HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLANNING MINUTES 1957-07-16 209
1755
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND THE 82ND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
On July 16, 1957 the above meeting was held by the City Planning Commission
of the City of Livonia at the City Hall, 33001 Five Mile Road, Livonia,
Michigan. Chairman William R. Robinson called the Public Hearing to order
at approximately 8:09 p. m.
Members present: Robert L. Greene Charles Walker Leonard Kane
Fred A. Lotz H. Paul Harsha Robert L. Miller
William R. Robinson
Members absent: *Wilfred Okerstrom
Karle Steinhoff
Lieutenant Bob Perry, Livonia Fire Department was present
The secretary announced that the first item on the agenda was Petition
No. Z-229 by The Felician Sisters, O.S.F., a religious order of the City
of Livonia requesting that the zoning classification of a portion of
Parcel 20I located on the South side of Five Mile Road between Newburgh
and Levan Roads in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 20 be changed from R-2
and AG-B to R-2. The secretary read letters dated June 27, 1957, from
Calvin Roberts, Chief Livonia Fire Department. Dr. Oscar P. Rosbolt was
present representing the petitioner.
No one was present wishing to be heard either in favor of or opposed to
petition as presented.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Greene, seconded by Mr. Lotz and unani-
mously carried, it was
#7-209-57 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
on Petition No. Z-229 as submitted by The Felician Sisters,
O.S.F., a religious order of the City of Livonia for a change
of zoning in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 20 from R-2 and AG-B
to R-2, the City Planning Commission does hereby recommend to
the City Council that Petition No. Z-229 be granted, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was published
in the official newspaper, The Livonian under date of June 27,
1957 and notice of which hearing was sent to The Detroit Edison
Company, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company, Michigan Bell Tele-
phone Company, The Consumer Power Company, City Departments
and petitioner as listed in the Proof of Service.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Petition
No. V-20 by Elwyn R. and Norma N. Tabbey requesting that the 10' drain-
age easement bisecting lots 126 and 127, Thomas F. O'Connor's Parkview
Acres Subdivision located on the East side of Carol Drive North of Six
Mile Road and East of Harrison Avenue in the Southeast 1/4 of Section
12 be vacated. The secretary read letter dated July 5, 1957 from
210 :
1756
C-D
Gerald D. Ball and W. ". McCary, City Engineer. Mr. Elwyn R. Tabbey
was present.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Kane, seconded by Mr. Walker and
unanimously carried, it was
#7-210-57 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
on Petition No. V-20 as submitted by Elwyn R. and Norma M.
Tabbey for the vacating of the 10' drainage easement located
in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 12, the City Planning
Commission does hereby recommend to the City Council that
Petition No. V-20 be granted, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was published
in the official newspaper, The Livonian under date of June
27, 1957 and notice of which hearing was sent to the Detroit
Edison Company, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company, Michigan
Bell Telephone Company, The Consumer Power, City Departments,
abutting property owners, and petitioners as listed in the
Proof of Service.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Application
TA26 by Charles C. Coates requesting permission to remove topsoil from
Parcels NNla, 31NNlb, 31MM2b and 31NN2 located on the West side of
Newburgh Road approximately 650 feet North of Joy Road in the Southeast
1/4 of Section 31. The secretary read letter dated July 16, 1957 from
James N. Jordan, Chief Livonia Police Department addressed to the
Inspection Department. Mr. Charles C. Coates was present. -
Mr. Rodney C. Kropf, Asst. City Attorney arrived at approximately 8:16
p.m.
Mr. Walker, Chairman of the Topsoil Committee stated that he visited
site and that topographic survey was made before trees and shrubs were
in bloom inasmuch as area is very heavily densed with trees and shrubs.
The area is bounded on three sides with homes which is a bad condition
for removal of dirt. At Joy and Newburgh Roads the area is very low
and if area was subdi'videdthere would be a great deal of fill required
to bring grade to building height. The committee felt it is not con-
sistent with the basis of approval which commission has judged previous
applications in that commission likes reasonable assurance that homes
will be built in the very near future.
Mr. Dunbar Davis, Attorney, 905 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth representing
the title owner of Parcel 31MM2b. In 1955 title owner entered into an
agreement with Mr. Max Spoon to sell property. As yet title owner has
not been paid for contract. Objected to removal of topsoil.
Mr. Thomas Oppat, Attorney, 33648 Michele representing Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Deppong (Parcel 31NN2) stated he concurred with Mr. Dunbar
inasmuch as his clients were in the same position.
111
1757
Mr. T. J. Horgan, 9620 Arden stated he is not in favor of any topsoil
removal.
*Mr. Wilfred Okerstrom arrived at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Mr. Greene asked Mr. Coates how he could strip land he does not own.
Mr. Coates could not answer question.
Mr. Miller asked who Mr. Coates was working under. Mr. Coates stated
he is just the sand remover and that he is working for Mr. Spoon.
Mr. Robinson suggested petition be denied without prejudice inasmuch as
he believed commission did not have right to approve such an application.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Walker, it was
#7-211-57 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
the City Planning Commission does hereby deny without prejudice
Application TA26 by Charles C. Coates requesting permission
to remove topsoil from Parcels 31NNla, 31NN1b, 31MM2b and
31NN2 located on the West side of Newburgh Road approximately
650 feet North of Joy Road in the Southeast 1/4 of Section
31, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was sent to the
property owners within 500 feet, petitioner, City Departments
as listed in the Proof of Service and recommendation having
been obtained from the Department of Public Works under date
of July 12, 1957 and from the Police Department under date
of July 16, 1957.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Greene, Lotz, Kane, Walker, Harsha, Robinson and Miller
NAYS: None
NOT VOTING: Okerstrom
The secretary read letter dated July 1, 1957 from Herald F. Hamill re-
questing approval of the proposed Yale Homes Subdivision located on the
West side of Yale Avenue approximately 330 feet South of Plymouth Road
in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 32. The secretary also read letters
dated July 11, 1957 from Calvin Roberts, Chief Livonia Fire Department
and Donald Wilson, Chief Inspector. Messrs. Herald Hamill and Albert
Burke, Burke Building Company were present.
Mr. Harsha, Chairman of the Plat Committee stated that all lots appear
to be of proper size. Not certain that streets have been put through
in the adjoining subdivision (Country Homes Sub. #4) and that without this
adjoining subdivision, Elmira and Leon will be dead end streets.
Mr. Okerstrom, Member of the Plat Committee suggested lots on the West
side of Yale Avenue be increased in size to allow greater side yard.
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Burke whether Country Homes Subdivision, No. 4
would be continued simultaneously with this subdivision.
tk15;; Nimpb
Mr. Irvin Hermanoff, Secretary, Harry Slatkin Builders, Inc. stated they
are happy Burke Building Company is going through with proposed subdivision
so that streets will continue through. Informed commission that these
will be simultaneous actions.
Mr. Burke stated that they are conforming to the exact set beck as now
exist on Parkdale which is adjoining their property.
No one was present objecting to proposed plat as presented.
Mr. Robinson asked whether Yale would be extended to Plymouth Road.
Mr. Burke stated that he will pave Yale for the entire length of his
property which is up to the South end of the commercial property and that
he does not own commercial property facing Plymouth Road. Understood it
is up the owner of the property to extend and pave road up to Plymouth
Road. Know the owner of the commercial property on the West side of Yale.
Did not know whether owner is in a position to pave road.
Mr. Robinson informed commission that when Country Homes Subdivision was
approved it was subject to Arthur being paved to Plymouth Road.
Mr. Harsha asked whether Yale is shown on the Master Plan. It was estab-
lished that it is.
Mr. Miller asked whether Arthur is paved through to Plymouth Road. Mr.
Hermanoff stated it is not and that it is paved to the North boundary of
their property.
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Burke whether he would be willing to negotiate with
owner to continue Yale through to Plymouth Road. Mr. Burke stated he could
make the attempt but did not know how successful he would be.
Mr. nobinson stated he did not wish to cause petitioner any unneccessary
delay; however, he did feel Yale should be extended through to Plymouth Road.
Mr. Miller stated he felt commission should take action on plat tonight.
Mr. Walker stated that continuing Yale through to Plymouth Road would be
an assit in selling houses. Thought petitioner should be given the opp-
ortunity to work something out and possibly putting street through.
Mr. Miller stated he thought request unreasonable inasmuch as commission
did not require it when Elmira was put in. Agreed that Yale should be cut
through but did not feel commission should put hardship on developer.
Mr. Kane stated he could not see why builder should pave anymore than in
front of his property.
Mr. Greene asked Mr. Kropf how this would stand up in Court. Mr. Kropf
stated in this particular case legally this commission cannot require this
petitioner to put pavement on property he does not own. Commission could
table item and investigate it to determine whether or not there is funds
in City Government to continue Master Thoroughfare Plan in this area.
Mr. Harsha stated that except for Wayne Road there is no way out of the
13
759
subdivision. Asked Lieutenat Perry the Fire Department's position in this
matter. Lieutenat Perry stated he recalls that the Fire Department sent
letter to the Civic Association regarding Yale, Arthur and West Chicago
Roads as a means of access. Thought he recalled some objection because
of the Ford Motor Company traffic that would travel through subdivision.
Mr. Robinson refered to Milburn Avenue in the Devonshire Park Subdivision
(Northwest 1/4 of Section 35) in that commission required developer at that
time to obtain access to Plymouth Road.
Mr. Robinson suggested item be taken under advisement and that in the mean-
time Mr. Burke could contact the owner to see whether or not access can be
secured for the continuation of Yale.
A recess was called at approximately 9:01 p.m.
The 82nd regular meeting was Called to order approximately 9:25 p.m. with
all present as named at the beginning and course of the meeting.
The secretary read letter dated July 2, 1957 from Jacob Menuck, president,
Oakview Homes, Inc. requesting six months extension on the proposed Lyndon
Meadows Subdivision. r. Menuck was present.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Okerstrom and
unanimously carried, it was
#7-212-57 RESOLVED that, Request dated July 2, 1957 for six month's exten-
sion on the proposed Lyndon Meadows Subdivision located in the Southeast
1/4 of Section 23 be granted.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read letter dated July 1, 1957 from Herald F. Hamill request-
ing an extension on the proposed Country Homes Subdivision, No. 4. Messrs.
Herald F. Hamill and Irvin Hermanoff, Secretary, Harry Slatkin Builders
Inc. Were present.
Mr. Harsha asked length of time needed. Mr. Hermanoff stated that in light
of what happened regarding the proposed Yale Homes Subdivision, would like
as much time as possible.
It was decided that a one year extension would be sufficient.
Upon a motion duly made by . Kane and seconded by 4r. Lotz, it was
#7-213-57 RESOLVED that, request dated July 1, 1957 for extension on the
proposed Country Homes Subdivision, No. 4 located in the North-
east 1/4 of Section 32 be granted for a one year period.
A roll call on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Lotz, Okerstrom, Kane, Walker, Harsha, and Miller
NAYS: None
NOT VOTING: Greene and Robinson
11. Imme
1760 f""-)'-'
The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was the pro-
posed Burton Hollow Estates Subdivision, No. 2 located on the South side
of Six Mile Road approximately 1,400 feet West of Farmington Road in the
Northeast 1/4 of Section16. The secretary read letter dated July 11,
1957 from Benton Yeses, Supt., Livonia Public Schools._ Messrs. Steve
Slavik and Paul Van Cleve Geer Associates, Inc. were present.
Mr. Robinson informed those present that at the study meeting July 9, 1957
this subdivision was discussed at length and it was pretty much agreed that
it be approved except for the dead ending of Burton Lane. Mr. Slavik did
point out at the study meeting that a school will no doubt be at the end
of the street and that they will need access that will be provided.
According to the subdivision Regula=tions a dead end street can only be a
certain length and that in his opinion commission would be acting right
to extend that.
Mr. Harsha stated he understands that 600' would be sufficient for developer
to take care of storm drainage.
Mr. Robinson stated that proposed school needs access and commission has
more or less an obligation to the school.
Mr. Harsha stated commission is bound by the regulations as they exist.
Mr. Walker stated it would be a condition even if the school does go in
inasmuch as the subdivision will be developed before school.
Mr. Robinson stated school can gain access to property from Bloomfield
Road. At this point school location is not definite within the property.
Mr. Slavik stated he would prefer 600' for Burton Lane because of the
storm drainage and that there will be a tentative turn around.
Mr. Walker stated that in his opinion 600' would be better for the Fire
Department rather than 400' dead ending without a turn around.
Mr. Robinson suggested that a revised plat be submitted excluding lots
beyond 600' .
Mr. Miller suggested that a revised plat not be submitted and that the
exclusion of the lots be covered in the resolution approving plat.
Mr. Robinson asked whether lots would be eliminated on the canvas back
plats. Mr. Slavik stated they would.
Messrs. A. J. Bruckert, 16366 Bell Creek Lane, representing Bell Creek
Civic Association andRichardH. Funk, 15942 Norwich, president or the
Coventry Gardens Civic Association requested to be heard.
Upon a motion duly made by +r. Greene, seconded by Mr. Walker and
unanimously carried, it was
#7-214-57 RESOLVED that, Messrs. A. J. Bruckert and Richard Funk represent-
ing Bell Creek Farms Civic Association and Coventry Gardens Civic
Association be allowed an opportunity to speak.
215
1761
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
Mr. Bruckert stated he and all residents contacted by him are surprised
that this item appears on the agenda tonight inasmuch as at the last
meeting (July 2, 1957) an emergency resolution was adopted to hold a hearing
to rezone this area and other areas to RL and RU. Residents are of the
opinion that this area is to be zoned either RL or RU and that it was to
be brought up at another meeting. In good faith the residents thought the
City was supporting their petition to have this area rezoned. Felt no
approval should be given to proposed plat at this time and suggested item
be tabled.
Mr. Robinson informed Mr. Bruckert that inasmuch as proposed plat was
submitted prior to the resolution adopted July 2, 1957, proposed plat
should be considered on its own merits. Plat was planned under the existing
zoning which will allow lots of 7200 square feet.
Mr. Bruckert stated that at the time this proposed plat was submitted,
commission also had submitted to it a petition from over 200 residents re-
questing that area be rezoned and that a resolution was adopted that
Neighborhood 21 be rezoned to RU.
Mr. Robinson informed Mr. Bruckert that that resolution was subsequently
rescinded, and another one adopted for the entire Northwest section of
the City.
'"!r. Funk stated he and other residents feel they have been living in a false
security and that hd had no idea this proposed plat was to be again presented
to commission tonight.
Mr. Walker stated that the content of letter dated July 11, 1957 from
Benton Yates, Supt. Livonia Public Schools would justify taking item
under advisement. Mr. Slavik stated himself that within three weeks
the School District might contact Ian to continue Burton Lane Through.
Mr. Robinson stated that in three weeks School District might know location
of site but district will now know the exact location of school.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Harsha and seconded by Mr. Kane, it was
#7-215-57 RESOLVED that, pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
May 21, 1957 the City Planning Commission does hereby give
approval to preliminary plat of Burton Hollow Estates Subdivision
No. 2 located on the South side of Six Mile Road approximately
1,400 feet West of Farmington Road in the Northeast 1/4 of Section
16 subject to (1) Length of Burton Lane as shown on proposed plat
be limited to 600' from intersection of Bloomfield and Burton Lane
(West side of Lots 221 and 228) and (2) A temporary turn around
be provided at the end of Burton Lane, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, notice of the above hearing was sent to the
abutting property owners, proprietor, City Departments as listed
in the Proof of Service and copies of the plat together with notice
having been sent to the Building Department, Superintendent of
Schools, School Board President, Parks and Recreation Department,
216
1762
Police Department and Members of the Plat Committee.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Greene, Lotz, Okerstrom, Kane, Harsha and Robinson
NAYS: Walker and Miller
Mr. Miller stated he voted nay as he still feels property along the ravine
should be RU and that otherwise petitioner is within his rights and it is
a good plat.
The secretary announced that the next item on the agenda was Application
TA27 by John B. Ambrose, Attorney for Dachille Trucking Company requesting
renewal of Application TA18 (Permit No. 33) for removal of sand located on
a portion of Parcels 24CO and 24Db located on the North side of Schoolcraft
Road approximately 2,300 feet East of Middlebelt Road in the South 1/2 of
Section 24.
Mr. H. Paul Harsha and Lieutenant Bob Perry were excused at approximately
10:05 p.m.
Messrs. John B. Ambrose and Charles Lemmer, Dachille Trucking Company were
present.
Mr. Lemmer stated that the water has been drained and that it is impossible
to complete it now because of the weather and soil condition. A man has
gone out every day and will go out again tomorrow.
Mr. John Carter, 14408 Lyons confirmed that the property has been drained
but there is still a muck hole. If there is another rain it will over-
flow adjoining property.
Mr. Robinson suggested that if application is granted that it be granted
subject to water hole being filled immediately and that if this is not
done, weather permitting, that the property owners contact the Bureau
of Inspection. Asked ''Ir. Lemmer whether operation could be corrected in
ten days weather permitting. Mr. Lemmer stated he could.
Mr. Okerstrom stated he visited site and that in his opinion petitioner
has gone 2' below where he should have. Felt hole could be filled to-
morrow if the effort were great enough. Area is fine sand and was able to
walk on it the day after it rained. Did not think application should
be granted until after condition is corrected. Area is 22' lower than adjoin-
ing property.
Mr. Walker refered to Portion of Section 4.13, Zoning Ordinance, No. 60.
Mr. Ambrose stated that if granted approval tonight they will be finished
with operation within 30 to 60 days.
Mr. Miller stated if petitioner is operating in good faith they will find
means to fill hole prior to coming in and asking to remove further sand.
Commission has run across similar situation in the past where sand removers
have been able to remove sand, get bond and leave holes.
217
1763
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Okerstrom, it was
#7-216-57 RESOLVED that, Application TA27 by John B. Ambrose, Attorney for
Dachille Trucking Company requesting renewal of Application
TA18 (Permit No. 33) for removal of sand located on a portion
of Parcels 24CC and 24DD situated on the North side of Schoolcraft
Road approximately 2,300 feet East of Middlebelt Road in the South
1/2 of Section 24 be tabled until July 23, 1957 in order to allow
petitioner to fill low area and to show that he is in faith.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Greene, Lotz, Okerstrom, Robinson and Miller
NAYS: Walker
NOT VOTING: Kane
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Kane and seconded by Mr. Miller, it was
#7-217-57 RESOLVED that, statement dated July 8, 1957 from Albe Munson,
Planning Consultant for $330.43 be approved and forwarded to the
proper department for payment.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Greene, Lotz, Okerstrom, Kane, Walker, Robinson and Miller
NAYS: None
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Lotz and seconded by Mr. Greene, it was
#7-218-57 RESOLVED that, statement from Albe Munson, Planning Consul-
tant for $1,000 (Contract dated "pril 16, 1957) be approved and
forwarded to the proper department for payment.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Greene, Lotz, Okerstrom, Kane, Walker, Robinson and Miller
NAYS: None
Mr. Fred A. Lotz was excused from meeting at approximately 10:31 p.m.
The secretary read letter dated July 2, 1957 from Robert H. Lorion, Attorney
requesting a 90 day extension on the proposed Curtis Acres Subdivision lo-
cated in the West 1/2 of Section 10. Mr. Robert Lorion was present.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Kane and unanimously
carried, it was
#7-219-57 RESOLVED that, request dated July 2, 1957 from Robert H. Lorion,
Attorney for Marvin Kaye for a 90 day extension on the proposed
I[: Curtis Acres Subdivision located in the West 1/2 of Section 10
be granted.
The Chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
218 1.4
1764
Gtr
The secretary read letter dated July 10, 1957 from Henry Koloff, Henry
Koloff Building Company requesting a six month extension of time on the
proposed Koloff's Greenbirar Meadows Subdivision and Koloff's Greenbriar
Meadows Subdivision, No. 2 located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 21.
Mr. Koloff was present.
Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Kane, seconded by Mr. Miller and unanimously
carried, it was
#7-220-57 RESOLVED that, request dated July 10, 1957 from Henry Koloff,
Henry Koloff Building Company for a 6 month extension of the
proposed Koloff's Greenbriar Meadows Subdivision and Koloff's
Greenbriar Meadows Subdivision, No. 2 located in. the Northwest
1/4 of Section 21 be granted.
The chairman declared the foregoing resolution adopted.
The secretary read letter dated July 10, 1957 from Mayor William W. Brashear
regarding Petition No. Z-223 and No. Z-234.
On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted this 82nd Regular
Meeting and Public Hearing was duly adjourned at approximately 10:50 p.m.,
July 16, 1957.
/ I �/
Robert L. Miller, Secre ary
ATTESTED:
William R. Robinson, Chairman