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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRDA MINUTES 1998-05-21 MINUTES OF THE 74th REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLYMOUTH cpeROAD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA The 74th Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority of the City of Livonia, Michigan was called to order at 3:45 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 1998 in the 4th Floor Conference Room of City Hall. Members Present: Mayor Jack E. Kirksey Ms. Toni Mette Mr. Scott Grace Mr. Marvin Walkon Mr. Adelard Raby Mr. Stan Anderson Mr. Jerry Wordhouse Mr. Dennis Kujawa Members Absent: Mr. Bill Pike Mr. Donald Gelinas Mr. Lowell Peterson Mr. Mike Polsinelli (iry 1. Roll was called. 2. Adoption of May 7, 1998 Minutes: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, it was #98-17 RESOLVED, that the minutes of the 73rd Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on May 7, 1998 were approved as amended. Mr. Wordhouse, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. 3. Comments from Chairman: Mr. Wordhouse commented on copies of numerous letters to Mayor Kirksey, along with replies, received from residents regarding a Meijer's store. The Mayor stated that he has a standard response amended to match any specific questions. Most of the letters are not from the immediate area. There was also a letter from a Dearborn Heights resident complementing the PRDA on the Plymouth Road enhancements. A document from the City Assessor showing a substantial increased taxable value of property from 1994 to 1997 was distributed. 4. Beckett& Raeder: The following correspondence was received from Carey Baker: 1) The Wonderland Auto Wash situation has been resolved. They will be closed for a very limited amount of time for Basile to complete the work scheduled for two days. 2) A schedule showing the percentage of completion and the construction schedule for the balance of Phase I. 3) An estimate for repaving the alley behind the Mama Mia's restaurant. At $2.35 per square foot, to remove the asphalt and replace with a heavy duty asphalt pavement, the estimated cost for an 18'x271' alley would be $11,463.00. On a motion duly made by Mr. Raby, seconded by Mrs. Mette and unanimously approved, it was #98-18 RESOLVED, that having considered a request from Mama Mia's to pave the alley to the rear of this restaurant, and due to the cooperation received and the inconvenience caused by the removal of one driveway to this restaurant, the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby authorize Beckett and Raeder, Inc. to asphalt this alley in an amount not to exceed $20,000. Mr. Wordhouse, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. Mrs. Mette inquired as to why there hasn't been anyone working on Plymouth Road the last two days when the weather has been so cooperative. Mr. Raby noted that only a small percentage of plant material has been installed and asked if plantings would be lost if the weather becomes too warm for planting. Mrs. Mette, Construction Committee, will follow up. 5. Reports from Committees: Public Relations Committee: Mr. Anderson reported that the second issue of the newsletter is near completion. This issue will have a different tone to it. It will feature two businesses that have updated their frontage. There will be some personal interest features and an article about the bond sale and its effect on the PRDA and the community, along with a construction progress report. Distribution of 44,000 copies would cost about $12,000 versus corridor only distribution of 6,000 at a cost of$3,200. This includes printing, sorting and postage. Discussion followed on who should receive the newsletter and how it should be labeled. On a motion by Mr. Raby, seconded by Mrs. Mette and unanimously approved, it was #98-19 RESOLVED, that the Plymouth Road Development Authority does hereby authorize the Public Relations Committee to distribute the second issue of the PRDA newsletter to the TIFA district members only. Mr. Wordhouse, Vice Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution adopted. Vacant Buildings: No report. Search Committee: Mr. Walkon informed the Board that we now have a member from the Council, Brian Duggan, and a member from the Planning Commission, Dan Piercecchi, to serve on the Search Committee for a PRDA Director. Mr. Walkon wanted clarification that this position is as a part-time director. Mayor Kirksey stated that the general direction taken was to start the position as part time and see what develops. The position seems to be seasonal in nature as oversite on Plymouth Road during the construction season. The Mayor also stated that the Chamber of Commerce now has an economic developer on board, and the City's new Economic Development Director is expected to be chosen and on the job in June. 6. Update on Plymouth Road Projects. John Nagy reported the good news on the closing of the bond issue. The money has been transferred and the $7.5 million is in the bank as of May 19, 1998. The White Castle restaurant is pulling out of their spot at Wonderland Mall and looking to purchase the old Auto Works building on Plymouth Road. This building would be demolished for a somewhat larger building to include a Churches Chicken restaurant. Parking and a driveway would be shared with the adjoining hotel. There is still no word from the Legacy of Livonia restaurant that was proposed for the old Hardee's. The petition never went to Council. 410 7. Polling of Board Members: Stan Anderson discussed Rod Crider's letter distributed last week wherein he inquired of any incentives the PRDA might have for the Chamber of Commerce to relocate to a building on the Plymouth Road corridor. Mayor Kirksey informed the board that he has put inquiries to the Council to see if they are willing to work out an arrangement with the Chamber and is waiting for their reply. The Chamber has indicated that they may"make do"for another year, amass more capital and take another look next year. Mr. Nagy will write a courtesy reply to Mr. Crider's letter. Mr. Anderson also inquired if the Inspection Department had acted on the complaint regarding the signs and disrepair at the Plymouth Square Shopping Center. Mr. Raby will make a visual inspection of the center and follow up with the Inspection Department if necessary. Mr. Nagy reported that the landlord, Mr. Ron Parz, was informed. Toni Mette commended the Mayor on all the Meijer's letters he has been responding to. She also called attention to the condition of the park on the southwest corner of Inkster and Plymouth Roads and the uncut grass at some of the vacant buildings. Mayor Kirksey responded that the unusual growth this year due to the weather has had the maintenance department working overtime, but unable to keep up. Our seasonal workers will soon expand the department from 650 to 800 workers. Scott Grace, noting that he and Jerry Wordhouse were in casual clothes, would like to introduce the PRDA to "casual Thursday". John Nagy informed the Board that Mauti's car wash proposal was on the Council agenda and unanimously defeated. The owners were conspicuous by their absence. Jerry Wordhouse attended the meeting at the Presbyterian Church where Meijer's made their presentation. He said he was shocked and dismayed at the lack of courtesy given to Meijer's people. The meeting was on the verge of getting out of control. He also remarked on Mike McGee's speech being quiet but forceful and recognizing that Meijer's had put a lot of work and expense into what is a mistake. Mayor Kirksey reported that Madison Heights turned down Meijer's proposal for a store in their city and noted that Meijer's has not officially presented a petition to the City. Mr. Grace asked if there was any documentation that there was a rise in traffic and crime at the presently located Meijer's stores. Mayor Kirksey said the Civic Association is doing their own research in this regard. Mr. Raby noted that they were a good community member and put a lot back into the community. Mayor Kirksey informed the members that Memorial Day ceremonies would take place at the Veteran's Park at Five Mile and Farmington, Monday at 5:00 PM. 8. Adjournment: On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 74th Regular Meeting held by the Plymouth Road Development Authority on May 21, 1998 was adjourned at 4:30 PM. The next meeting of the Plymouth Road Development Authority will be held on June 4, 1998. Doris Urbanski, Secretary