HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1954-02-23 327
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND THE
FORTY-SIXTH SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
A Public Hearing and the 46th Special Meeting of the City Planning Commission
were held on Tuesday, February 23, 1954 at the City Hall, Livonia, Michigan.
Chairman Dallas Hay called the Public Hearing to order at approximately
b:01 p.m.
Members present: William Newton Dallas F. Hay Edwin Conway
Irving Geer H. Paul Harsha Rufino Salinas
Peter Ventura
Members absent: *Robert L. Greene
Clarence Jahn
Mr. Herzberg, Asst. to Mr. Malcolm Waring, Planning Consultant; Mr. Howard
Middlewood, Building Inspector; and Mr. Herald F. Hamill, City Engineer were
present, together with approximately 125 people attending the Public Hearing
and the Special Meeting.
The secretary read tne letter of transmittal dated January 6, 1954 regarding
the Phil-Ritz Subdivision located on the South side of Six Mile Road
approximately 500 feet East of Middlebelt Road in the Northwest 1/4 of
Section 13. Mr. Michael Phillips was present.
Mr. Salinas stated that ne could not see how the plat was in relation to
the surrounding property.
Mr. Phillips stated the proposed subdivision is approximately 230 feet to
the West edge of Savoie.
Mr. Geer stated that the Plat Committee had met regarding this proposed sub-
division and that after studying it it was their opinion tnat Hope Drive will
almost be an alley.
*Mr. Greene arrived at approximately 6:05 p.m.
No one was present objecting to tne proposed subdivision.
Mr. William Parker, 29107 West Six Mile Road a neighbor of Mr. Phillips was
present. He did not object to the proposed subdivision.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Conway, seconded by Mr. Geer and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Phil-Ritz Subdivision located on the South
side of Six Mile approximately 500 'feet East of Middlebelt
Road in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 13 be given tentative
approval insofar as it relates to planning and such plat is
identified by the signature of the Secretary and the Chairman
of the City Planning Commission.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
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The secretary read a letter of transmittal dated January lts, 1954 from the
Smiley Real Estate regarding the Smiley-Ringwald Subdivision located on the
Southwest corner of Henry Ruff Road and Joy Road in the Soutnwest 1/4 of
Section 35. Mr. Smiley was present.
The secretary also read the recommendation of Waring and Johnson dated
February 2, 1954.
No one was present objecting to the proposed subdivision.
There was a discussion of the set backs on lots 19 and 25.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Conway and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Smiley-Ringwald Subdivision located on the
Southwest corner of Henry Ruff Road and Joy Road in the South-
WEst 1/4 of Section 35 be tabled temporarily as there is another
proposed subdivision on the agenda directly next to this one.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read the letter of transmittal dated February 3, 1954 from
Ligntstone Building Company and the recommendation of Waring and Jonnson
dated February 5, 1954 regarding tree proposed Lightstone Subdivision, No. 3
located on the North side of Joy Road approximately 325 feet West of Henry
Ruff Road in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 35. Mr. Bernard Kemper was present
representing Mr. Lightstone.
Mr. Cousins, 30589 Grandon wanted to know if the size of homes to be built
in the Lightstone Subdivision would conform witn those already built in the
Meri-Joy Subdivision.
Both Mr. Smiley and Mr. Kemper verified that they would.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Conway and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Ligntstone Subdivision, No. 3 located on the
North side of Joy Road approximately 325 feet West of Henry Ruff
Road in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 35 be given tentative
approval subject to the recommendation of Waring and Johnson
dated February 5, 1954 and such plat is identified by the signature
of the Secretary and the Chairman of the City Planning Commission.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Harsha, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Smiley-Ringwald Subdivision located on the
Southwest corner of Henry Ruff Road and Joy Road in the South-
west 1/4 of Section 35 be given tentative approval subject to
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the recommendation of Waring and Johnson dated February 2, 1954
and such plat is identified by the signature of the Secretary and
the Chairman of the City Planning Commission.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read letters of transmittal dated January 16, 1954 and
February 215, 1954 from Thompson-Brown Company regarding the Hearthstone
Subdivision located on the South side of Eight Mile Road approximately 300
feet East of Parkville Avenue in the West 1/2 of Section 1. Mr. Ross Camp-
bell was present.
Mr. Hamill, City Engineer showed the sewer Mr. Campbell expected to connect
into and he presented drawings of the sanitary sewers.
Mr. Neilson, 20017 Angling Road questioned the course of Lathers and Angling
Roads. Stated he had no objection to the plat.
Mr. Louis Jensen, 20157 Angling Road (Owner of Parcel U6, U7, U12b, and Ul2c
in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 1) asked if there will be any provision in
the plat so that he will nave availability on the West side of his property.
Mr. Viegelahn, 14663 Wisconsin, Detroit (Owner of Parcel U9 in the Northeast
1/4 of Section 1) asked the same question as Mr. Jensen.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Geer, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Hearthstone Subdivision located on the South
side of Eight Mile Road approximately 300 feet East of Parkville
Avenue in the West 1/2 of Section 1 be tabled until March 16, 1954
thereby giving Mr. Campbell an opportunity to meet with Waring and
Johnson, Livonia Building Department, City Attorney, Park and
Recreation Department, and the Board of Education, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is suggested that Mr. Campbell present
a revised plat at the above meeting.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read Petition No. Z-43 by Vaughan R. Smith asking that the
zoning classification of parcel located on the West side of Hix Road between
Ann Arbor Trail and Ann Arbor Road in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 31 be
cnanged from RUFB to AG-B. The secretary also read a petition that in the
event the zoning is changed they wish to build eight additional hangers.
Mr. Vaughan R. Smith was present.
Mr. W. A. Cooper, 36116 Minton presented a petition sighed by 62 immediate
property owners protesting that any such change is not for their best
interests nor that of the city.
Mrs. Jennings, 36115 Minton stated that a larger air-port would be a traffic
hazard and that she did not object to it as it is now. The air-port was in
existence when she moved there. Would prefer that area be residential as
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there is no demand for business now.
Mr. Brown, 39100 Ann Arbor Road (Manager of air-port) stated that the flights
do not pass over the schools and that tnere are only two inlets into the
air-port off of US-12. It is their desire to improve the air-port. In the
past there has only been one fatality and that was in 1949. Each year the
air-port has been approved and licensed by the Board of Aeronautics.
Mr. Middlewood stated that he is a member of the Civil Air Patrol and ne
thought it was Mr. Smith's desire to get protection for the airplanes that
are already there. That there are 60 acres involved as a whole.
Mr. Chilson, 38o07 East Ann Arbor Road stated that the air-port creates a
traffic hazard.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene and seconded by Mr. Salinas, it was
RESOLVED, that the City Planning Commission on consideration
of Petition No. Z-43, Vaugnan R. Smith and after hearing the
petitioner as well as neighboring residents do hereby recommend
to the City Council that the requested change of zoning from
RUFB to AG-B be denied.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Newton, Conway, Ventura, Greene, Geer, Hay and Salinas
NAYS: Harsha
The Chairman called a recess at approximately 9:50 p.m.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at approximately 9:55 p.m.
The secretary read Petition No. V-3 by Rev. John G. Davies, Minister,
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church of Livonia asking that the first 20 foot
alley situated Soutti of Five Mile Road between Arcola and Cavell Streets
in the Nortneast 1/4 of Section 24 be vacated. Also read by the secretary
was a letter dated February 4, 1954 from the Detroit Edison Company and
February 23, 1954 from the Department of Public Works.
Rev. Davies was present and stated that the first unit or the church will be
on the corner of Cavell and Five Mile Road and that the building would have
to be built directly over the alley.
No one was present objecting to the petition.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that Petition V-3 by Rev. John G. Davies requesting that
the first 20 foot alley situated South of Five Mile Road between
Arcola and Cavell Streets in the Nortneast 1/4 of Section 24 be
vacated be tabled until March 9, 1954, and
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FURTHER RESOLVED, that a letter be written to the City Engineer
requesting his written opinion as to the necessity of easements
and that in his opinion he consider also the North-South alley.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read Petition Z-36a by Harry Smith, et al asking that the
zoning classification of parcel located on the Northwest corner of Plymouth
and Farmington Roads in the northerly 100 feet of lands in Section 28 be
changed from RUFB to C-2. The secretary also read letters dated February 12
from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company and dated February 19, 1954
from the Livonia Police Department.
Chief Harmon was present and had nothing further to add to his letter.
Mr. Nathan Peterman, Attorney was present representing the petitioner.
Mr. Harry Smith,was also present.
Mr. Smith stated that they do not intend to have railway siding here and
that the store would be larger than the one in Lincoln Park.
Tnere was a question as to the possibility of an under-pass in this area.
Mr. James Hagen, Director of Public Safety suggested that this petition be
set aside until the Planning Commission has met with the Traffic Commission
and the Police Department relative to under-passes and over-passes in the
City of Livonia.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Conway, seconded by Mr. Geer and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that Petition No. Z-36a by Harry Smith, et al requesting
that the zoning classification of parcel located on the Northwest
corner of Plymouth and Farmington Roads in the northerly 100 feet
of lands in Section 28 be changed from RUFB to C-2 be tabled until
March 16, 1954 at which time the Planning Commission will have met
with the Traffic Commission and tree Police Department regarding
under-passes and over-passes.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read a petition by Rev. E. C. Crandell, Minister, Kenwood
Church of Christ for permission to erect a church on Lots 4.86 and 487,
Supervisor's Livonia Plat, No. is situated on the Northwest corner of Middle-
belt Road and St. Martins Street in the Soutneast 1/4 of Section 2. The
secretary also read the recommendation of Waring and Johnson dated
February 2, 1954.
Rev. Crandell was present and stated that the membership is now about 40.
Mrs. Rheaume, 19711 Middlebelt was present and stated that she did not object
to a church but that she did not think there was sufficient area to erect a
church that would be an asset to the community.
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Mr. Lee Hickens, 12597 Filbert, Detroit was present and stated that he had
just bought property across tne street and he understood it was zoned
residential. Agreed with Mrs. Rheaume.
Mrs. Howard Bracken, 19703 Middlebelt was present and asked where the water
will go if they fill the water main.
Rev. Crandell stated that they had bought the property on an out-right deed.
The proposed building would be only a unit and that the structure would be
completed at a later date.
Mr. Salinas mad e the following motion:
RESOLVED, tnat the petition of Rev. E. C. Crandell, Kenwood Church
of Christ for permission to erect a church on Lots 466 and 467,
Supervisor's Livonia Plat, No. u situated on the Northwest corner
of Middlebelt and St. Martins Street in the Southeast 1/4 of
Section 2 be denied.
There was no support to the motion.
Mr. Salinas withdrew the motion.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene, seconded by Mr. Geer and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the petition of Rev. E. C. Crandell, Kenwood Church
of Christ requesting permission to erect a churcn on Lots 486 and
487, Supervisor's Livonia Plat, No. o situated on tne Northwest
corner of Middlebelt Road and St. Martins Street in the Southeast
1/4 of Section 2 be tabled until March 16, 1954 in order to give
Rev. Crandell an opportunity to give further study and consideration
to the petition.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read the petition of Dewey R. Dyer for permission to finish
building a chicken house on Lot 4, Garden Farms Subdivision located on
the east side of Deering Avenue approximately 420 feet North of Curtis Avenue
in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 12. A stop order was put on the chicken
house by the Inspection Department because it was a violation of the Zoning
Ordinance. Tne secretary also read a letter from Bernice C. and E. A. Hoff-
man opposed to this petition.
No one was present representing the petitioner.
No one was present opposed to the petition.
Mr. Middlewood stated that the size of the chicken house is 12 X lb.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Conway, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously
carried, it was
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RESOLVED, that the petition of Dewey R. Dyer for permission to
finish building a chicken house on Lot 4, Garden Farms Subdivision
located on the East side of Deering Avenue approximately 420 feet
North of Curtis Avenue in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 12 be
tabled until March 16, 1954 at which time it is requested that
Mr. Dyer or a representative be present.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read the recommendation of the Department of Public Works re-
garding the removal of a high hill of sand from parcel having a frontage on
Schoolcraft of 320 feet approximately 1,600 feet West of Gill Road in the
Southwest 1/4 of Section 21. The application was approved by the Police
Department. Mr. Smitn was present.
Mr. Conway stated that ne had looked at it and that the only thing ne would
recommend is that Mr. Smith fill the holes.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Ventura and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, tnat the petition of William D. Smith (f"fn) to remove
a hill of sand from parcel having a frontage on Schoolcraft of
320 feet approximately 1,600 feet West of Gill Road in the South-
west 1/4 of Section 21 be granted subject to the recommendation
of the Department of Public Works dated February 23, 1954 and the
hole being filled, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a performance bond be fixed at $2,000 and
it is recommendated to the Bureau of Inspection that a permit to
this effect be issued.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Geer, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be adjourned, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 46th Special Meeting be opened.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The Chairman called the 4btn Special Meeting to order.
The following were present representing the Police Department and the Traffic
Commission to discuss no angle parking, under-passes and over-passes.
James Hagen, Director of Public Safety
George Harmon, Police Chief
Jack Hickox, Chairman Traffic Commission
Harry Curtner, Committee on Parking
Dr. George Marston, Committee on Parking
V. 0. Lotnman, Committee on Parking
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Mr. Hickox stated that this meeting with the Planning Commission was re-
quested so as to provide information for the Planning Commission regarding
off-street and no angle parking. The State Highway Department has requested
that no angle parking on Plymouth be prohibited.
Mr. Hagen stated that it is their intention to concur with the Planning
Commission and the Master Thoroughfare Plan.
Mr. Lothman gave a detailed report regarding angle parking. A copy of this
report dated February 12, 1954 was submitted to the Planning Commission.
The opinion requested in the report from the CityAttorney was not available
at this meeting.
Mr. Hagen stated that there are two metnods of solving the parking problem:
(1) Parking meters to which many of the merchants are opposed, and (2)
Purchase of land by the City of Livonia with bonds purchased by the City of
Livonia and paid for by the land owners. The second method would not require
parking meters.
Dr. Marston stated that in riis survey ne found that some of the merchants
own property in the area and that there are "for sale" signs on other areas.
Mr. Hay asked for a list of the places Dr. Marston referred to. Dr. Marston
agreed to give a list to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Middlewood stated that it would be best to pin the lots down that
Dr. Marston nad in mind as soon as possible as the Building Department is
required to issue a permit if off-street parking is provided by the owners
themselves.
Mr. Edwin Presnell, 20656 Clements Circle introduced the problem of traffic
coming out of the National Food Store and the Barber Shop on the West side
of Harrison near Plymouth. Mr. Newton was appointed as a committee of one
to investigate this situation.
Mr. Hickox stated that Livonia is listed by the State Highway Department
as one of three communities (Redford Township, Dearborn and Livonia) in
Wayne County that is disobeying the law by allowing angle parking on trunk
lines.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene, seconded by Mr. Newton and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that a date for a Special Study Meeting with the
Traffic Commission and the Police Department to discuss further
the matter of angle parking, over-passes and under-passes be set
for March 2, 1954 at 6:00 p.m.
Tne Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
Mr. Middlewood stated that the sign Livonia Convalescent Hospital has been
removed,
The next item on the agenda was the petition of Norris A. Host, Wolverine
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oaf
Contractors, Inc. to remove sand from parcel located between Scnoolcraft and
C & 0 Railway and approximately 3,000 feet west of Stark Road in the North-
west 1/4 of Section tis. Mr. Norris A. Host was present.
Mr. Conway and Mr. Geer stated that the Top Soil Committee nad no objection
to tne removal of this sand.
Mr. Host stated that triere were approximately ten acres involved.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Salinas and
unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED, that the petition of Norris A. Host, Wolverine Contractors
Inc. (Nen) to remove sand from parcel located between Schoolcraft
and C & 0 Railway and approximately 3,000 feet West of Stark Road
in the Nortnwest 1/4 of Section 20 be granted as per the plan of
George Jerome & Company dated December 4, 1953, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a performance bond be fixed at $2,000 and
it is recommended to the Bureau of Inspection that a permit to
this effect be issued.
The Chairman declared tne foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read a letter dated February 12, 1954 from Robert A. Kellogg
Principal, Wilson Scnool and the opinion dated February 23, 1954 from the
Department of Public Works.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton, seconded by Mr. Greene and unanimously
carried, it was
RESOLVED, that tne request for public tnorougnfare between
Greenette Subdivision and Elliott Subdivision by Robert A. Kellogg
Principal, Wilson School be tabled until March 16, 1954, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a committee of two, Messrs. Newton and
Ventura investigate the above request and report back to the
Planning Commission.
The Chairman declared tne foregoing resolution adopted.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Newton and unanimously carried, it was
RESOLVED, treat tnis meeting be adjourned.
At approximately 11:55 p.m. tne Chair declared the meeting adjourned.
Rufin Salinas, Secretary
ATTESTED:
Dallas F. Hay, Chairman