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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1953-06-25 Secy Init4ae 59. MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND THE THIRTY-EIGHTH SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION A public hearing and the thirty-eighth special meeting were held by the City Planning Commission on Thursday, June 25, 1953 at the City Hall, Livonia, Michigan. The Chair called the meeting to order at approximately 8:20 PM. Members present: Edwin Conway Dallas Hay H. Paul Harsha Clarence Jahn, Elmore McNiece Members absent: Helen Byers and Walter Russell Mr. W. W. Brashear, City Attorney; and Mr. Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant; were present, together with approximately 75 persons. The Chair asked Mr. Harsha to act as secretary and read the petitions. The first petition on the agenda was Z-3, Abe Green, and was read by Mr. Harsha. The petition requested a change of zoning classification on Middlebelt from Elmira to the half street from the present classification Br-1-B to R-3, multiple dwellings. Miss Byers arrived at approximately 8:25 PM. Mr. Green wanted to add that the change would be directly up against an existing M-1 zoning across the street, and was of the opinion that it would not be a logical place for single dwellings. There was a discussion regarding the zoning change. At this point Mr. Harsha read Waring and Johnson's recommendations that the parcel was not large enough to recommend a change to B-3 but recommended a change to R.2. Mr. Ettenheimer was present and showed a drawing of the layout proposed for the multiple dwellings. Also pointed out that they would have ample space. Mr. Green said that the apartment would be owned and operated by the builders and they would have their own playgrounds, off-street parking, etc. The Chair asked if there was anyone present either for or against the petition. Mr. George Hall, 31090 Grandon Road: "We have enough vacant land in Livonia, and I don't think they should put multiple dwellings there." Mr. J. Cochran, 31351 Grandon Avenue: "I agree with Mr. Hall." Mrs. Geo. Hall, 31250 Grandon: "There is plenty of vacant property and we should protect our property." Mr. J. Kachigian, 31101 Grandon: "I am against it and would like to go on record." The following persons gave their names and addresses as being opposed to the multiple dwellings. Secy Init 'age 61. George Snyder, 31170 Grandon Boyd Holmes, 9178 Merriman R. L. Miller, 31231 " Earl Bishop, 31150 Grandon Mrs. Kane, 31041 " M. D. Long, 30779 " 1[4W J. Stanley, 31211 " Mr. Walls " Mr. Mauere, 31291 " Mr. McNiece said that he would like to know how far these people who were objecting lived from the proposed multiple dwellings. It was established that they live approximately one-half to one mile away. Mr. McNiece said: "It appears to me that the people who are objecting are objecting to multiple dwellings in general in the city of Livonia. I was wondering if they would like to see these drawings of the pro- posed buildings." All available drawings and information were posted on the bulletin board for inspection. The Chair asked the people to return to their seats, and after due consideration by the Commission, a motion was duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Elmore McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that the request in petition Z-3, Abe Green, to c}Ange the zoning classification from R-1-B to R-3 on outlot "D" of Greenette Subdivision, be granted. 1[4w A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Conway, McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Harsha read petition Z-12, Vaughan R. Smith, requesting a zoning change from RUFB to R-2, two-family homes, also Waring & Johnson's recom- mendation, that it be denied. The Chair asked if anyone was present either for or against the petition. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Paul Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that the request in Petition Z-12, Vaughan R. Smith, to change the zoning classification from xUir.H to R-2, be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Conway, McNiece, Jahn, Marsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Harsher read petition Z-13, Hazel Hall, et a1, Grandon Woods Sub- division requesting that the zoning be changed from R-1-B to R-1-A in that subdivision and other surrounding property. Mr. Harsha also read Waring and Johnson's recommendation stating that none of the persons lived near the proposed change and that the petition be denied on the basis that it is unreasonable. Secy Initage 63. The Chair called on Mrs. Hazel Hall, 31250 Grandon Road, Livonia 5630, who said: "We would like to have the homes that will be built between Joy and Grandon as near like our homes on Crandon as possible. They are putting cheaper homes north of us and it will depreciate the value of our homes. We have got a lot of money invested in our homes." The area south of Grandon is now farm land and no homes on it. There was a lengthy discussion and it was brought out that these people would be unable to change any zoning outside of their own subdivision. Mr. Brashear advised that legally the only thing the people could pos- sibly do at this time is to change the zoning of their own subdivision and when the vacant property around them is subdivided, they will be notified and may attend the meeting inre the change of zoning. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn and seconded by Elmore McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that the request in Petition Z-13, Hazel V. Hall, et al, to change the zoning classification from R-1-B to R-1-A be granted insofar as Grandon Woods Subdivision is concerned and the area south of Grandon Woods Subdivision remain R-1-B and when this undeveloped area south of Grandon Woods Subdivision is platted that Mrs. Hazel V. Hall, acting Chairman of the Grandon Woods group, will be notified of meetings that said plat will be considered by the Planning Commission. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Conway, McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn and seconded by Edwin Conway, it was RESOLVED, that the temporary Chairman, Mrs. Hazel V. Hall, 31250 Grandon Road, Livonia 5630, be notified when any adjoining plats are presented to the Planning Commission for approval and she, in turn, will notify all other in- terested parties. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Conway, McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Harsha read petition Z-14, David Lewis and George Roth. Mr. Harsha also read Waring and Johnson's recommendation stating that the present request be denied. Mr. Roth and Mr. Lewis were present. Mr. Roth stated that if the Com- mission does not change this zoning back that he would be harmed by it inasmuch ca he had paid Mr. Wilson extra money for this property as business frontage. He also said that the people in that area would have to go a half mile or more to the store. Secy Init ,page 65. Mr. B. A. Johnson, 28701 W. Chicago: "I think we have enough commercial property. We will have plenty of places to shop." Mr. M. M. Polston, 28425 W. Chicago: "We don't really need business there, we have sufficient business on Plymouth Road." Mr. Roth presented preliminary drawings and said that they would have a tree fringe between the houses and the stores. Mr. Waring said that this, a ribbon type of development, is one thing that the Planning Commission is trying to stay away from in plarming Livonia. Upon a motion duly made by Clarence Jahn and seconded by Mr. McNiece, it was RESOLVED, that the request in Petition Z-14, David Lewis and George Roth, to change the zoning classification from RUFB to C-1 on the SE corner of Middlebelt Road and West Chicago, be denied." A. roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay and Byers NAYS: Conway Mr. Harsha read petition Z-19, Ray C. Lostutter, et al, asking that the zoning be changed from M-1 to R-1 on certain lots on Haller, Camden and Hartel. The Chair called on Mr. Lostutter and Mr. Logi, and a discussion was held. A permit had been issued by the Building Inspector to erect a factory and the people were objecting to it. Mr. Lostutter said that they hell moved to Livonia when it was a township and realized that Livonia had to be zoned and also that this property was zoned for business. He said, "We have other property that some day we would like to build on, but we cannot get a permit." Mrs. W. Brooks, said that she was trying to raise two small children and did not feel as though she could do a good job of it with small factories around. A. Barry, 12215 Camden, came to Livonia about four years ago, and there was nothing there bat a nice place to raise a family. Now there is a General Motors Plant and a Race Tracek. L. Gray, 11700 Hailer, said the streets around there aren't constructed for trucks. Mr. Overdorf and Mrs. Overdorf, 11755 Haller, were against the factory. James Willard said he wanted to build a couple of homes for his children. Mrs. Caldwell, 11770 Haller, said she came to Livonia seven years ago and has three children and is thinking about them. She said she and her husband were too old now to think about moving and having to pay for 25 years on a home. Secy Init gage 67. Mr. Caldwell said that they wanted to add on to their place because of the size of their family, but cannot do it now. Mr. John Stewart (potential factory builder) said that he had inquired about the zoning before he signed the purchase agreement and it was only then that he realized that there was any difficulty. He did not know that the petition was being circulated against the factory being erected. He felt that he could put a small plant back in there and not have it bother the people. "No one has stepped forward to repurchase this property," Mr. Stewart said, and if he had other funds he would build at some other location. He said that he would, at no time, hire any more than 20 men and that the plant would not detract from the property. Mr. H. Zucke said that he has been around here a long time, and the point is the road is bogged down in the winter and the residents cannot drive over it. "What is it going to be like if a factory gets back in there," he said. There was a discussion regarding the petition in that, there was a question about the size of the property for the plant. There was also a discussion about the permit being issued for the factory. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Miss Byers, it was RESOLVED, that the request in Petition Z-19, Ray C. Lostutter, et al, to change the zoning classification from M-1 back to R-1-B be granted insofar as the property on the west side of Hartel, both sides of Camden and Haller Avenues, and that the business frontage on Plymouth Road be changed to C-2 from Hartel Ave. west to approximately 220 feet west of Haller Avenue for a depth of 300 feet. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Jahn, Hay, Byers and Conway NAYS: McNiece, Harsha The Chair called a recess at 10:30 PM. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10:40 PM. Petition Z-16, Dan Holloway and V. F. Richards, asking for zoning change from 0-1 to M-1 on NE corner of Middlebelt and Joy, was read by Mr. Harsha. Messrs. Holloway and Richards were present. Mr. Holloway* said that they have been on that corner for 5 years, and explained the nature of their business, i.e. , excavating, repair and storage. Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Helen Byers, it was RESOLVED, that the Petition Z-16, Dan Holloway and V. F. Richards, requesting a change of zoning be granted to the extent that the area described therein, be changed from a C-1 to a C-2 classification, bat denied insofar as a change to M-1 classification as was requested provided however that the petitioners' rights under a non-conforming use shall in no way be effected by this change. Secy Initiilapage 69. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay, Conway and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Harsha read. petition Z-15, David and Sarah Newman, and Waring and Johnson's recommendation that the petition be denied. Mr. J. J. Nellis, 2423 Cadillac Tower, Attorney for Mr. Newman was present and Mr. Newman, Jr. was present. Mr. Nellis said that he understood the principal objection was from the Wayne County Road Commission, and that if Mr. Newman would dedicate a strip around the property they would withdraw their objection. Mr. Nellis said that the property was bought through misrepresentation and it is a regretable situation but his client wants to make use of the property and has tried to negotiate with Howard Johnson Restaurants to use the parcel for a restaurant. Mr. James Davey of the Wayne County Road Commission was present and said that on previous occasions they objected because of the Middle Rouge Parkway. He said, "There is a possibility of the Road Commission with- drawing their objections if an arrangement can be made whereby the traffic would not be emptying out on the park highway. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the petition. The Chair asked if anyone was present who objected to the petition. Mr. Schnell, 37070 Plymouth Road: "We have the first two lots directly opposite the property in question and have a home built on one lot. We don't feel that should be changed. In the 18 years that we lived out there we went out with the understanding that it would remain as it was zoned. The value of the homes is upwards of $25,000." A petition was presented by Mr. Schnell and it was read by Mr. Harsha, dated June 22, 1953 objecting to Petition Z-15. Mrs. Schnell, 37070 Plymouth Road: "We heard Mr. Nellis say that as soon as they found out that the property couldn't be used commercially they negotiated for a Howard Johnson Restaurant. Up until last year, Mr. Newman maintained he was going to put in a drive-in. After that Mr. Newman passed around a petition for the people to sign that he was going to put in a super market, when the petition came up, it was a drive-in." Mr. Roberts, 27530 Plymouth: "I live in front too, and I stand on it now same as I did before, I am against it. " Mrs. Art Davis, 37818 Plymouth, against petition. Mr. H. Kennedy, 37825 Plymouth said he was going along with the rest of the folks. Mr. Norman Newman said that his father had not instigated a petition but a neighbor had offered to submit the petition for Mr. Newman. He said the super market idea was considered by his father. Secy InitApage 71. There was another lengthy discussion regarding the petition. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. McNiece and seconded by Helen byers, it was RESOLVED, that Petition Z-15, David and Sarah Newman, re- questing a change in zoning on land located on the SW corner of Newburg and. Plymouth Roads from RUPB to a C-2 classifi- cation be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Jahn, Harsha, Hay, McNiece and Byers NAYS: Conway Mr. Harsha read petition Z-17, Carl Tatzka, and Waring and Johnson's recommendation not to change zoning. No one was present either for or against the petition. After due consideration, a motion was duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Helen Byers, it was RESOLVED, that petition Z-17, Carl Tatzka, requesting a change of zoning from RiJFB to C-2 on the SE corner of Plymouth and Yale, be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay, Conway and Byers NAYS: None Mr. Harsha read petition Z-18, Violet Tweedale, and. Waring and Johnson's recommendation. Mrs. Tweedale was present and said that she is unable to sell the property under its present zoning and further that a welding shop is operating nearby and is a nuisance but did not report it as such previously. Upon a motion duly made by Edwin Conway and seconded by Clarence Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that Petition Z-18, Violet Tweedale, requesting a zoning change from C-1 to M-1 on the NW corner of Middlebelt and Morlok, be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: McNiece, Jahn, Harsha, Hay, Conway and Byers NAYS: None At approximately 12 midnight the Chair declared the hearing adjourned.