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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1951-11-07 51 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION A public hearing and special meeting of the Planning Commission were held on November 7, 1951 at 33110 Five Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan. Members present: George Bentley Clarence Jahn Helen Byers Walter Russell Dallas Hay Members absent: Harold Bower Carson Johnston Edwin Conway Robert Maclntyre Also present were Mr. William Brashear, City Attorney; Mr. Waring, Planning Consultant; and James Hagen, Public Safety Commissioner. There were approximately 25 persons in attendance at the public hearing. Chairman George Bentley called the meeting to order at approximately 8:05 PM and announced that Petitions 23A, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 were to be heard as advertised. The Secretary, Miss Byers, read Petition 23A - Margaret Rye - asking that the zoning ordinance #7 of City of Livonia be amended by changing a portion of the zoning classification from AG-1-B to C-1, to permit opening a restaur- ant on Ann Arbor Road. The Chair asked if anyone was present to represent Margaret Rye or anyone in favor of her petition. There was none. The Chair then asked if anyone was present who was not in favor of the petition. Peter Christensen - 38901 East Ann Arbor Road - I am the only one in business in the area (nursery business) and all the neighbors are very much against this change, and I believe it should be denied. Francis Chilson, 38807 East Ann Arbor Trail - That is where most of the ac- cidents occur (drive-in restaurants) and it would increase traffic hazards. I dont believe she (Margaret Rye) has owned the property to exceed six months. We wanted to develop good looking homes and lawns along that road. Mr. N. R. Barry - 28660 Ann Arbor Trail - I am building a home at the ad- dress I just gave, and I noticed a sign on Ann Arbor Trail that is advertis- ing commercial property for sale. I am against the petition. How can a person be sure it will not be used for commercial property. Donald Everett - 10366 Bassett Drive - There is one family on Ann Arbor Trail and Bassett Drive with four children and the next family has four children and right down the line, and they are all against having a drive-in restaurant near as there is always trouble in connection with a drive-in restaurant. I am very much against it. Joseph Roose - 39230 Ann Arbor Trail - I purchased a site and built a home and there were no drive-ins at that time. We moved there to live and I would like to have it remain the same. Two petitions were received containing objections to petition 23A due to the nature of the business. Both petitions were dated November 5, 1951, the first was signed by 7 persons (property owners) in the immediate vicin- ity of property in question; the second petition was signed by 20 persons in nearby area. Miss Byers read these to the assembly. Mr. C. M. McIntyre - 10506 Bassett Drive - I am against the petition because we are going to have the same thing happening all the time. That sign 51 advertising industrial property will lead to the same thing. We know what happened on Ann Arbor Trail and on Seven Mile Road. The Chair, after verifying that there were no more persons either for or against the petition, asked the Planning Commission if they wished to take action on Petition #23A or hold it for the special meeting to follow the hearing. Upon a motion duly made by Dallas Hay, seconded by Clarence Jahn and unani- mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to recommend to the City Council that Petition #23A Margaret Rye, be denied. Next, Miss Byers read Petition #32 - C.D. Skoglund, Patricia B. Skoglund; Gordon A. Reale and Margery L. Eadie requesting the discontinuance of Oakdale Avenue from West side of Southhampton to the east side of Dover Road. Gordon Eadie - 16083 Southhampton - After describing the property somewhat said that he has beartified the property and planted grass seed, etc. and would like to continue the practice of keeping it a desirable area. The lower portion is woods. We understand that if we can have the right we would gladly give the City the necessary easements for public utilities. The Chair asked Mr. Waring, Planning Consultant, for his recommendation regarding the discontinuance of Oakdale Avenue and Mr. Waring advised that his company had contacted the engineering firm that developed the sewers in the area and the half-mile road is the eventual area for sewers. It would be unwise for the City to relinquish that right. Mr. Waring further stated that he thought the City should safeguard itself and should retain the right to that property. In the meantime, Mr. Waring said that he was of the opinion that the present practice of using the property could continue. The Chair announced that Petition #32 would be held for discussion at the special meeting. The secretary read Petition #33 - Earl J. and Jacqueline Sayer, requesting a change in zoning classification from A-1 to C-1 for the land being lo- cated on the northeast corner of Seven Mile and Merriman and comprising 8 3/4 acres. The petitioner proposes to erect an office building of stone and brick and the cost will approximate $5,000.00. The intended use is a general insurance office and an off-street parking area will be provided. Chairman Bentley asked if anyone was present to represent the petitioner. As there was no representation for the petitioner, the Chair then asked if anyone was present that wanted to speak against the petition. Lewis Nickles - 19020 Merriman Road - I am very much against erecting business places next to homes and we have put many times more than $5,000. in our homes and do not want to get into cross traffic. Michael Costello - 18845 Merriman - I am opposed to it. Paul Pyrros - 31271 W. Seven Mile Road - I am against it and my brother, John Pyrros, is against it also. E. Seacott - 31540 W. Seven Mile Road - I am very much against it. Anthony Bruce - 31395 Seven Mile Road - It is very ridiculous to try to put • up an office when there are beautiful homes in there. He ought to have his head examined. I live right across from that property and I think he should go down to Seven Mile Road. William Norden - 31270 Seven Mile Road - I own the adjoining property and I am bitterly opposed to it. 55 Mr. Sanders - 31230 Seven Mile - I am against it. Mr. Erwin Sedler - 31750 W. Seven Mile - I am against it. Mr. John Miller - 31640 W. Seven Mile - I am against it. Mr. George Harmon - 31670 West Seven Mile - We purchased property in that vicinity and thought it would be a very fine place to live. Some of the homes are worth $50,000. and to put a business place on the opposite side of the street would be ridiculous. I am very much against it. L. Boyington - 31700 W. Seven Mile - I disapprove of this petition. Present zoning is for C-1 but the costly homes that have been built along there speak for themselves. None of those people intend to operate a business. These people should not be influenced by the C-1 zoning on Seven Mile. The Chair asked if there were any further comments either for or against the petition, and there were none. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Dallas Hay and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to recommend to the City Council that Petition #33, Earl J. and Jacqueline Sayer, be denied, Chairman Bentley then asked the secretary to read Petition #34 - petitioning to vacate Fordson Highway within the City of Livonia. At this point, Mr. Brashear, City Attorney, asked if the Planning Commission would hear Petitions #34 Coventry Corporation and #36, H. S. Wolfe, et el, to- gether as they were synonymous. The petitions requested that Fordson Highway be vacated from Ashurst Road to Five Mile Road in Coventry Gardens in the City of Livonia, except a 60' strip in center of Fordson Highway to remain as a street providing ingress and egress from Ashurst to Five Mile. The Chair asked for representation either for or against the petitions and there was none. Mr. Bentley then announced that Petitions #34 and #36 would be taken up at the special meeting following the hearing. Chairman Bentley then read Petition #35 - Richard and Helen Wisniewski, re- questing that a 20 foot alley be vacated on south side of Plymouth near Wayne Road. The petition stated that the petitioner had been informed that the present use that is being made of the property shows no need for the alley at present or in the future. The petitioner, it stated, is being deprived of certain rights, and a portion thereof was previously dedicated for an alley. Mr. Bentley informed Mr. Wisniewski that such a dedication had never been recorded. Mr. Wisniewski - I don't think we should have an alley. When I bought the property and had it rezoned for a gas station, I had to dedicate approxi- mately 20 feet for an alley. They don't rezone otherwise. The property owners across the street and around me don't have alleys. As there was no one present opposing the petition, Chairman Bentley advised Mr. Wisniewski that the petition would be taken up at the special meeting following the hearing. At 8:50 PM, a recess was called. During the recess period Mrs. Margaret Rye came up and talked to Mr. Brashear and then Miss Byers. At approximately 9 PM the meeting was again called to order by the Chair. 57 Mr. White was present to protest against Petition #32 - closing Oakdale Avenue - He said he objected to closing the street for one block. As subdividers, they are obliged to leave the street. Upon a motion duly made by Walter Russell, seconded by Dallas Hay and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that Petition #32 be turned over to the City Council with the recommendation that it be denied due to Mr. Waring's comments and recommendations regarding half-streets ana plus the fact that Oakdale Avenue is a continuation of Puritan Ave. It will be necessary for connecting the sewer line in the future. Petitions #34 and #36 - Vacating of Fordson Highway. Mr. Brashear ad- vised that Fordson Highway had been abandoned by Wayne County. If the Planning Commission agrees that the whole street be vacated except Coventry Gardens, the street should be retained and reduced in width from 120 feet to 60 feet; likewise the alleys be vacated and are specifically set forth in the petition. Business lots in that vicinity should be replatted. (The replatting has been submitted of that portion of Livonia Gardens where alleys are to be closed.) Mr. Waring examined the plat and said that the plat had done what he had hoped (replat the size of the lots). Upon a motion duly made by Dallas Hay, seconded by Clarence Jahn and unani- mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to recommend to the City Council that Petitions #34 and #36, be granted. Petition #35, closing of alley which is located on Plymouth near Wayne Road. Miss Byers read Mr. Waring's recommendation regarding same and it stated that at the time the owners asked for rezoning, the Township was aware of the need for alleys. Mr. Waring recommended that the alley be legally es- tablished and deny the petitioner the closing of the alley. Chairman Bentley advised Mr. Wisniewski that the Planning Commission has not been granting the closing of alleys due to the fact that these alleys are intended for business purposes. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Dallas Hay and unani- mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to table Petition #35, Richard and Helen Wisniewski, until the next regular meeting. Mr. Waring said that he would present a letter of recommendation to the Planning Commission regarding Petition #35 before the next meeting. Mr. Brashear presented a plat of Livonia Gardens #2 Subdivision. Miss Byers read a letter from the City Clerk dated November 6th regarding said plat being submitted for tentative approval. Mr. Harry Wolfe said that he would like to get tentative approval of the plat just as it is today. He would like the old plat to jibe with the plat just submitted. Mr. Wolfe said that he was unable to meet the Schroeder family in a group before the plat was drawn. It will be necessary for them to make their dedication of the other half of the street. He asked that the Planning Commission assume that Berwyck was 30 feet and Lyndon 43 feet, for tentative approval. 59 . Upon a motion duly made by Dallas Hay, seconded by Clarence Jahn aid nnani_ mously carried, it was RESOLVED, to tentatively approve the subdivision plat of Livonia Gardens #2 with the proper easements for utilities. Mr. Bentley read petition #40 from Bamberger and Lieberman who want to build apartment buildings on West Chicago between Inkster and Middlebelt and request a zoning reclassification. Petition #40 was referred to Mr. Waring for his recommendation. Petition #38 - Lone Pine Tavern - 30325 W. Six Mile Road signed by six persons regarding non-conformance to business restrictions. Petition #38 was referred to Mr. Waring for his recommendation. Petition #39 - Mr. Frischkorn to change present zoning from R-1-C to R-3-C. Petition #39 and Mr. Frischkorn's plans were also referred to Mr. Waring for his recommendation. Miss Byers read a letter from the City Clerk regarding Fred Blackwood Company dated October 22, requesting permission to build a road. (Petition #41) Petition #41 was referred to Mr. Waring for his recommendation. A statement was received from Waring & Johnson dated November 1, 1951 in the amount of $272.15 to cover September and October services. Upon a motion duly made by Dallas Hay, seconded by Clarence Jahn and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to refer Waring & Johnson's statement in the amount of $272.15 to the City Council for payment. Mr. Brashear announced that the deeds for the Civic Center are back in Mr. Standiford's office. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Walter Russell and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, to have Mr. Brashear, City Attorney, proceed at the earliest possible date (December 5, 1951) for the proposed Civic Center to come up for public hearing along with the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. Mr. Bentley announced that the School Board wants to meet with the Planning Commission at the next regular meeting. Miss Byers read a letter from Mr. Brashear, City Attorney, regarding the fact that the City Clerk should be the only person to number petitions, etc. in order to avoid duplications and confusion. The secretary read a letter from George Jerome and Company dated October 25th signed by Mr. Ryba. The secretary read a copy of the letter sent to Mr. Green by the City Council regarding Petition #26, Cathedral Street. Miss Byers reported to the assembly her conversation with Mrs. Margaret Rye who said the persons against her petition and the City Planning Commission would be sorry for their stand as she would sell to negroes, and that she would not lose money on the deal. 61 The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 1951 and the next public hearing will be held on December 5, 1951. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn, seconded by Dallas Hay and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED, that this meeting be adjourned. Thereupon at approximately 9:55 PM, the meeting was adjourned. Helen E. Byers, retary ATTESTED: George N. ntle Chairman