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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1953-06-16 it Secy Init�''�:I/ri• -_ 43. MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION The thirty-fourth regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1953 at the City Hall, 33001 Five Mile, Livonia, Mich. Chairman, Dallas Hay, called the meeting to order at approximately 8:20 PM. Members present: Helen Byers Edwin Conway H. Paul Harsha Dallas Hay Elmore McNiece Members absent: George Bentley Clarence Jahn Robert MacIntyre Walter Russell Mr. Wm W. Brashear, City Attorney, was present. The Chair asked for disposition of the minutes of the last three meetings and upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Elmore McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes of the May 21, May 26 and June 9, meetings be approved as received. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Ira The Chair announced that the election of officers for the Commission was next on the agenda. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by H. Paul Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that the election of officers be tabled until later in the meeting inasmuch as there was a possibility that more members would be in attendance at that time. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The secretary passed around the invoices that had been received. Waring and Johnson's invoice dated June 1, 1953 in the amount of $309.18 was questioned, i.e. , the charge for research and drafting time on map showing existing water lines and sewers, inasmuch as a similar item appeared on the previous month's bill. There was also a discussion on the blueprint expense as to which department should accept the expense. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Elmore McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that Waring and Johnson's invoice of 6/1/53 be tabled until a further check is made on the charges thereon. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: Secy Init. age 45. AYES: MeNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Elmore McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that the invoice from the Livonian in the amount of $12.00 dated 5/29/53, be referred to the City Council for payment. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The Chairman announced that next on the agenda was the proposed Merriman Park. The Chair advised that the Parks and Recreation Department has not as yet met with the Commission for a discussion on this matter. Miss Byers felt that it should be tabled until a fall board is present. She also stated that she would not be voting on any more issues due to her position on the Commission, i.e., her forthcoming resignation effective July 1. The Chair asked Miss Byers if she would cast her vote inasmuch as a gaormn would require her vote. She agreed. Mr. MeNiece said that he would like to state his opinion on the Merriman Park issue. Be felt that the City Council did the right thing when they acquired the park property; it was good planning. He said, "I would recommend that it be retained as a park. I can see the people's re- sentment and there is always a pressure group who will be against a park no matter where it is proposed." Mr. McNiece felt that pressure groups should not be allowed to influence the Commission because if one park is turned down, the people will expect them all to be turned down. Mr. McNiece said, "When we boast of a beautiful city, we boast of the parks and spots of beauty, the property next to the parks are premium parcels of land. Look at Palmer Woods in Detroit. We would all like to see Livonia as it was 20 years ago, but you cannot stop progress. We have heard of all the bad things that would happen in a park, but look at the nice things that happen in a park. The land isn't good for building, and this is the only park that I know of that has been presented to the Commission for action. We have got to have parks. I would like to make a recommendation that the city not only retain the land, but look for other land that has not been improved. They should buy the property and have it for this particular purpose. I live along the valley too, and this is a nice 25 acres. I would like to make a motion that we recommend to the Council that they retain this land and further that they build an adequate fence around the property to protect the adjacent property owners.* Mr. Conway then stated that he was in favor of the park idea, but we have 4 or 5 parks adequate for the present population within three miles from this place. He said, "I live across the street from a school and a church and I don't object to that because I knew what it was going to be, but I do not favor this Merriman location. " Secy Init. age 47. Mr. Barsha, "I do feel we should have a park. I think we should keep this property and use it for park purposes. I have been in Livonia for 27 years. I expected that things would change, bat if we don't look I[: forward now, we will have a situation like Hamtramck." Mr. Jahn arrived at 8:45 PM. Miss Byers was in favor of the park under one condition. "What I am going to say," she said, "is being done in other cities successfully. The parks are reserved for the residents of the city and the residents obtain cards to gain entry, as all entrances would be manned. I would like to amend Mr. McNiece's motion that the park be retained for the citizens of Livonia and fenced from surrounding property, and that will protect those people. I stopped around Stoepel Park 41 in Detroit where they have picnics and I interviewed about 10 people and they had no complaints." Mr. Jahn, after being briefed on what had transpired prior to his arrival, was of the opinion that a mere 25 acres was not being discussed, but an over-all plan such as was brought out at the public hearing. He said he was still confused and felt that something was being discussed about which the PI/Amine Commission knew nothing and wanted the people present to know that. He said, "As far as I am concerned possibly the 25 acres could be given consideration by the Commission but as far as extending the area throughout the city, I don't think we should make any plans for the city, such as were discussed at the public hearing." Mr. McNiece said that if the Chairman felt that it would be better to have a full board present, he would withdraw his motion. Mr. Jahn said that, in an effort to find property, he has been driving in and around Livonia and was cognizant of the fact that there are lots of vacant spots in Livonia to have parks without stepping on anyone's toes. Mr. McNiece withdrew his motion. Upon a motion duly made by Elmore MeNiece and seconded by Clarence Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the proposed Merriman Park Site be tabled until all members are present. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The Chair announced the decision to the audience and advised Mr. McLeish that he would be notified when it came up again and held Mr. McLeish responsible for notifying the other people. Mr. McLeish said that they are planning on becoming a part of the National Real Estate Board which will protect the property owner against infringement by civic groups. Secy Initda page 49. The secretary brought the Commission up-to-date on the Glasier and Grossman request to remove topsoil. A petition had been received from the people of Clements Circle asking that the permit be refused and was I[: signed by 32 persons. The secretary announced that a letter had been presented at the meeting tonight by Mr. Glasier requesting a withdrawal of the application to remove topsoil. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Harsha and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the petition of Glasier and Grossman to remove topsoil on the north side of West Chicago, be denied without prejudice. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None An application to remove topsoil was received from Carl Beuthien on the east side of Farmington between Plymouth and W. Chicago. (Owner: Sheldon Land Company.) Also an application from Dominic J. Pitrone, 9551 LeVerne, Detroit 28, to remove soil from the south side of Five Mile west of Fairlane. (Owner: H. C. Boyer) A petition was received from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Katechor, 15200 Cavor requesting permission to raise chickens for owners' consumption. A discussion was held inre the date of the next public hearing. It was decided that the public hearing would be held in conjunction with the regular meeting. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and sec- onded by Clarence Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 1953 at 8 PM, prior to the regular meeting, on Beathien, Pitrone and Katschor's petitions, and it was FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mr. Hultquist of the DPW and Police Chief, Harmon, be present at hearings concerning removal of topsoil. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn., Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Orr was not present regarding the Greenette Subdivision. The Curtis Home Subdivision was not received in time to be on the agenda but property owners were present from the Robinhood Subdivision, adjacent to the proposed subdivision. The Chair asked Mr. Donald D. Davis, Attorney, National Bank Building, Detroit, to come forward inre the Robinhood Subdivision. Secy InitAgdipage 51. Mr. Davis said that he represented two families, Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Drake and Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Kreeger. Mr. Davis said that his clients purchased and occupied property on the north side of the road (Curtis) and the property to the south is vacant at the moment, however, it is closely connected as there are restrictions that are involved. Mr. Davis said that Mr. Daugherty owns, or controls, Lots 11 thru 19, on the south side of Curtis and owns or controls more property south. He plans to split up lots 11 thru 19 and instead of making one lot, considers making several lots. Mr. Davis then described in detail his attempts to reach Mr. Daugherty to advise him of the violation of res- trictions. "Ne are here to object to this proposed application and ask that the present restrictions be maintained as they are now. This property consists of homes of about $25,000. These people purchased and acquired certain property rights. The way we view this matter, this ap- plication was filed by Mr. Daugherty, and it is inequitable and improper to consider the use of these lots to be split and used for multiple dwellings." Miss Byers said she did not notify Mr. Daugherty as the subdivision was not on tonight's agenda for approval. The Chair asked Mr. Davis to reduce to writing the objections and a copy of the restrictions. Mr. E. W. Kreeger, 31716 Curtis, "I would like to say that we sat down in my home with Mr. Daugherty and he was going to submit plans of the homes he was going to build and we are willing to go over the plans with him, but he didn't show up. Then he comes back with another name on the subdivision and it looks like he is trying to get it through without our knowledge." Upon a motion duly made by Mr. McNiece and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, to table Curtis Homes Subdivision until the next regular meeting, July 21, 1953 and that the people concerned be so notified. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None At 9:50 PM, the Chair called a short recess. At 10 PM, the Chair called the meeting to order. The secretary read a letter from Rosehill Builders regarding the cor- recting or amending of the resolution passed on Bel Aire Gardens Sub- division, Section 35. There was a discussion on same and the secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendation. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Mr. Harsha, it was Seoy Initage 53. RESOLVED, that the prior action of the Commission on the pro- posed plat of Bel Aire Gardens Subdivision as heretofore submitted and approved under date of May 7, 1953 is hereby Ire rescinded and the new proposed plat of Bel Aire Gardens Sub- division filed under date of May 25, 1953 in accordance with the recent zoning change is hereby tentatively approved. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The Chair called on Mr. Blakley, representing the Shelden Land Company. Mr. Blakley said that all they are asking for is a point of beginning. He presented prints of a proposed subdivision in Section 24, and said that they have been working on this thing for nearly a year. He also said, "Abort 9 or 10 months ago, your Department of Parks and Recreation called on us with the plan of buying property and we agreed to sell at the price we paid, provided that we be allowed to back our houses up to the property. Your Planning Consultant does not approve of our backing houses up to this land. Tell us where we start after you talk with Mr. Geake." Mr. Donald Geake, 16515 Sunderland, Detroit Michigan said, "The Shelden Land Company contacted me to lay out subdivision on entirely ran► land and prior to this we had a discussion with FHA. We later went on a field trip to get a view of the area, the possibility of a park, etc. We arrived at this plan that you are now looking at." There was a general discussion, and it was the consensus of opinion among the members of the Commission that the street plan of the sub- division and the over-all plan was entirely satisfactory with the exception perhaps of the length of the blocks. Mr. Geake said that inasmuch as he had been present during the earlier part of the meeting and heard the conversation regarding parks, wished to advise that there are two types of parks, i.e. , active and passive. A passive park is considered one that is given to the raising of trees and shrubs, etc. and the active park is one that has much activity, such as baseball, etc. The value of lots depreciates near an active park. There was a discussion regarding the fact that Hubbard would be closed, but the situation differed from the problem that had been previously discussed in that it did not involve dedicated streets. Mr. Blakley said that they wanted to reserve property on the corner of Joy and Farmington Roads for the future possibility of apartments and it was suggested that the plat be revised to show this property as out lots. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. McNiece and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the sketch of the proposed development, south half of Section 34, as filed this date, 6/16/53 with the City Planning Commission is tentatively approved for the purpose of serving as a guide for preparation and submission of future plats. Secy Initnage 55. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay, Byers and Jahn IL: NAYS: None The Chair called on Mr. Warner, representing the Grandville Construction Company and Mr. Heiman, re proposed Helman Park Subdividlion in Sec. 9. There was a discussion of the preliminary plat and a question of the streets not being carried through the subdivision. Mr. Harsha read Waring and Johnson's recommendation. Mr. Warner said he had discussed the street (Clarita) with Mr. Waring. The Chair advised Mr. Warner that the Commission was of the opinion that both Clarita and. Pickford streets should be cut thra the subdivision. Mr. Warner verified with the Commission what changes were to be made. A motion was made by Clarence Jahn to table the subdivision subject to the corrected plat being submitted by the subdivider, Mr. Heiman. Mr. Jahn withdrew the motion, after Mr. Warner asked if the plat could be tentatively approved with the suggested changes. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Clarence Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the subdivision be tabled until Thursday, June 25. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The Chair advised that the election of officers would take place at this time. Dallas Hay was nominated. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn and seconded by Mr. Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that Dallas Hay be reelected as Chairman of the Commission for the ensuing year. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Byers NAYS: None Mr. Paul Harsha was nominated as Vice Chairman. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn and seconded by Edwin Conway, it was RESOLVED, that Mr. Harsha become Vice Chairman of the Commission for the ensuing year. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: fh:oAYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Miss Byers was nominated for secretary, but she declined on the basis that she would no longer be a member of the Commission after the first of July. A discussion followed. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and sec- onded by Mr. Harsha, it was Secy Init. uage 57. RESOLVED,to table the election of a secretary until farther notice. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Conway, Harsha, Hay NAYS: Byers Mr. Hay advised that several girls had taken the Civil Service examination for the job of Clerk of the Planning Commission and some are available for interview. There was a discussion regarding the qualifications, etc. Mr. Hay advised that Mr. Harsha, Miss Byers and Mr. Hay would interview the girls. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. McNiece and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the committee, Mr. Hay, Chairman; Mr. Harsha, Vice Chairman; and Miss Byers, Secretary; interview the girls and handle the selection of one and the necessary steps with the Civil Service Commission for her employment. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Jahn, McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendation of the proposed Colleen Manor Subdivision. They did not recommend the approval of the proposed layout. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Conway, it was RESOLVED, to table the proposed plat of Colleen Manor Subdv. until June 25, 1953. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Jahn, McNiece, Conway, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None At approximately 11:35 PM, a motion was duly made, seconded and unani- mously carried, it was RESOLVED, that this meeting be adjourned. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned. :elen E. Byers, S etary ATTESTED• "I.s.dgeeiv V/1/ Dallas P. Hay, rman