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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 2005-06-0722343 MINUTES OF THE 907"' REGULAR MEETING HELD BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA On Tuesday, June 7, 2005, the City Planning Commission of the City of Livonia held its 907" Regular Meeting in the Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, Michigan. Mr. Robert Alanskas, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Robert Alanskas William LaPine Dan Piercecchi H. G. Shane Carol Smiley Members absent: R. Lee Morrow John Walsh Messrs. Mark Taormina, Planning Director, and Scott Miller, Planner III, were also present. Acting Chairman Alanskas informed the audience that if a petition on tonighfs 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 br 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 2005-05-0841 ABBEY FLOORING Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda, Petition 2005-05- 08-11, 005-0508-11, submitted by PFC Sales, on behalf of Abbey Flooring, requesting approval of all plans required by Section 18.58 of the Zoning Ordinance in connection with a proposal to construct an addition and renovate the exterior of the commercial building located at 17200 Farmington Road in the Southwest % of Section 10. 22344 Mr. Miller: Abbey Flooding is presenfiy occupying the old Danny's Market tenant space of the Burton Hollow Shopping Center. This center is located on the east side of Farmington Road between Six Mile Road and Curfis Road. The petitioner is requesting approval to construct an addition and renovate the front exterior elevation of their unit. The petitioner is proposing to renovate the west (front) elevation of their unit. The remaining exterior wall of the unit (north and east elevations) would be painted to match the color scheme of the remodeled front elevation. A small 847 square foot addifion would be constructed to the southwest comer of the storefront in order to square it off. This addifion would allow the shiffing of the store's entrance to a more central location. A five -fool walkway would be installed along the entire length of the new storefront and planting beds would be installed next to the foundation. A new dumpster enclosure would be constructed to the rear of the building near one of the existing doors. Six (6') foot high brick textured walls would screen the anticipated large 20 -yard dumpster. The parking lot would also be overhauled in the form of new landscaped islands, a widened greenbelt along the site's Farmington Road frontage, and new topcoat and re -striping. They are required to have 38 parking spaces. As the site plan shows 62 spaces, they far exceed the parking requirement. Notes on the plan indicated that the existing five -fool high screen wall along the back half of the north property line would be removed, and the existing screen wall along the east property line would be repaired. There is less than one percent landscaping on the site now. The Petitioner is planning on increasing that to about 7 percent with a variety of low-lying plants next to the building within the foundation Panting beds. The new parking islands would be planted with ornamental trees. The new nine -fool wide greenbelt along Farmington Road would be planted with grass and some low lying shrubbery around the base of the proposed ground sign. Most of the laver half of the elevation would be covered in cultured stone. The upper half would be dryvit. The structural design would incorporate tower elements, cast stone features, ornamental light fixtures and decorative crown moldings. The design features and building materials would continue and wrap partially around the front portion of the north elevation. Mr. Alanskas: Is there any correspondence? Mr. Taormina: There are four items of correspondence. The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated May 23, 2005, which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request, the Engineering Division has 22345 reviewed the above -referenced petition. We have no objections to the proposal at this time. No additional right-of-way is required, and the legal description is coned." The letter is signed by Robert J. Schron, P.E., City Engineer. The second letter is from the Livonia Fire & Rescue Division, dated May 19, 2005, which reads as follows: `This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in connection with a request to renovate the exterior of the commercial building on property located at the above -referenced address. We have no objections to this proposal with the following stipulations: (1) Access around the building shall be provided for emergency vehicles. The outside lane around the building shall be marked `fire lane— no parking.' The front of the building shall be marked fire lane — no parking.' (2) Fire lanes shall be not less than 20 feet of unobstructed width, able to withstand live loads of fire apparatus, and have a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches of vertical clearance. (3) Fire lanes shall be marked with double -sided signs that have the words 'fire lane — no parking' painted in contrasting colors at a size and spacing approved by the authority having jurisdiction." The letter is signed by Andrew C. Walker, Fire Marshal. The third letter is from the Division of Police, dated June 1, 2005, which reads as follows: "We have reviewed the plans in regards to the proposal by Abbey Flooring located at 17200 Farmington Road. We have no objections to the plans as submitted." The letter is signed by David W. Studt, Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The fourth letter is from the Inspection Department, dated May 27, 2005, which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request of May 18, 2005, the above -referenced petition has been reviewed. The following is noted. (1) This site has deficient landscaped area. 8,938 square feet is required, 3,186 square feet is provided with full irrigation. The landscaping has been increased. (2) This plan has been reviewed as though all asphalt paving has a new topcoat. The parking area must be double striped. (3) The ground sign appears to be at a deficient setback. Ten (10) feet is required. The back -lit translucent sign panel Hill need a variance frem the Zoning Board of Appeals or the back lighting removed. This Department has no further objections to this petition." The letter is signed by Alex Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent of the correspondence. Mr. Alanskas: Are there any questions for the staff? Mr. Pieroecchi: Mr. Taormina, the only thing that seems to be in question is the ground sign. Has it been verified that it is less than 10 feet? 22346 Mr. Taormina: I'll let Scott answer that quesfion. I think the plan either does not have a dimension or as it scales on the plan, it's less than 10 feet, but I believe they can relocate it so it conforms. Mr. Miller: Yes. We've explained that to the petitioner, and he has no problem with the 10 feet. Mr. Pieroecchi: Other than that, everything seems to be in compliance with our ordinance requirements as far as signage is concerned. Mr. Alanskas: Is the petitioner here this evening? Edward J. Barann, Abbey Flooring & Design, 17200 Farmington, Livonia, Michigan 48152. I'm one of the owners of Abbey Flooring & Design and PFC Sales, LLC. Gordon LaVerdure. Ed and I both own PFC Sales. Eric Salswedel, SDA Architects, Inc., 2201 Twelve Mile Road, Waren, Michigan 48092. Mr. Miller explained everything very succinctly, but to summarize the owners' goals and what we were trying to achieve, really to make a significant improvement to the appearance of both the parking area and obviously the building facade, which is in need of some severe help in terms of its appearance. We did what was within our means budget -wise to increase the landscape area. Obviously we have more panting than the ordinance requires, but we feel that what we provided will make a significant impact in terms of the appearance in elirrinating the sea of asphalt so to speak, particularly when we spoke with Planning and they said it would be a good idea to add that greenage along Farmington Road, which we were willing to do gladly. In terms of the floor plan itself, the footprint or the area of the building that we're adding is already under a roof. It's an overhang that we're simply filling out in front, with the exception of the design toner element. It's added footprint as well as the two large piers that surround the new main entrance. Those are extended footprints but not additional space in terms of useable space. The exterior of the building, really Ed came to us and said we want something that will be an aflenfion getter from Farmington Road and we would really like something that has some decent height to go along with that without being outrageous. I feel we've hit the mark on that. He feels we hit the mark and likes the appearance of the building. We have completed a color rendering. It's not very big but I'll bring it over there. As Mr. Miller had explained, the bottom areas will be cultured stone, a real deep gray color, a real rich 22347 looking material. All of the stone will have a decorative cast stone cap on it to complement that. All of the upper areas will be a deeper color dryvit. Part of the reason for that is the signage, which is going in this area here, is going to be a white color so we want it to read during the day as well as night, and this darker color also adds a rich feeling to the exterior. All of the decorative cornice work up near the top will be a lighter color to complement all of the stone banding that we have occurring. And really to kind of cap it off, we've used a dark bronze color to give it a solid horizontal feel to go along with the architecture that we have ocouning. The light fixtures here are a custom feature that match this feature up here, which will be a backlit translucent panel to act as a beacon both during day and evening hours. We feel that, tied in with the entire building, it has a very comfortable scale. It's not symmetrical, but it has a nice balance and a nice curbside appeal. Mr. Alanskas: Are there any questions from the Commissioners? Mr. Pieroecchi: Under the windows, how high does that cultured stone go? Mr. Salswedel: Underthe windows, it's roughly 32 inches or so. Mr. Pieroecchi: Oh, it's 32 inches, almost three feet. Mr. Salswedel: Right. These sills are a little bit higher than that. We were creating square window elements in here to complement this feature. Mr. Pieroecchi: We're always concemed with people banging up in the lower areas, especially where dryvit is concerned. Mr. Salswedel: Right. Yeah, we ... Mr. Pieroecchi: You protected it pretty good here. Mr. Salswedel: Yes, we don't have any dryvit beneath the eight foot mark, essentially. Mr. Pieroecchi: And where's your signage going to be mounted? Mr. Salswedel: In this area here. Forgive me for not having it shown on this elevation, but it will be in this area here. That's a separate application. 22348 Mr. Shane: Just for the benefit of the audience, what is the nature of the stone you're using? You say cultured stone. Mr. Salswedel: It is a cultured stone. It is a non-structural stone that's applied as a decorative veneer. Ten years ago we never would have used it. It wasn't a particularly attractive product. Ask anybody to tell the difference between that and real stone from more than 10 feet away. It's an amazing material. It's really come a long way. Mr. Shane: How is that attached? Mr. Salswedel: There's a reinforcing mesh applied to the existing substrate and then they just apply a mortar base like you would a tile. Its really quite an art form to place the pieces together in a mosaic, and then they come back in and tuck point with the mortar in between the pieces. Mr. LaPine: You two gentlemen are the lessees of this building. You're not the owner of the properly. Correct? Mr. Barann: That is coned. Not yet. Mr. LaPine: Is the owner of the property here? Speak on her behalf. Mr. Barann: The owner of the properly is not here. She has authorized us to basically .... Mr. LaPine: Speak on her behalf. Mr. Barann: Speak on her behalf and she knows that we're in the process of desiring to buythe building from her. Mr. LaPine: Okay. Not the whole center, just your building? Mr. Barann: Just our building. It's separate. Mr. LaPine: Do you know if she has any plans? I love what you're doing. My only problem is that I would like to see the whole center renovated to some degree. Mr. Barann: I can comment on that, but Mr. Cohen missed a meeting with me last Friday. He is very excited. He has talked to the folks. He's looked at the plans. He wanted to incorporate from what I have discussed with him. He'd like to incorporate the crown molding going along the entire length of his center to try and tie 22349 things together. When Enc and I and Gordon were lticking around the initial phases of our design, we wanted it to be very compatible but yet be distinctive. I mean, we're in a fashion business. You just happen to walk on what we sell, but we wanted it to be a little more upscale and not look like a neighborhood strip center. Mr. Cohen, I believe, is in the process of signing a number of tenants, and I think our tenancy has assisted him in doing that, but he's very anxious to also freshen up the look. Theyve done work on the parking lot. He was after us to do something with the parlang lot, which we know is part of the scope of our project. So I anticipate that we will coordinate with him and that it will look a bit more homogeneous in the future. Mr. LaPine: I'm glad to hear that because there's no doubt about. That center has been there a long time, and it needs upgrading. Mr. Barann: Absolutely. Mr. Alanskas: How long is your lease? Mr. Barann: Fourteen more years - no 2014. Nine more years. Mr. Alanskas: For the public, what are your hours going to be and how many days a week are you going to be open? Mr. Barann: Our current hours, we're open Monday and Thursday until 8:00. Traffic has already increased. Just moving in and the increased visibility over our previous location, which was on Plymouth Road, its been nothing short of phenomenal. We anticipate that we will be open probably four days a week until 8:00, two days a week unfit 6:00, and then on Sunday we will have limited hours probably from 1:0004:00. Mr. Alanskas: So you will be open on Sunday? Mr. Barann: We probably will be open on Sunday, yes. Mr. Alanskas: Mark, I know you wanted more trees in front of the building? Mr. Taormina: What I would like to do is work with the petitioner to supplement the landscaping along the Farmington Road frontage. You can see where they're going to the expense of adding that strip of landscaping. We are in discussions with the properly owner to the south. We'd like to see that same improvement continue along that. To enhance that area, we're thinking that property 22350 1. That the Site Plan marked Sheet A1.1 dated May 16, 2005, as revised, prepared by SDA Architects, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to; 2. That appropriate recordable legal instrumentation, such as a cross parking agreement, that gives notice and ou0ines the terms of how the subject properly(s) would share parking, be supplied tothe City; 3. That the Landscape Plan marked Sheet A1.2 dated May 16, 2005, as revised, prepared by SDA Architects, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to, except that the Petitioner shall work with the Planning Department to add landscaping along Farmington Road; 4. That the height of the planted trees shall be measured from the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader; positioned trees and small shrubs might do well to enhance that area. I'd like to have the opportunity to work with the petitioner to modify the landscape to incorporate some ofthat. Mr. Alanskas: And that would be no problem? Mr. Barann: That would be no problem at all. Mr. Alanskas: Is there anything else you'd like to add before I go the audience? Mr. Barann: Unless there are any questions ... Mr. Alanskas: I think we've got it pretty well covered. Is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak for or against this petition? Hearing none, a motion would be in order. On a motion by Pieroecch, seconded by Shane, and unanimously adopted, 0 was #06-64-2005 RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council that Petition 2005-05-08-11, submitted by PFC Sales, on behalf of Abbey Flooring, requesting approval of all plans required by Section 18.58 of the Zoning Ordinance in connection with a proposal to construct an addition and renovate the exterior of the commercial building located at 17200 Farmington Road in the Southwest % of Section 10, be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. That the Site Plan marked Sheet A1.1 dated May 16, 2005, as revised, prepared by SDA Architects, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to; 2. That appropriate recordable legal instrumentation, such as a cross parking agreement, that gives notice and ou0ines the terms of how the subject properly(s) would share parking, be supplied tothe City; 3. That the Landscape Plan marked Sheet A1.2 dated May 16, 2005, as revised, prepared by SDA Architects, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to, except that the Petitioner shall work with the Planning Department to add landscaping along Farmington Road; 4. That the height of the planted trees shall be measured from the top of the root ball to the mid -point of the top leader; 22351 5. That all disturbed lawn areas shall be sodded in lieu of hydroseeding; 6. That underground sprinklers are to be provided for all landscaped and sodded areas, and all planted materials shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Inspection Department and thereafter permanently maintained in a healthy condition; 7. That the Exterior Building Elevation Plan marked Sheet A3 dated May 16, 2005, as revised, prepared by SDA Architects, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to; 8. That the cultured stone used in the construction shall meet ASTM C216 standards; 9. That all rooftop mechanical equipment shall be concealed from public view on all sides by screening that shall be of a compatible character, material and color to other exterior materials on the building; 10. That the three walls of the trash dumpster area shall match that of the building, and the enclosure gates shall be maintained and when not in use closed at all times; 11. That the petitioner shall correct to the Fire Department's satisfaction the items outlined in the correspondence dated May 19,2005; 12. That only conforming signage is approved with this petition, and any additional signage shall be separately submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council; 13. That no LED lightband or exposed neon shall be permitted on this site including, but not limited to, the building or around the windows; and 14. 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. Mr. Alanskas: Is there any discussion? 22352 Mr. Taormina: In reading the approving resolution, I don't believe that the improvements as proposed would necessitate any storm water management permits, so I think Condition 11 can be deleted. Mr. Alanskas, Acting Chairman, dedared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. It will go on to City Council with an approving resolution. We really welcome you to the City. Mr. Barann: Oh, well, we've been around. Mr. Alanskas: I know you have, but what you're going to be doing there on Farmington Road is going to be wonderful. Mr. Barann: Thank you very much. We hope to make you proud. ITEM #2 PETITION 2005 -05 -SN -05 McDONALD'S Ms. Smiley, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2005- 05-SN-05, 00505SN-05, submitted by McDonald's Corporation requesting approval for additional signage for the fast food restaurant located at 11800 Middlebelt Road in the Southwest % of Section 25. Mr. Miller: McDonald's is requesting approval to install illuminated roof beams on the roof of their fast food restaurant located on the east side of Middlebelt Road between Plymouth Road and the railroad right-of-way. The beams would be composed of encased Ighls that would give off a glow at night and appear as a "plastic" yellow feature during the day. The reason these illuminated beams are considered signage is because the Ordinance defines a sign as, "a device attached to the building that attracts attention to a business." The illuminated beams would be spaced apart somewhat evenly around all four sides of the mansard -style roof of the building. Under the Ordinance, they are allowed one wall sign and one ground sign. They currently have a wall sign on the west elevation. They are proposing 22 aluminum roof beams for a total of 132 square feet, which exceeds what is allowed under the Ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals office has stated that there are no current sign variances for this restaurant. Because the existing and proposed signage is in excess of what is allowed by the Sign Ordinance, variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be required. Mr. Alanskas: Is there any correspondence? 22353 Mr. Taormina: There is one item of correspondence from the Inspection Department, dated May 27, 2005, which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request of May 19, 2005, the above - referenced petition has been reviewed. The following is noted. (1) Although this request is for the translucent cap roof beam lights, which will require a grant from the Zoning Board of Appeals for excessive signs and excessive square footage, there are other signage issues on this site. (2) There are several non -permitted wall and window signs, which exceed the number and square footage allowed. The wall and window logo signs of approximately 21 square feet each are not allowed. In addition, there is another logo sign at the drive thru of 4 square feet which is not allowed. We can find neither permit nor Zoning Grant for this additional signage. To retain these signs would require Commission and/or Council approval and an additional grant from the Zoning Board of Appeals for excessive number of signs (one wall sign allowed) and excessive square footage (approximately 53 square feet allowed). This Department has no further objections to this petition." The letter is signed by Alex Bishop, Assistant Director of Inspection. That is the extent of the correspondence. Mr. Alanskas: Is the petitioner here this evening? Jeff Chase, Project Manager, McDonald's Corporation, 1021 Karl Greimel Drive, Brighton, Michigan. 48116. I'm representing the store address at 11800 Middlebelt Road. Just a small correction. What has occurred, we re-imaged or remodeled this store probably about six or seven months ago, I believe. That was before my time. At that time, we had 12 total roof beams on the store, and when we finished the remodel, apparently there was some issue as to how many we were allowed. I've researched the files from when tie store was originally built. I have the original drawings as to when it was built, and that's similar to what you have up there on the screen. There are only 12, and we had only 12 after the re-image. The City made us take it down to four. So we are requesting that we just gel the other eight back on is all we're really trying to do. It's not actually 22. Mr. Alanskas: Are there any questions from the Commissioners? Mr. La Pine: Are the white bars you have in the front of building Id up? Mr. Chase: I believe so. Yes, they are. 22354 Mr. LaPine: Give me a good reason why you need the light bars on the other three sides - to the east, to the north, to the south. To the east, they face a motel. To the north, they face Cadillac. To the south, they face commercial stores and development. What do you need all that lighting for? What's the object? What are you trying to achieve? Mr. Chase: We're trying to achieve visibility to our stores, which is our standard. I don't what to say every store, but 99 percent of the stores have the same amount of roof beams. They're all on three sides. Seven Mile and Farmington has the same amount of roof beams on all three sides of the building - the base and both sides. Which direction they face I dont know, but we do try to create visibility. We are offset from the street, so in most cases, we try to create the visibility from cross -traffic. Mr. LaPine: Now you say McDonald's is requesting that you put these beams up. Is that what you're telling me? Mr. Chase: Yes. Mr. LaPine: You know, its very strange. I just came back from a trip down to Florida, through Georgia and Alabama. I saw a number of McDonald's that don't look like anything like the McDonald's we have up here in Michigan. There's something wrong here. It can't be a corporate image because McDonald's here in the metropolitan Detroit area don't look anything like the stores we have in Livonia. Mr. Chase: This is true and we are trying out some new prototype buildings. You said you were down in the South, and that's where the prototype is starling. Some prototypes gel away from the mansard roof, but we feel that it is our signature and that is how we recognize our buildings. Mr. LaPine: The one on Farmington Road and Seven Mile Road doesn't haw this type of ... the actual footprint of the restaurant isn't like the one on Middlebelt. Mr. Chase: The mansard roof itself is similar. All of the mansard roofs are pretty standard on our restaurants, varying in size of course. The Seven Mile and Farmington location, I know because I just drove by there, does have the roof beams on all three sides of the building. Mr. LaPine: I grant you that is true. Is this a company-owned store? 22355 Mr. Chase: This is a franchisee store. Paul Hammer is the owner. Mr. La Pine: Okay. Thank you. Mr. Pieroecchi: I don't really object to the bands as much as I do that you have to have them illuminated. You're making it look like a honky lonk. The one on Seven Mile Road, if you were lighting those four bands, to raj knowledge they'd be the only four that are lit up in Livonia. Can you verify that, Mr. Miller? Mr. Miller: He can probably answer that, but as far as I know, that is true. Mr. Pieroecchi: Theyre not lit up on Seven Mile Road. Mr. Chase: I'm sorry. You're saying that the front four are the only ones Id? Mr. Pieroecchi: They're not lit anymore. They used to be lit. Mr. Chase: The Iighl beams on Seven Mile and Farmington are not Iil al all? Mr. Pieroecchi: Those are metal. And the one on Ann Arbor Road, which Bill and I looked at today .... Mr.Chase: They're not illuminated during the day. Only at night. Mr. Pieroecchi: Well, how doyou illuminatethem?They're metal. Wheredoes the illumination come out? Mr. Chase: Do you have the spec sheet? Mr. Pieroecchi: You cant get that yellow through iron. Mr. Chase: There's a lamp on the interior. Mr. Pieroecchi: As far as I'm concemed ... Mr. Alanskas: We had that sheet. Mr. Pieroecchi: If you want those ugly things up on your roof, I guess we can't micromanage your business, but having them illuminated is another ballgame. As a matter of fact, I find it kind of strange that you would even come here for more signs, when you have 52 square feet in excess signage right now. You've got a ground sign that's 10 square feet over spec, and then you come here now for another 130 feet to be illuminated? Like I say, I 22356 can live with the bars, but the illumination, I question your wisdom on that. I share with Bill, loo, about different McDonald's. I just come back from Europe and I happened to have lunch in McDonald's that was a store front right on the main street in a mall. So you don't have any prototypes. If you're trying to tell us that, you're not being honest. They build them differently every time they build one. I found that out in China. Mr. Chase: Internationally, R is different. Mr. Shane: Mr. Taormina, this store was built, what, back in 1990? Mr. Taormina: 1990. That is correct. Mr. Shane: Al that time, the Council approved light bands on a portion of the building. Is that correct? Mr. Taormina: The approving resolution of the City Council dated October 24, 1990, would suggest that the approval modified the design to restrict any light bars on the east side of the building. I'll read R. It says in part 'that the light bar located on the east side of the proposed building shall not be illuminated at any time." We know at the lime plans were submitted in connection with the original petition, which showed light bars on all four sides of the roof. This resolution indicates that the east side was prohibited from having any lights, and it would suggest that the other three sides would be allowed some kind of light beam, but there are no records that they were ever approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Shane: Apparently, they have lived without light bands for quite a number ofyears, like 15 years, at least on the east side. Mr. Chase: I know that there were 12 when we re-imaged. Unfortunately, I didn't do the project originally. Mr. Shane: Apparently, you never had them on the east side if you complied with the Council resolution. Mr. Chase: Maybe not illuminated. They might have been up. Mr. Shane: That's what I mean. Illuminated. Mr. Chase: They might not have been illuminated at night. 22357 Mr. Shane: I'm talking about the illuminafion, not the actual band. I'll have to tell you that I'm not favor of the illuminalion. I don't care how many bands you have. I just don't want them lit. You have signs. Nobody can mistake the McDonald's sign or the architecture. I don't see the point. Mr. Alanskas: Today at 4:00, 1 went down Plymouth Road and went north on Middlebell. That McDonald's stood out like a sore thumb without any light bars. I went down to SchoolcraR, turned back and west south on Middlebell. You can see that McDonald's very, very well. So if you're trying to get more people seeing it, I don't see the need of what you're trying to do. I mean you can see the building real well. Mr. Chase: Like I said, that's our standard roof. If you allow us to have them and not illuminate them, I guess we can always go with that as well. Mr. Alanskas: And also, I asked you earlier ...around the entire bottom of the roof, you have all these small white lights around all four sides of the building. I'm assuming they light up at night. Is that true? Mr. Chase: There's some small white lights? Mr. Alanskas: Little light bulbs running the entire part of the building up on top of the roof. Would you please come forward to the podium and give us your name, please? Theresa Brown: I supervise the McDonald's on Middlebelt. There's a flag plate that lights up the flag. Mr. Alanskas: No, no, no, no. All around the entire mansard roof, you've got these small lights. Ms. Brown: Yeah. The overhang. Spotlights on the sidewalk around the building. Mr. Alanskas: No, no, no. Up on top of the roof. On lop of the mansard roof, you've got these small lights around the enure part of the building. Ms. Brown: That's your roof beam. That's the light that lights that up. Mr. Alanskas: What is that? 22358 Ms. Brown: That's what lights up this. It's not a separate light. It's the roof beam. Mr. Alanskas: It's around the entire building? Ms. Brown: No. Its only in the four in the front right now. Mr. Alanskas: No, no, no. Its all around all four sides. Ms. Brown: I'm going to introduce you to Gary, the restaurant manager. You have me totally confused. Mr. Alanskas: Okay. Fine. Ms. Brown: I don't know what he's talking about. Mr. Alanskas: Do you know what I'm referring lo? On the top of the roof, about six inches from the bottom of the roof, they are around the entire building. You've got these lights. They're about every four inches. Theyre while, clear bulbs. Mr. Chase: That's part at the design at the roof. Actually what they are, they're called snow shoes. They may appear to look like light bulbs because they're like litlle plastic skids. What happens is that when the snow falls off the roof because at the nature of the roof and the way that it's built, it diverts or breaks up ice and/or water channels it off. Mr. Alanskas: Are you telling me there's no light bulbs in there? Mr. Chase: That's correct. There is not. Ms. Brown: You're seeing plastic like every four feet. Mr. Alanskas: Not every four feet. About every four to six inches. Mr. Chase: Yes. That's correct. Ms. Brown: That's snow shoes. Mr. Chase: Theyre called snow shoes. Ms. Brown: Its not a light. Mr. Alanskas: Okay. I stand to be corrected. Thank you. Anybody else? Is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak for or 22359 against this petition? Would the petitioner like to state anything else before we go to a motion? Mr. Chase: Nothing further. Mr. Alanskas: Hearing none, a motion is in order. On a motion by LaPine, seconded by Shane, and unanimously adopted, it was #06-65-2005 RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council that Petition 2005-05SN-05 submitted by McDonald's Corporation requesting approval for additional signage for the fast food restaurant located at 11800 Middlebelt Road in the Southwest % of Section 25, be denied forthe following reasons: 1. That the applicant has failed to comply with all the requirements outined in Section 18.50H of the Zoning Ordinance; 2. That the applicant has not justified the need for any additional signage for this location over what is permitted by the sign ordinance; 3. That approving this signage request would set an undesirable precedent for the area, as well as other buildings throughout the City of Livonia; and, 4. Approving this application would not be aesthetically in the City's best interest. Mr. Alanskas, Acting Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. You have 10 days to go to City Council. ITEM#3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 906TH Regular Meeting Mr. Alanskas, Acting Chairman, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of the Minutes of the 906"' Regular Meeting held on May24,2005. On a motion by Shane, seconded by Smiley, and adopted, it was #06-66-2005 RESOLVED, that the Minutes of 906" Regular Meeting held by the Planning Commission on May 24, 2005, are hereby approved. 22360 A roll call vole on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Shane, Smiley, LaPine, Alanskas NAYS: None ABSENT: Walsh, Morrow ABSTAIN: Pieroecchi Mr. Alanskas, Acting Chairman, dedared the motion is carded and the foregoing resolution adopted. Mr. LaPine: There is a ladyinthe audience. Mr. Alanskas: Are you here for something, Ma'am? My name is Kelly Sparrow. I'm a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University. I'm here for a project for my Planning and Local Polifics class. So I'm talking notes on the meeting. I'm going to do a report on it on Saturday. Mr. Alanskas: We're glad to have you here. Ms. Sparov: I would like to know also if I could get a copy of the minutes. Mr. Alanskas: That's no problem. Ms. Sparrow: Thank you. You guys have a beautiful, beautiful city hall. Mr. Alanskas: Thank you very much. On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 907"' Regular Meeting held on June 7, 2005, was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Carol A. Smiley, Secretary ATTEST: RobertAlanskas, Acting Chairman