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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1953-10-20 173 MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION The thirty-eighth regular meeting and a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on Tuesday, October 20, 1953 at the City Hall, Livonia, Michigan. The regular meeting was called to order by Chairman, Dallas Hay, at approximately 8:05 PM. Members present: William Newton Robert Greene H. Paul Harsha Dallas Hay Irving Geer Rufino Salinas *Clarence Jahn Members absent: Edwin Conway Mr. Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant, was present. Upon a motion duly made by Wm Newton and seconded by Mr. Greene, it was RESOLVED, that the regular meeting be adjourned until after the public hearing. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None The Chair called the public hearing to order. Approximately 125 persons were in attenance. Chairman, Dallas Hay, requested the secretary to read the first item on the agenda. The secretary announced that the first item on the agenda was a proposed plat ol J. Ziegler Woods Subdivision in Section 35, and read a letter of transmittal of 9/24/53 from Rose-Hill Builders. The Subdivision is located between Middlebelt and Merriman Roads and be- tween Plymouth and Joy Roads. Waring and Johnson's recommendation was also read by Mr. Salinas, stating that a subdivision south of this parcel has six additional streets running north and south and stop at Cathedral S,reet. Mr. Ettenheimer of Rose-Hill Builders was present and advised the people of the intent of the Company and also advised that he had met with the Grandon Woods Civic Association prior to the meeting tonight. Mr. Wm Brashear, City Attorney, arrived at 8:15 PM. Mr. Ettenheimer said that they felt that it would be unfair to the people who have built beautiful homes in Grandon Woods Subdivision, to cut numerous streets into Grandon. Mr. Abe Green of Rose-Hill Builders was also present and said that Rose- hill was willing to dedicate an additional 10 feet for the installation of culdesacs so that the streets would not have to be cut thru. 175 The Chair called on Mr. Fuston, 31290 Grandon, representing approximately 20 members of the Crandon Woods Uivic Association who were present. Mr. Fuston said that the Association felt that by cutting the minor streets into Grandon would make Grandon a thru street, and they were not in favor of this, He said that the pattern has been established and they are in favor of cutting thru but one street and that is Louise. Mr. W. A. Albea, 9108 Melvin, asked Mr. Green about theh30 foot ,easement that exists along the property line. Mr. Green advised that the easement was granted to the property owners with the closing of Cathedral Street. Mr. Brashear advised that Cathedral Street was vacated 3/10/52. A dis- cussion followed concerning the closing of Cathedral and the problem presented by the proposed subdivision. Mr. Coronet, Melvin Street, said that he did not want the garages of the new proposed subdivision facing his side yard, and did not want garbage cans on his side yard. He stated that he wanted the easement that was given to him. Mr. Herald Hammil, City Engineer, was present and stated that the City has water lines laid where the proposed streets are to go through. The Chair announced to the assembly that the Planning Commission members on the Board at this time were not members at the time Cathedral Street was closed. He also said that he would appoint a committee consisting of three new members of the Commission to investigate all that has preceded on the Cathedral Street closing. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Harsha and seconded by Mr. Newton, it was RESOLVED, that J. Ziegler Woods Subdivision be tabled until the next regular meeting, November 17, 1953. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None The Chair appointed Messrs. Newton, Greene, and Geer to investigate the previous proceedings on the closing of Cathedral Street. The secretary read a letter from James H. Salle, 18400 Northlawn, Detroit dated 9/1/53 submitting a proposed David Kay Subdivision located north- west corner of Inkster and Schoolcraft (Owner: David Kay). Waring and Johnson's recommendation was read, suggesting that a park site be dedi- cated in this area as a good portion of the subdivision is for multiple dwellings. Mr. Waring said that something had come up regarding sewers in that sec- tion since the plat was presented. After a discussion was held, a motion was duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that the proposed David Kay Subdivision be referred to the Plat Committee for study. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: 177 AYES: Newton, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None The Chair advised that no disposition would be made of the Subdivision until the next regular meeting in November. The secretary announced that the proposed Curtis Homes Subdivision was next on the Agenda and read a letter from the City Attorney dated 10/8/53 regarding restrictions for the area. Mr. Daugherty was present and submitted signed copies of the restrictions. *Mr. Jahn arrived at 9:15 PM. The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendations proposing that tentative approval be given insofar as it relates to planning. The Chairman called on a representative of Marvin's Robin Hood Subdivision to check the signatures on the restrictions. Mr. Brashear advised that the document could not be approved without all of the signatures of the property owners including vacant lots. Mr. Daugherty had failed to sign and had neglected to bring all the copies. Mr. Brashear suggested that all of the persons who signed the restrictions should have a copy of same for their own protection. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Geer and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, to table the proposed Curtis Homes Subdivision until the regular meeting in November. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None Next on the agenda was the Meri-Joy Subdivision located on the north side of Joy between Merriman and Henry Ruff, Section 35. Mr. David Goldman was present representing the Meri-Joy Corporation. Mr. Goldman said that Lots 91 and 92 are being turned around so that they will face on Merriman. Mr. A. Hamelink, 30624 Grandon, said that they had held a meeting with Mr. Goldman and Mr. Steel and they had agreed to the changes suggested, but about the double frontage lots, Mr. Goldman would not go along with the suggested change as Meri-Joy Corporation would have to eliminate about 19 houses. Mr. Goldman stated that their engineer, Mr. Fall, had been in contact with Mr. Waring, and Mr. Goldman said that they would stand to lose about $10,000. if they went along with the Civic Association. 1[1. Mr. Fall, of Fall and Basney, 1438 Majestic Building, was present and when asked about the layout of the subdivision, stated that the sewer was on Joy Road and the streets would run into the street where the sewer is located. He felt that the only way to eliminate the double frontage lots is to make the other lots larger as suggested. 6x. 179 Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Salinas and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, to table the proposed Meri-Joy Subdivision until November 17th and that Mr. Goldman meet with Mr. Waring, of Waring and Johnson, Planning Consultants, prior to the next meeting. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None Mr. R. L. Miller, 31231 Grandon, asked for the floor and in rebuttal to Mr. Goldman's statement that they would be losing approximately $10,000 if they eliminated a row of houses, presented some facts and figures and approximated that Meri-Joy Corporation would not be out more than $40 per lot. Mr. Salinas announced that the next subdivision on the agenda was the proposed Valley View Subdivision located on the West side of Farmington Road, approximately 1200 feet North of the South boundary line of the City of Livonia, owned by Luvisch Building Corporation. Mr. Luvisch was present regarding the River Bend Subdivision which he claimed was the same subdivision being mistakenly called Valley View. Waring and Johnson's recommendations were read by the Secretary, stating that several of the lots are undersize, and this matter had been called to the attention of Mr. Orr, Engineer. A letter dated October 15, 1953 from Mr. Orr, was read by Mr. Waring, stating that larger lots would be platted to conform with the lot sizes presented in the Zoning Ordinance. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Salinas and Seconded by Mr. Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that tentative approval be given the Valley- View (River Bend) Subdivision, Section 33, subject to Mr. Orr's letter of 10/15/53. There was a discussing regarding the correct name of the Subdivision. Up to this time thesubdivision had been referred to as Valley View and Mr. Luvisch said that this was a typographical error, as the proper name is River Bend Subdivision. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Greene, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: Newton, Jahn, Geer and Hay The Chair announced that the motion was lost. Chairman, Dallas Hay, called a recess at 9:50 PM. I[: The meeting was again called to order by the Chair at 10:10 PM. x.81 1/.i , The secretary read petition #Z-24, George Roth, requesting a change of zoning on a parcel located on the SE corner of Middlebelt and West Chicago from RUFB to C-2. Mr. Lewis was present presenting the petitioner. Mr. Lewis stated that it was very desirable to have a shopping center on this corner. He presented a petition that had been circulated to ascertain how the surrounding property owners felt about having a shopping center. The petition showed that a percentage of approximately 90% of the people were in favor of the shopping district and same was submitted for the records. Mr. Bert Johnson, 38721 W. Chicago stated that no one had come to his home with a petition and he was not in favor or the shopping center. Chairman, Dallas Hay, asked for a report from the committee that checked into the location of the proposed group of stores. Mr. Jahn said that his personal thinking on the matter was that the area has industry there and other shopping centers are being planned and he was of the opinion that there should not be any further extension of C-2 zoning. Mr. Greene said that the C-2 zoning had to stop somewhere, and he was in agreement with Mr. Jahn's thinking. Mr. Geer recalled the store that had been recently vacated on the corner of Joy and Middlebelt because of lack of business, and further noted that there is a lot of commercial property on Joy Road. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that Petition #Z-24, George Roth, requesting a change of zoning on a parcel of land located on the SE corner of Middlebelt and West Chicago from RUFB to C-2 be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None The petition of the Consumers Power Company to erect a public utility building on the East side of Farmington, approximately 1200 feet North of Plymouth Road, was next on the agenda. Mr. Mayhew was present representing the Power Company. The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendations. There was a discussion regarding the possibility of the sale of appliances from the building and the future reclassification of zoning. No one was present objecting to the petition. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Harsha, it was RESOLVED, that the petition of the Consumers Power Company to erect a public utility building on the East side of Farmington Road, approximately 1200 feet North of Plymouth Road, be granted insofar as a public utility building is concerned. 183 A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Geer, Harsha, Hay and Salinas NAYS: None Mr. Hay left at approximately 10:35 PM. Mr. Harsha, Vice Chairman, acted as Chairman henceforth. The next petition was that of F. B. Morgan, to construct Standard Oil Service Station on the Northeast corner of Farmington and Five Mile Road. The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendations, stating that the location was not .favorable in its proximity to the Civic Center. The secretary read a letter that was received from Miss Helen Byers, stating also that the location was not favorable to the Civic Center, and stating that it would constitute a safety hazard. Mr. Morgan was present representing Standard Oil Company and advised that the station would be an improvement for Livonia, and would cost in the neighborhood of $45,000. The Chair asked if anyone else was present who wished to speak regarding the petition. Miss Byers was present and stated that her letter covered her views on the service station. Mr. McKane, President of the Board of Education, was present and said that he was not in favor of the service station at this particular lo— E as approximately 2500 young people will be crossing the corner in a couple years to attend the high school. Mr. Newton said that he had received some verbal objections to the erection of the service station at this location, but nom of those objectors was present. Mr. Newton's personal view was that it should not be allowed. Mr. Morgan gave some examples of where they had been permitted to erect stations close to civic operations, e.g., in Lansing near the Capitol Building. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Salinas and seconded by Mr. Greene, it was RESOLVED, that the request of Mr. F. B. Morgan to erect a service station on the corner of Farmington and Five Mile, be denied. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Greene and Salinas NAYS: Newton NOT VOTING: Geer, Jahn and Harsha Following a discussion, a motion was duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Greene, it was RESOLVED, to table the request of F. B. Morgan to construct a service station at the NE corner of Farmington and Five Mile. 185 4_90 A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha NAYS: Salinas Mr. Jahn asked the secretary to have the minutes available at the next meeting wherein a service station was granted at the corner of Farmington and Schoolcraft. The secretary read the application for removal of topsoil by Dominic J. Pitrone to romove sand on 35 acres from NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Section 28. The secretary also read the recommendations of the DPW and the Police Department. Mr. Barlow was present and said that some filling-in had not been taken care of by Mr. Pitrone in back of Mr. Barlow's property. Mr. Boyer had requested Mr. Pitrone to leave some sand to finish filling in with, but has not spread the sand. The secretary read a letter of protest against the hauling of dirt from the residents of Fairlane Street. Mr. Pitrone was present, and stated that he left more than enough sand for fill-in purposes as requested by Mr. Boyer. Mr. Pitrone had a waiver signed by the necessary property owners for the proposed application on this agenda. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Newton, it was RESOLVED, that the application for permit to remove sand by Dominic J. Pitrone on 35 acres from. NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec. 28, be granted, subject to the conditions of the Police Department and the Department of Public Works. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha, and Salinas NAYS: None There was a discussion regarding the performance bond, and upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Geer, it was RESOLVED, that a performance bond in the amount of $10,000 be set for Dominic J. Pitrone on above parcel from which sand will be removed. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None Next on the agenda was an application of George Cummings to get per- mission to remove sand at 14875 Fairlane. A letter was read by the secretary from "r. Barlow criticizing the manner in which Mr. Pitrone had left the land from which he removed sand. Mr. Barlow's property abuts Mr. Boyer's land. 187 Mr. M. Campbell was present, representing Mr. Cummings. No one was present objecting to the removal of the sand, and upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that the application for permit to remove sand at 14875 Fairlane, by Mr. George Cummings, be granted. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that t:.e performance bond for removal of sand at 14875 Fairlane, be set at $500. A roll call rote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None The next petition on the agenda was a request to change the name o Fordson Hignway to Coventry Drive. The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recommendations. No one was present objecting to the change. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Newton, it was RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that the petition requesting that the name of Fordson Highway between Ashurst Avenue and Five Mile be changed to Coventry Drive, be granted. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None At approximately 11:30 PM. the Chair declared the public hearing adjourned. The Chairman, Paul Harsha, called the regular meeting to order and an infoice was presented for inspection by the members. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that the invoice in the amount of $24.00 covering repair service on the typewriter used by the Planning Com- mission, be approved for payment. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None 189 Next on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the forty-second special meeting. Mr. Harsha had a correction on the first resolution of the meeting and it should be as follows: "RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission proceed with the order of business". instead of "RESOLVED, that the people be dismissed and the meeting resumed". Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Jahn, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Forty-second Special Meeting of the Planning Commission be accepted as corrected. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None The secretary read a letter from Mr. Jack Hickox, Chairman of the Traffic Commission referring a letter to the Commission from Irene M. Johnson inre the widening and improving of a sidewalk, etc. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that the letter from Mrs. Irene M. Johnson, be referred to the Department of Public Works. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha, and Salinas NAYS: None The secretary read a letter from the Mayor to the Mayor's Advisory Committee, giving disposition of recommendations submitted by that Committee. Mr. Paas of the Dearborn Chinchilla Ranch was present regarding the denial of his petition requesting permission to raise chanchillas. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the situation and it was established to Mr. Paas' satisfaction that the lot size is insufficient to permit the raising of chinchillas. Mr. Edwin Orr was present regarding the proposed subdivision in the SW 1/4 of Section 14, bounded by Five Mile and Rayburn and Merriman and Henry Ruff. The secretary read Mr. Orr's letter and the recommendations of Waring & Johnson. A discussion followed and upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that the proposed subdivision presented by Mr. Urr be referred to the Plat committee and Waring and Johnson, with the suggestion that Mr. Orr contact Mr. Waring on the basis that the present zoning be observed. ��- 191 x ,3 A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None Mr. Jacobson was present representing the Edward Rose Company's proposed Edward Rose Subdivision. The secretary read Waring and Johnson's recom- mendations, wherein it stated that the lot sizes were too small in some instances. Mr. Meinzinger and Mr. Folsom, of the Department of Parks and Recreation, were present regarding the dedication or approval of a half street in the Edward Rose Subdivision. A lengthy discussion followed. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Jahn and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was RESOLVED, that the proposed Edward Rose Chicago Subdivision be tabled until the plat conforms to the Zoning Ordinance. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None Mr. Bleakley of the Shelden Land Co. was present regarding proposed plats of Rosedale Gardens Subdivision #12 and #13. A lengthy discussion was held. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene and seconded by Mr. Newton, it was RESOLVED, that tentative approval be given the proposed plats of Rosedale Gardens Subdivisions #12 and #13, as presented by Shelden Land Company. A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following: AYES: Newton, Jahn, Greene, Geer, Harsha and Salinas NAYS: None The secretary presented proposed plats of the Bel-Aire Subdivision #2. Mr. Meinzinger said that Mr. Greene had not answered their letter written regarding a site for a park and school. The chair referred the plats to the Plat Committee. Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton and seconded by Mr. Jahn and carried unanimously, it was RESOLVED, that this meeting be adjourned. At approximately 12:55 AM the Chair declared the meeting adjourned. Rufin Salinas, Secretary ATTESTED: Lallas r . may, unairman ri. aul Hars a unairman