CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

REPORT OF MEETING

APRIL 22, 2004 
 
 

PRESENT:  Norman Yurkie, Chairperson

      Pamela Weiss, Vice-Chairperson

      Denise C. Trombley, Secretary

      Fred Gibson

            Michael Matway

            Kirkanne Moseley

            Ken Pearl

            Dennis C. Tomlinson

            John D. Truax 
 

ABSENT: None  
 

STAFF: Carlo Santia, Director

            DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 
 
 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 
 
 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA 
 

Motion by Mr. Truax, supported by Mr. Matway, to approve the agenda as submitted.  Motion carried. 
 
 

33.108 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE SOUTH LINE OF WM. P. ROSSO HIGHWAY (M-59), EAST OF GRATIOT AVENUE (SECTION 1)

- PROPOSED REZONING FROM I-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL TO B-3 GENERAL BUSINESS

-- PUBLIC HEARING

FILE #5869: PETITIONED BY RICHARD IVES

REPRESENTED BY DEBORAH ADDY

Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.  Ms. Trombley informed that notice of this public hearing was mailed to 30 owners and occupants located within 300 feet of the land in question, with 4 returned as undeliverable. 
 

Richard Ives, 45000 River Ridge, Suite #200, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, explained that they have owned this property for twelve years and they have had no interest expressed to them for industrial use of this property.  He added that they are starting to get interest in this property for commercial use. 
 

Motion by Ms. Weiss, supported by Mr. Gibson, to open the public hearing.  Roll Call Vote:  Aye – Weiss, Gibson, Matway, Moseley, Pearl, Tomlinson, Truax, Yurkie, Trombley.  Nay – None.  Absent – None.  Motion carried. 
 

There were no comments from the general public. 
 

Motion by Mr. Gibson, supported by Ms Moseley, to close the public hearing.  Roll Call Vote:  Aye – Gibson, Moseley, Matway, Pearl, Tomlinson, Truax, Weiss, Yurkie, Trombley.  Nay – None.  Absent – None.  Motion carried. 
 

Mr. Matway inquired as to whether this has been a speculative parcel of property for the petitioner or whether they originally had plans for it at the time of purchase. 
 

Mr. Ives explained that the parent company is John Carlo and the other partner is Sal Simone, and at the time of purchase, they initially believed it would be developed as industrial.  He pointed out that they built Eastpointe Industrial Park, but based on recent developments fronting Hall Road, he felt commercial seems to be the highest and best use. 
 

Mr. Pearl agreed with the petitioner. 
 

Ms. Weiss inquired as to the type of business that they intend to develop.  She added that her husband is in the Armed Forces and is on the base at Selfridge. 
 

Mr. Ives replied that he is not sure what type of business will be developed at this location.  He stated that he, along with Guy Rizzo, owns property on the northeast corner of Hall Road and I-94 and are in the process of developing it.  He added that he met with representatives from the air base regarding clear zones.  He felt there is some interest in this area for a hotel. 
 

Ms. Weiss felt that a restaurant would do well at this location because of its close proximity to Selfridge. 
 

Mr. Ives mentioned that all major commercial users are already located on Hall Road.  He recalled that there was a Danish furniture store that expressed interest but they located elsewhere.  He added that there is a large commercial users conference at the end of May in Las Vegas, and his company plans on attending.  He assured that they have received no calls in the last 12 years for any type of industrial use, but they are starting to receive calls showing interest in a commercial use. 
 

Motion by Ms. Weiss, supported by Mr. Pearl, with reference to File #5869 and application from Richard Ives, Trinity Land Development, 45000 River Ridge, Suite #200, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, as represented by Deborah Addy, same address, concerning the proposed rezoning of 33.108 acres of land fronting the south line of Wm. P. Rosso Highway (M-59), east of Gratiot Aven