would be in the fenced area
on an ongoing basis? In other words, if we were to approve this
and say we would authorize three vehicles out there overnight
within the fenced area, would that, would that be sufficient?
Well, I hope to be a lot busier than that, but I don't know. I would
think, I would expect at least 10 overnight in the rear, if you know,
and I'm trying to close this. There are other auto repair shops
down Plymouth Road. I know they're probably grandfathered ,
and they have no privacy fences at all, and they have cars in their
lot overnight all the time, but I'm hoping I'II be way more
successful than three behind the building. Now I can bring two
per bay if I raise one up and stick one underneath it, maybe. If
they're little cars, but do I really want to do that all winter long?
And, you know, rainy days and stuff I don't know, I'd rather avoid
that. The whole the whole point of putting that wall up or that
privacy fence is to...
Mr. Ventura: Hide the cars
Mr. Essa:
Correct, so it's not a disturbance or a nuisance or eyesore. So
that's the whole point of putting that fence. If no cars are going to
be allowed outside, then I can avoid spending all that money on
that fence.
Mr. Ventura: What do you anticipate your hours of operation to be?
Mr. Essa:
Generally, my hours are nine to six, but if I have to put something
on record, I would like to say eight to seven, just in case.
Someone gets their a little early five days a week, Monday
through Saturday.
Mr. Ventura: Six days a week.
Mr. Essa: Yeah, Saturday, usually 10 to four, 10, to five. Well, again, I'd
rather give those...
Mr. Ventura: Closed on Sundays?
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Droze:
February 4, 2025
31750
Closed on Sundays.
Jacob, did we have all the pictures? Did they come back up again
for everybody, for the exterior. So, the total exterior the building
is going to be resurfaced with brick?
No, just the north and the east. The west and the south are going
to be fixed and painted. They're really not that bad. It's just cinder
block. But there's no point to rephase those I believe, and spend
that kind of money when those two sides are hidden, you know.
But the entire outside of the building is going to be renewed. The
north side and the east side will be updated. Updated and brand
new with veneer, and the west and south was going to be painted.
It'II look new, but it's not going to be. I'm not going to veneer, is
what I'm saying.
Understood. All right. Thank you.
Thank you. Mr. Ventura. Any other questions for our petitioner?
Mr. Droze.
Thanks for making some of the updates to the plan that we noted
at the study session, but I will ask about a couple ones that I didn't
see. So, we had talked a little bit about potentially reducing some
of the continuous driveway along Cardwell and introducing green
space maybe. Maybe talk to that decision about why that wasn't
included.
Correct. I spoke with Jacob about that, and I don't mind, I don't
mind putting the grass there. It's very small area. I thought if
somebody were to park there, it's more money for Livonia,
because they can ticket him. You know what I mean? Because
I'm never going to park there. And I don't assume anyone will. it's
really a small area. It's not big. It's not made for a vehicle. My
thing is, the cement there is 12 inches thick. This is an old gas
station. And back in the 50s, they were putting in cement 12
inches thick and on top of that you have four inches of asphalt.
So, do I want to cut through that and put grass, I don't know,
unless I build like, above ground garden, you know. I don't know
what the name of it is, but I can make something like that to go
there. But I really don't want to rip up the cement floor. And those
sidewalks, by the way, somebody changed them. They're not
three feet, they are like five feet wide over there.
And then the three parking spaces in front. Again, the site is over
parked. I think Jacob, Mr. Uhazie, you said nine spaces was
Mr. Essa:
February 4, 2025
31751
required, we have 15. Was there any consideration given to
giving more green space along the Plymouth road frontage?
We could, but the same thing applied about the cement and the
asphalt. It really is tech. It really is. I mean, I'm not making this
up. If somebody comes out there and takes a sample, you'll see.
It's not easy to just rip and apply grass.
Mr. Droze: I understand.
Mr.Essa: Yeah, no problem. I was hoping we can waive that variance, but
I don't know if you need me to build above ground garden, or like
landscape area between the building and the side bay, because
I'm not opposed to that, because no car can fit there anyway. I
really didn't feel like ripping up the ground. You know, that's all.
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
Understood. The other one that we...you touched on is lighting.
So, you mentioned that you potentially would add some light
poles in the back of the site potentially, or is that...
If need be. Again, I'm not worried about theft, you know, I think
Livonia is pretty safe. And if it's gonna be a masonry wall and it's
gonna be locked, you know, I don't think I'll have a problem, but
if I do, then it'll be against the rear what is now the wooden fence
facing Plymouth Road, either had a 45 or down, okay, if we have
to put... I was hoping to put just building mounted lights.
Okay, yeah. And again, the point of that was, and I did see them
on the back of the building, was really just more so for the
neighbors, if that it is 45 but it's still a line of sight. So ideally, if
you could incorporate some...
Yeah, I don't mind. We can do that.
I wanted to ask you the decision to move the dumpster forward,
can you speak about that?
Yeah, that came up with my engineer, if we're going to put a
masonry wall and a fence in the front some of these garbage
companies. I see them coming at 4,5,6, in the morning, even
before we get there. So how am I going to let them in if that gate
is going to be locked, the front gate? Because I don't expect to
leave that gate to get in the back, open or unlocked at all times.
So, I would like to lock it. That's the only means of security I would
have. So, to get around that we have to move it up front so we
don't have to be there if the dumpster guy comes. That was the
only reason why we brought it there.
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
February 4, 2025
31752
Understood. And the plan notes asphalt or gravel for the parking
lot in back. And I'll tell you what I'm getting at with this concern.
So obviously, we're going to have vehicles that you know
potentially have some problems that might be leaking, whether
it's fuel oil, whatever the liquid might be, I think our hope would
be that be an impervious surface, like a asphalt or a concrete,.
And then I guess a question, have you looked at the drainage?
Because right now, I think that area kind of runs off to the street.
Do you plan to do storm sewer and potentially water quality for
moving oils and sediments?
I want to stayaway from any storm water, because Wayne County
i think requires some underground detention. So, I want to stay
away from doing anything storm water. That's why I wasn't
expanding the building or doing anything with the building itself,
other than refacing it.
Mr. Droze: Okay, but you do intend to manage the drainage within your site
and not put it out to the street.
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Droze:
Mr. Essa:
To be honest with you, I haven't even looked at the drainage to
see if there's any sewers or anything on the property. I never went
back there, really, not as of yet. I mean, I went back there, but
didn't inspect for that, to be honest. I just looked at the yard and
seen how it was okay, but I can take a look and get back to you,
I don't know.
And then I guess my last question on the fencing, obviously, it's
adjoining with the neighbors. Have you had conversations about
the material that you'd use for that? Do you have samples that?
No, not yet. Not yet. The only thing I noted it's going to be a split
face, where it's not just going to be a regular cinder block, you
know, flat cinder block. So it's going to be a split face, I think he
called it, where it's got some type of texture or design to it.
Mr. Droze: Okay. I think that covers my questions. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you. Mr. Droze. Any other questions for Mr. Essa? Mr.
Caramagno.
Mr. Caramagno: I do, I do have a couple questions. What is going to happen here
different than what happens at your Plymouth property, Plymouth
Township property, and your Redford properties?
Mr. Essa: Well, the Plymouth Township property, I'm still...all my plans are
with the engineer, and I had a problem with that, because that
February 4, 2025
31753
site was contaminated, so I'm still working with EGLE. I never
moved to refinish that one yet, I have a problem with Eagle. We
got to resolve the environmental issue first. So that one I haven't
updated, or nothing yet.
Mr. Caramagno: I see that there is a car wash there and repair shop in the front.
How long have you owned that?
Mr. Essa:
I've owned that for two and a half, maybe three years now, but
bought it in the condition that is. So, my plan was to renew that
one and make it look good too, but that one's taken too long with
Egle.
Mr. Caramagno: Are there any repair activities happening there?
Mr. Essa: Now? No, there's...no. I mean, yeah, I go...it's by appointment,
so I only go there by appointment.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, so you do repairs there?
Mr. Essa: Yes, but I don't do nothing to the buildings or anything.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, so that's basically a non -operating site at this point.
Mr. Essa: Just by appointment. So very minimal.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, and now your Redford site, what...how will that differ from
this site?
Mr. Essa: Which Redford are you looking at? I have two in Redford. The
one that I'm selling.
Mr. Caramagno: I'll tell you which one here. 24645 Plymouth Road.
Mr. Essa:
24645 Plymouth Road, that one is a family owned business, so
it's not just me. That's my parents, my siblings, that's family -
owned business. So, this other one's going to be myself.
Plymouth is myself. That one there, that's a used car dealer and
parts and auto repair and collision. So, we're not applying for all
of that here. So, this one's gonna be strictly auto repair.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, so the other property...it's got a variety of uses at it.
Mr. Essa: It's got multiple uses, correct. It's got used parts. Has used car
dealer, auto repair and collision.
February 4, 2025
31754
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, so you don't know how many cars you want to keep on this
property. Said, maybe 10. Maybe more, depends how business
is. Who will the onus be on to inspect this property to make sure
there's a...if the number is six, who will the onus be on to make
sure that there's not 20 cars jammed in this?
Mr. Essa: I'm sorry, what...
Mr. Caramagno: Who will be responsible for coming over there and count cars if
we give you six and there's 20 jammed in there. It seems like a
ordinance or inspection nightmare compared to what I saw at
Plymouth Road down in Redford Township. Well, yeah, if it's
anything even close to that, I got a huge problem with this.
Mr. Essa:
Yeah, no, I understand. Again, that Plymouth Township, the
Redford location that you're looking...you're not looking at the
other Redford I own personally, 23510. You can take a look at
that one, if you like.
Mr. Caramagno: That would have been nice to have that address before we got
here tonight. You told me, 24645.
Mr. Essa: Well, that's because I told you I was...I'm in the process of selling
the 23510, I'm actually...
Mr. Caramagno: What is it?
Mr. Essa: 23510
Mr. Caramagno: 23510 Plymouth Road.
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Essa:
Plymouth Road, correct? Yeah, that's Redford as well.
Is that this one?
No, no, this one he's talking about is my family business. Oh,
yeah, this one here. Yeah. So that one there is, that one was
myself as well, me alone. It's actually, you could probably see the
listing of it for sale, and it's pending and it's sold. So that's what
expect this place to look like. I don't know if you can see the front
view. You know, my building looks brand new and presentable,
and it's not like the one that you see on 24645, I gave you that
address as well because it's my family's I don't want to hide
nothing. Now the one, the other one you see in Plymouth is...it's
got four licenses: collision, auto parts, auto repair and used car
dealer. So, this is not going to be anything like that at all. You
February 4, 2025
31755
could take a look at the one in Plymouth Township as well. You
can see, I don't have vehicles in that. I have a acre and a half.
Mr. Caramagno: I did. I did look at Plymouth. I looked at both of them. Yes,
because you gave me the addresses. And I In my travels, I
checked in both Plymouth Township. We got a couple unlicensed
cars sitting in the front yard. And again, that's prohibited in our
potentially prohibited in our ordinance, and yet, there's two
unlicensed cars sitting there. They look like they haven't moved,
and my guess would be sometime.
Mr. Essa: Plymouth Road?
Mr. Caramagno: No Plymouth Township.
Mr. Essa: Yeah, there should be only one car, and it does move, but it's
okay.
Mr. Caramagno: There's two. There's two. Neither one has a license plate on it.
So anyhow, that's my concern. That's all.
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Jeff Nicholas
I understand.
Thank you. Mr. Caramagno, any other questions for our
petitioner? We've exhausted the questions up here. Anything else
that you'd like to tell us Mr. Essa before we move on?
No, I think I addressed everything.
Okay, let's see if there's anyone in the audience wishing to speak
on this item. Is there anyone wishing to speak for or against? Feel
free to come to either one of these podiums, whichever one's
more comfortable for you. We'II ask that you start with your name
and address so we know who we are speaking with.
11563 Cardwell, Livonia, MI I have the property just south of the
former Mickey Shorr. I do have mixed feelings on this. The
building is a tough building to put a business in, because of what
it is, and it's a very small piece of property. You've answered a lot
of my questions tonight, and the board has as well. The wood
privacy fence, I built that fence. That's my, I say my fence
because I built it, but if he's going to put a six foot cement fence
along there, that's better than my wood fence, you know, it's going
to close it off. The one concern I have is we started out with zero
cars outside, all the cars inside, and now it's gone up to potentially
10 cars outside. So, it evolved as the night went on, from zero to
10. I understand you got to have a few cars, and I wouldn't have
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Nichols:
February 4, 2025
31756
any issues with three, four, five, maybe even up to six cars. I didn't
see. I couldn't, yeah, this right here. so the back of the building, I
can't, he wants asphalt or gravel there, and right now, that is
grass, and then heading towards Cardwell is grass. So basically,
from the west edge of the building, heading east, on the back side
of the building, is all grass, right. Now, I would like that to be left
grass, even though he's got a wall there. That's my living area in
the backyard. Basically, even though I do use the whole
backyard, the parking lot area doesn't bother me. That's always
been a parking lot with Mickey Shorr. So, like I said, I do have
some concerns about the noise. Mickey Shorr did have their
noise, but for the most part, they were pretty respectful. I never
did hear an air compressor run and Mickey Shorr, they really
didn't have a use for one. So that does concern me that the air
compressor would be running. Now I will say, if you follow through
with all the plans to do the front face, the side, the shrubbery, the
six-foot fence, it looks like a beautiful building. And that building
is...you probably agree it needs updating. So as far as this
business going in, I'm 50/50. I was against it coming in here
tonight. I'm still not 100% for it, like I said 50/50. I just hope that if
the city does approve this, that everything that was said tonight,
the city follows through with it before they give them a permanent
occupancy. And like I said, I would like that area to remain grass,
that's my opinion, because that would give it a little bit more
separation. And then my other concern is, I like the dumpsters
being up front. I worry about where they're going to store the junk
parts they take off vehicles, just not laying around in the parking
lot. I'm sure they're going to have a scrap bin or something. The
property is not that big, and they could get cluttered really fast. I
think that the tow truck was the other issue. I have seen the tow
truck there, and he is correct. It's a smaller tow truck. I think it's
more based on, like a truck platform, but it's not something I don't
think that anyone...I've talked to my neighbors, it's not something
people want to see. So if he had it more, maybe up towards
Plymouth Road to where the building was hiding it. Then, then it's
not a site, but it looks like, if I'm correct, he wants to fence the
whole property. Was that correct?
That's correct.
Okay, so he's gonna be hiding a lot of it as well. So, like I said, I
came in here totally against it. You've kind of pushed me 50/50,
I'm not 100% for it. And it's a tough, it's a tough building to occupy.
You know, it's not a food restaurant. And he's, he's looking like
he's gonna put a lot of money into this. So my biggest thing would
be the noise, not being able to park anything on Cardwell, of
course, you know, keep the residential, residential, and if I can
Mr. Wilshaw:
February 4, 2025
31757
make a suggestion on the hours nine to six, I think that would be
a fair recommendation for me, at least. So, I think that covers it
all. Thank you everybody for your time.
Thank you, Mr. Nicholas, I know you wrote us a really nice letter
as well, with a lot of thoughts, and you've expressed your
thoughts tonight, which we appreciate. You know, we always like
to know how people feel, if they're for or against, but also you've
given a lot of suggestions too, of things that could be done. So
we appreciate all your thoughts. So, thank you for coming tonight.
Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak on this item? Feel free
to come forward. We have a couple folks, you can all come
forward .
William Clark, 11369 Cardwell, Livonia, MI. I've kind of become the reluctant,
unofficial spokesman for the residents on Cardwell Street and the
surrounding area. It wasn't my intention, but it's just kind of, I just
kind of put my thoughts out online, that I was not too happy about
this, that I didn't think it was a good idea, and some people
reached out to me. I started a petition. I have 42 signatures, and
I can attest that the majority, the vast majority, are from people
who live on Cardwell or live in close proximity or live in the wider
Livonia area. So, I think that's pretty significant. It's not as if
there's one or two people, I can't say the whole road, I can't give
you know, but it's, it's a significant number of people in the area
who don't want this. So, I think, like, I just put together, like a, kind
of a small...it's from me, but I think it kind of expresses the kind
of the general feeling of where we're at. And so like, when you
live in a busy, populated area, like you expect to hear noise, you
expect trash cans, you expect car alarms, you expect dogs to
bark. You know that's these are the things that go along with living
in it, in a busy neighborhood. And this is admittedly a commercial
lot, and it is admittedly a lot that was used previously for Mickey
Shorr. Now I wouldn't say, I wouldn't put it in the bracket, that it
was anywhere close to being like an auto shop, which has been
proposed. But it's not...it's a commercial lot that's in a wholly
residential area, and it's a very busy, very vibrant community. You
have Cardwell street on both sides, but you also have a motel
with the bedrooms are 10 yards walk from where this property is,
and the kind of noise I think that will emanate from a very heavy,
machine orientated business like this is not something that we
really want to hear or put up with. I don't think we need to do any
tests or investigations or study to know like nomadic drills, service
bays, loading doors. And I think the most, I think the biggest worry
for people on Cardwell is the tow truck scenario. Nobody wants
tow trucks. They look bad and they're noisy. There's a kind of a
perception that goes with tow trucks and them. And we're not too
February 4, 2025
31758
happy about that. And I think the parking situation is also a big
bone of contention. The pictures here and the plans we see, I
don't think it does just as if you actually walk up to the side, it is
tiny and it's very hard to visualize. I know we're saying, like, you
know, we're going to keep two or three cars overnight, but now
it's gone up to 10, and you can't park on Cardwell. The only place
for surplus parking is...sorry, you can't park on Plymouth. The
only space for surplus parking is Cardwell, which is a residential
street. Parking is tight there as it is, and you're lucky sometimes
to be able to park outside your house. And it's kind of worrying
that there's a potential that there could be the cars. I'm not saying
this gentleman would do that, but the potential that that could
happen is slightly worrying. I just don't think this site is I want, I
want to let it be known as well. Nobody is anti -business. Nobody's
saying we want empty buildings or, you know, not in our backyard
sort of thing. We do want to see this site used. We want to see,
you know, something to be put in here, but to give some, I think,
on a wider kind of zoning sort of prospect is...l counted eight auto
repair businesses on a half mile stretch on Plymouth Road.
There's not a huge...no one's crying out for an auto shop on
Plymouth Road. It's a sea of auto shops. And I think there's like,
a dozen auto -related businesses on Plymouth and I think that the
very least that could happen is that these established businesses
that have been there for a long time could potentially see, you
know, a loss of business to what they have established already.
And the worst -case scenario, I think that we'll see a business fail.
And I don't think it's, you know, a good omen for this council or
for us as a community to green light businesses that we know
have the potential to fail. And I just say, like to make it clear, like,
you know, again, I just want to reiterate, it's not in our backyard.
It's not as trying to be snobby or, you know, or we understand that
when you live in a busy area like this, that there's going to be
noise and so on. We just think that it's too much, and it's a lot for
us to kind of...we don't want to see the values of our of our
property, go down. That's probably the big worrying concern. So
if you want the petition, I can, I can hand it up.
Mr. Wilshaw: If you'd like to hand it over to Ms. Reece after you're done, then
we really appreciate that. Thank you.
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Chairman, while he hands it, I just want to clarify one thing
that was discussed earlier. Reviewing the ordinance, just so we're
all clear, storage of what is prohibited on site is storage of
undamaged or disabled vehicles. The vehicles and any repairs
must be done inside. This Commission and City Council can
dictate how many cars that are awaiting repairs can be stored
outside. That's the clarification. So, they couldn't just put junk cars
Mr. Wilshaw:
February 4, 2025
31759
out there, but they can put cars that are waiting to be stored
outside. I just want to clarify that.
And as was noted earlier, we can determine the number of those
vehicles which we haven't done yet. We've...as some of the folks
in the audience have pointed out, it's by default zero, and
petitioners asked for 10, and we'll see where this lands, if we
choose something between zero and 10, so yet to be determined.
But thank you for the comments. There's one more gentleman, I
believe, wishes to speak. Good evening, sir.
Steve Alexander, 9919 Deering, Livonia, MI. So I volunteer as a President of
Plymouth Circle Civic Association. I promised our residents I
would come up and share some of their quick thoughts. But also,
I'll just follow that with the recap of what you guys already showed
and I think it's fantastic. So, in short, what you've heard, in
addition, what you've heard here, is the notion that, you know, as
we build businesses on Plymouth Road, ideally we want
residents to want to go to those businesses, right? So, like, can
we attract more of things that we're going to want to go to so, like,
restaurants and such, right? Clearly, this parcel is not going to be
a restaurant or any place that you would go after work, right? So
it's... from what we heard tonight, it has to be automotive or
something like that. It's just what it is. So, I'm actually really
encouraged by what you all showed and shared tonight,
especially with the trash. I know early we said, one of the
concerns was smells or like, Well, why would there be a concern
for smell when there's automotive? But I think really that concern
for smell was the trash, right? So, most businesses have their
trash in the very back, right? So that would be against Mr. Nichols
house, which would not be awesome. So if it's near the front and
a container where that smell isn't caring, it's your neighborhood.
I think that is fantastic. So, I love what the petitioner presented
today. We can move forward with making sure the trash is
located, as he suggested I would. I would deeply appreciate it.
I'm sure residents would do Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw:
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, and we know he's official because he's
got a coat that matches his association. That's really very good.
Anyone else wishing to speak on this item, for or against? Go
ahead, sir.
Allen Bates, 27076 Meadowbrook, Livonia, MI. You had asked the question...I
own the building next to it. He hasn't asked me, but a wall will be
fine.
Mr. Wilshaw: So, just to clarify, you're the business west or east?
February 4, 2025
31760
Mr. Bates: West.
Mr. Wilshaw: West. Okay.
Mr. Bates: Actually, the two buildings west.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, very good. There was some discussion at our study
meeting, because we see that the property line, at least as
indicated on these surveys, appears to be kind of halfway through
the middle of your driveway.
Mr. Bates:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Bates:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Bates:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Essa:
Yeah, it's going to stay there?
It is what it is, but it seems like it...
It seems like it was an easement. That's when I bought it. It kind
of seemed like half and half.
Yeah, we're not going to make him do anything to that would
impede your driveway.
I appreciate that. That would be good because it's rent. I'm just
the owner, its rented.
Okay, very good. Thank you, sir. Appreciate your comments. All
right, we've heard from everyone in our audience. I don't believe
there's anyone left to speak. So, Mr. Essa, would you like to come
up and address anything that you heard? Again, we don't create
debates between people, but we do want to give you an
opportunity to address any concerns or issues that you may be
able to resolve.
Of course. Personally, the way the building is going to look
afterwards I think it will improve people's home values, as
opposed to how it looks right now. I think it's really affecting their
home values as it is. There's no windows and it looks like a prison.
I would just like to say, and I'm not trying to be offensive or
anything here, but the whole point of putting the fence is to leave
some cars back there, and they will not be junk cars. I can assure
you. You can come out and ticket me, you know, tickets or, you
know, violations every day. I don't, you know, there's not going to
be any junk cars back there of that I assure you. The whole point
of spending that kind of money on a wall like that is to be able to
have at least 10 cars back there. If all the cars have to come in
the building, or four or five, which I can manage somewhere, then
there's no reason to build this wall. We'll continue with all the
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Long:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Long:
February 4, 2025
31761
other plans, but the wall itself...that's a lot of money to build on a
masonry wall. As far as street. I'm never going to park in the
street. Everything is there's no off -site, you know, parking.
There's ample parking for what I'm going to do, you know, for my
customers and myself. So, there's no one ever has to worry about
me parking on Plymouth Road or Cardwell street or the adjacent
property as well.
Okay, all right. Is there any other questions from any of our
commissioners for our petitioner before we finish? Mr. Ventura.
So the topic of the compressor came up again during the
comments. Can you clarify how often this compressor is going to
be used that you're going to have?
Well, let me say Mickey Shorr does have a compressor in there,
I assure you. All of my tools are electric tools, electric impact
drills, whatever. The only equipment I would have in there that
uses the compressor is the tire machine itself. And if I have to air
up tires or blow some air for some reason. How often? I wouldn't
say too often.
So, this is not a compressor that runs the whole time you're open?
No, no, not at all. It'II probably turn on once a week, to be honest.
It depends on how many tires I do, to be honest. Now, the old
hoist that were coming out of the ground were in use then, yeah,
it'll be kicking on every time you go to lift up the car, but those
hoists are not going to be used, so I'm going to put electric above
ground hoist so the only time that compressor will come on is if
you're actually physically using the tire machine or airing up some
tires, and it has to get low enough to kick back on. So, you have
to be using a lot of air for it to kick it back on.
Thank you for that clarification.
Thank you. Mr. Ventura. Mr. Long,.
So, I want to understand the car storage aspect better than I than
I do. You're doing small repairs like the like a Tuffy muffler type
of thing?
Correct.
So brakes and things like that. People work. They drop their car
off in the morning, they leave it there, but they come back and get
it at the end of the day, right? At least, most of them are going to
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Long:
February 4, 2025
31762
so I mean, how many are you going to really need to store
overnight? I mean, if we gave you the ability to have 10, is there
really going to be 10 there? Are you just going to one or two there
overnight? How does that work?
I mean, I would like to have the 10, just in case I do reach that
threshold where I do. Again. I'd rather do the maximum than the
minimum. So, when I told you nine to six, I said, let's say eight to
seven, just in case anyone ever goes in early, or anyone has to
stay late. But generally, my hours are nine to six. So I would
always ask for the maximum and hope I use the minimum. Now,
there may never, there may be, you know, months. I mean, the
gentleman, Sam, said he looked at Plymouth. I only have two
vehicles out there. I have an acre and a half. There's only, you
know, well, there's only one, but there were two. So, you know,
are there going to be vehicles there? Am I going to use 10 at all
times? I don't know, but I would like to say that just so it's on
record .
Sure, that makes sense to me. I mean, I guess...with the shop
with three bays, and you know your business, I don't know the
business model that well. I just don't know how many you would
need to have, and how long they would have to be there, again.
So, if you're doing breaks to one, a few hour job, right? And it
shouldn't take them, you know, I could see where it was there,
maybe there over one night, but it shouldn't be there more than
one night, right?
Mr. Essa: Well, I mean, I'm, I can do the zero cars.
Mr. Long:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Long:
No, no. I hear you. I've heard that, and I understand, again, I'm
just trying to figure out the duration of it, as well as the need for
it.
I don't know, but I...you know. I don't want to tell you anything,
you know, but there's the oil change in that (inaudible) down on
Plymouth, if you drive by right now, I'm sure they have...I want to
do it the right way, and I'm letting you know.
I want you to be set up to succeed, if we are going to approve this
business there. Again, I'm just trying to understand the business
model. Thank you.
Mr. Essa: No problem. Thank you, Glenn.
Mr. Wilshaw: Mr. Ventura.
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Essa:
February 4, 2025
31763
Thank you. I want to follow up on Mr. Long's comments, and so
as I'm looking at the site plan that Mr. uhazie has up on the
screen, I count seven parking places behind the fence west of the
building. Is that correct?
Well, on that plan, it shows that. I don't know why my engineer
doesn't do but if you remember, I was telling you guys last week,
currently there's 14 parking spots there. So even if I don't pave
and I leave it grass as the neighbor...
Mr. Ventura: My point is, you already have seven places behind the fence.
Mr. Essa: I think there's more than that right now on the plan, yes.
Mr. Uhazie: There's seven along the west.
Mr. Ventura: And so if we were to allow you to have 10, you could put three
spaces exactly behind the building. And taking into consideration
the comments of the gentleman whose house is to the south of
you, you could leave the majority of the grass behind the building
and still have your tent outside parking spaces and go back to
what was designed in cooperation with the planning staff,
correct?
Mr. Essa:
Okay, I think thinking about what Patrick was saying, so I don't
mess with any of the storm water or anything. I'II leave the grass
there if need be. But again, I didn't see it, so I have to go back
and look if there is.
Mr. Ventura: Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Essa:
Thank you, Mr. Ventura. Any other questions? Just one for you,
sir. In regard to scrap storage, you're going to have tires and other
things that are going to come off vehicles. Where are you going
to store that?
You know, I spoke with Jacob. He never got back to me. I was
asking him about those storage containers. He was going to ask
somebody, I don't know who exactly, and see if we can put one
on there, because I was telling him the same thing, that there's
really no storage. So, I guess, so until we get an update, I don't
know.
Mr. Uhazie: We still have to make sure with Inspection, but I doubt that will be
a possibility.
Mr. Essa: So you're thinking no?
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Essa:
Mr. Wilshaw:
February 4, 2025
31764
I don't think they would allow that.
Yeah, so that I don't know, then, right now, I might get a...I have
a dump trailer that I can bring and leave it back there and throw
everything in the dump trailer. It's like, I'll say, four feet and then
every time it gets full, I can take it to the scrap yard and scrap it.
I don't know. I guess we'll cross the bridge when we get there. I
was hoping I can get the container, but we'll see what happens.
Okay, well, that's...it's a very important topic of consideration for
us to think about, and issue that residents raised, and I think it's
a very valid one. So, I'm glad that you let us know where you
stand on that so far. Thank you.
Sure, no problem. Thank you.
Anyone else with any questions? If not, I'm going to close the
public hearing, and a motion is in order
On a motion by Ventura, seconded by Dinaro, and unanimously adopted, it was
#02-03-2025
RESOLVED, That pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
by the City Planning Commission on February 4, 2025, on
Petition 2025-01-02-01 submitted by Eman Enterprises LLC
requesting waiver use approval pursuant to Section 6.06 of the
City of Livonia Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to redevelop an
existing commercial site, including adding service bays,
renovating the interior and exterior of the building and operating
an automobile repair facility at 27819 Plymouth Road, located on
the southwest corner of Plymouth and Cardwell Street in the
Northeast'/4 of Section 34, be approved subject to the following
conditions:
1. That the Site Plan identified as Sheet No. A3.0, received
January 31, 2025, prepared by Yahana Design &
Consulting, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
2. That the Elevation Plan identified as Sheet No. A2, received
January 31, 2025, prepared by Yahana Design &
Consulting, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to;
3. Landscaping tree species shall be selected to the
satisfaction of the Planning Department and shall conform
with the ordinance requirements which may include the existing
trees in the Plymouth Road right of way;
February 4, 2025
31765
4. The parking lot shall be repaired and restriped as necessary.
Parking spaces shall be 10' wide and 20' deep and double
striped;
5. The van -accessible barrier -free parking space shall be
sized, signed, and marked in accordance with the Michigan
Barrier -Free Code;
6. An enclosure of sufficient height to completely screen the
dumpster is required on three (3) sides of the waste
receptacle, with a solid gate on the fourth side. The height
of the enclosure must be not less than six (6) feet or at
least one (1) foot above the height of the dumpster,
whichever is greater. The enclosure gates shall be of solid
panel steel construction or durable, long-lasting solid
panel fiberglass and, when not in use, closed at all
times. The enclosure must be constructed of the same
or compatible material and colors as the principal
building in terms of texture and quality;
7. A variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be
required for the proposed 6-foot-tall vinyl fencing proposed
on the east, west and south sides of the enclosed parking
area;
8. That all light fixtures shall not exceed twenty feet (20') in
height and shall be aimed and shielded to minimize stray
light trespassing across property lines and glaring into
adjacent roadways;
9. Any vehicles left on the premises overnight must be in
operable condition and not junk vehicles, and must be
stored inside the building whenever practicable, or parked in
designated parking spaces as shown on the approved site
plan, with a maximum of 10 vehicles located outside. Seven
parking spaces shall be on the existing paved parking area
along the west property line, and three of which shall be
located as close as practicable to the south wall of the
existing building, so that the existing grass area south of the
building is maintained to the greatest possible extent, to the
satisfaction of the Inspection and Planning Departments.
10. That on -street parking of vehicles along Cardwell Street is
prohibited and no vehicles shall be parked between the
building and Cardwell Street right-of-way.
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31766
11. That there shall be no outdoor storage of auto parts,
equipment, scrap material, waste petroleum products,
junked, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles, or other similar
items in connection with this operation, and the overhead
doors, when not in use for vehicles entering or exiting the
service facility, shall always be closed;
12. That only conforming signage is approved with this petition,
and any additional signage shall be separately submitted
for review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals;
13. That no LED lightband or exposed neon shall be permitted
on the site including, but not limited to, the building or
around the windows;
14. The overall average illumination level for the parking lots
shall be 1.0- foot candle as provided under Section 7.22 of
the Zoning Ordinance;
15. That unless approved by the proper local authority, any
type of exterior advertising, such as promotional flags,
streamers or sponsor vehicles designed to attract the
attention of passing motorists, shall be prohibited;
16. 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; and
17. Pursuant to Section 13.13 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance,
this approval is valid for a period of one year only from the
date of approval by City Council, and unless a building
permit is obtained, this approval shall be null and void at the
expiration of said period.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That notice of the above hearing was
given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.13 of
Livonia Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there any discussion?
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Dinaro, Droze, Ventura, Bongero, Long, Wilshaw
NAYS: Caramagno
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
February 4, 2025
31767
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to the City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1,224th Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of
the Minutes of the 1,224th Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
held on January 14, 2025.
On a motion by Dinaro, seconded by Bongero, and unanimously adopted, it was
#02-04-2025 RESOLVED, That the Minutes of 1,223rd Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting held by the Planning Commission on January
14, 2025, are hereby approved.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Dinaro, Droze, Bongero, Long, Caramagno,
Wilshaw
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Ventura
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 1,225th Public
Hearings and Regular Meeting held on February 4, 2025, was adjourned at 8:08
p.m.
ATTEST:
Ian Wilshaw, Chairman
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Sam Caramagno, Secretary