HomeMy WebLinkAbout1,189 - July 19, 2022 signedMINUTES OF THE 1,189th PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR MEETING
HELD BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the City Planning Commission of the City of Livonia
held its 1,18911 Public Hearing and Regular Meetings in the Livonia City Hall, 33000
Civic Center Drive, Livonia, Michigan.
Mr. Ian Wilshaw, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Members present: David Bongero Sam Caramagno Glen Long
Betsy McCue Carol Smiley Ian Wilshaw
Members absent: Peter Ventura
Mr, Mark Taormina, Planning Director, and Stephanie Reece, Program Supervisor,
were also present.
Chairman Wilshaw informed the audience that if a petition on tonight's agenda
involves a rezoning request, this Commission makes a recommendation to the City
Council who, in turn, will hold its own public hearing and make the final
determination as to whether a petition is approved or denied. The Planning
Commission holds the only public hearing on a request for preliminary plat and/or
vacating petition. The Commission's recommendation is forwarded to the City
Council for the final determination as to whether a plat is accepted or rejected. If a
petition requesting a waiver of use or site plan approval is denied tonight, the
petitioner has ten days in which to appeal the decision, in writing, to the City
Council. Resolutions adopted by the City Planning Commission become effective
seven (7) days after the date of adoption. The Planning Commission and the
professional staff have reviewed each of these petitions upon their filing. The staff
has furnished the Commission with both approving and denying resolutions, which
the Commission may, or may not, use depending on the outcome of the
proceedings tonight.
ITEM #1 PETITION 2022-05-01-01 Nofar Group
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda, Petition 2022-
05-01-01 submitted by Nofar Hotel Group pursuant to Sections
13.13 and 13.15 of the Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as
amended, requesting to rezone the property at 31501 Schoolcraft
Road, located on the south side of Schoolcraft Road between
Merriman Road and Hubbard Avenue in the Northeast 'Y4 of
Section 27, from C-3 (Highway Services) to C-4 (High Rise
Commercial).
July 19, 2022
30610
Mr. Taormina: Thank you. This rezoning petition involves the site of the former
Mountain Jack's restaurant located at Schoolcraft and Merriman
Roads. The site was originally developed in the early 1980s by
Chuck Muir. Following the closure of the restaurant in the early
2000's, the building was later converted to a cosmetology school
called L 'Esprit Academy. After the closure of L 'Esprit, the
building has remained vacant ever since. The purpose of the
rezoning is to facilitate the future development of the property with
a four-story Staybridge Suites hotel. Under Section 6.30 of the
zoning ordinance, hotels are treated as a permitted use in both
the C-3 and the C-4 zoning districts; however, one major
difference between the two districts that necessitates the
proposed zoning change is the maximum permitted building
height. In a C-3 district, buildings cannot exceed a height of 35
feet or two stories. In a C-4 zone, on the other hand, buildings
can be up to four stories in height. Thus, if the rezoning is
approved, the petitioner intends to proceed through the site plan
approval process to build a four-story hotel. This is a flag -shaped
parcel. It's not directly on the corner, but it does contain frontage
on both Schoolcraft and Merriman Roads. The frontage on
Schoolcraft measures approximately 397 feet and along
Merriman, the frontage is 66 feet, providing secondary access to
the site. Located directly at the intersection of Schoolcraft and
Merriman is a gas station. The proposed hotel site totals 103,000
square feet, or roughly 2.37 acres. To the south and west are
industrial uses zoned M-2. To the north, across Schoolcraft Road
and the expressway, are commercial uses that front along
westbound Schoolcraft Road. The existing vacant building is
about 7,748 square feet in size and is surrounded on three sides
with parking. Access to the site is provided by two driveways: one
from Schoolcraft and the other from Merriman. The existing
building would be removed and the site completely redeveloped.
The new four-story hotel, as you can see from the site plan, would
be positioned near the center of the property facing Schoolcraft
Road and the expressway. Each floor would measure about
17,500 square feet for a gross floor area of 70,000 square feet.
The number of keys would be 94. The first floor would contain 10
guest suites, as well as a great room and common living area, a
pantry, lobby, offices, fitness center, and laundry rooms. The
layout of the second, third and fourth floors would be similar, each
containing about 28 guest suites. For hotels, the required parking
is based on a ratio of one space for every guest room plus one
space for each employee. At this time, the number of employees
is not known, but the number of rooms alone would require 94
parking spaces. The plans show 96 available off-street parking
spaces. Access would basically remain the same with the two
driveways. One from Schoolcraft and the other from Merriman.
July 19, 2022
30611
The only change is that the existing western drive on Schoolcraft
would be shifted more to the west and relocated closer to the
northwest corner of the site. Preliminary building plans show the
structure would consist of a combination of E.I.F.S., metal panels,
as well as stone and tile material. The future land use plan does
designate the property as tech and manufacturing. With that, Mr.
Chairman, I can read out the departmental correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Yes, please.
Mr. Taormina: The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated June 6,
2022, which reads as follows: `In accordance with your request,
the Engineering Division has reviewed the above referenced
petition. We have no objections to the proposed rezoning at this
time. The proposed project parcel is assigned the address of
#31501 Schoolcraft Road. The existing building is currently
serviced by public water main, storm and sanitary sewer. The
drawings do not include calculations forsanitary sewerand water
main usage, so impacts to the existing systems cannot be
determined at this time. The submitted drawings do not include
any storm sewer calculations or indicate any proposed storm
water detention. Please note that any new development will be
required to meet the latest version of the Wayne County Storm
Water Ordinance, including detention, which we will review when
Engineering drawings are submitted for permitting. It should be
noted that the developer may be required to obtain a permit from
the Wayne County Department of Public Works should any work
occur within the Merriman Road right-of-way. " The letter is signed
by David W. Lear, P.E., Assistant City Engineer. The next letter
is from the Finance Department, dated June 3, 2022, which reads
as follows: "I have reviewed the addresses connected with the
above noted petition. As there are no outstanding amounts
receivable, general or water and sewer, I have no objections to
the proposal." The letter is signed by Connie Kumpula, Chief
Accountant. The next letter is from the Treasurer's Department,
dated June 6, 2022, which reads as follows: "In accordance with
your request, the Treasurer's Office has reviewed the address
connected with the above noted petition. At this time, there are
no outstanding amounts receivable for taxes. Therefore, I have
no objections to the proposal." The letter is signed by Lynda
Scheel, Treasurer. That is the extent of the correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Are there any questions of the Planning Director? I don't see
any questions. Our petitioner is in the audience. If you'd like to
come forward to our podium and introduce yourself with your
name and address, please.
July 19, 2022
30612
Brian Biskner, Powell Engineering, 4700 Cornerstone Dr., White Lake, MI. I'm here
with the owners this evening, and Mark did an outstanding job,
obviously, going over the project summary. We're here to answer
any questions that you have. I don't really have anything to add.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, thank you, Mr. Biskner, as we always like to remind
everyone as we deal with these items, because this is a rezoning,
we're going to be talking mostly about the zoning of this property
at this time. There won't be a lot of discussion about the actual
building and the materials and so on. That will take place at the
site plan, which will come in a future date. So, with that, do we
have any questions from any of our commissioners for our
petitioner?
Mr. Bongero: Just one quick question. Do you currently own this property?
Mr. Wilshaw: If you'd like to come forward? Good evening.
Robert Nofar, 50558 Drakes Bay Drive, Novi, MI. Yeah. And then Good evening,
everybody. Yes, I do own this.
Mr. Bongero: Okay. So, it's not like pending the outcome here.
Mr. Nofar: No.
Mr. Bongero: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, let's see if there's some other questions. Ms. McCue?
Ms. McCue Just for clarification
for everybody
else. Can you talk
to us about
the other hotels you
own in the area and surrounding
areas?
Mr. Nofar: Sure. We own the Holiday Express in Livonia. The one off of
Schoolcraft and I-96 and Inkster Road. We've owned that since
2017. We also own a Brighton hotel. It's called the Courtyard
Marriott. That's probably the closest property to that location.
The rest are pretty much between Roseville, Lapeer, Lansing.
We are acquiring a couple more properties, but we're not, you
know, talking about it right now. We have properties in Indiana
and Ohio.
Ms. McCue: I just wanted to clarify that this is not your first...
Or.
Nofar: No. Thirty years in the business.
Ms. McCue: Thank you.
July 19, 2022
30613
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you. Ms. Smiley?
S. Smiley: Yes. Could you tell me... Me Staybridge, is that different from a
Marriott or a Holiday Inn? Or what's the difference?
Mr. Nofar: The Staybridge Suites is mainly for extended stay corporate
guests that want to stay long term. It could be five, seven, you
know, a month, two weeks, three weeks, depending on what
calls for that area at the time when whatever it gets comes in.
And in regard to as far as what it competes with, its head on
with like, a Hilton Homewood Suite or a Marriott Residence Inn.
It's in that same level and capacity.
Ms. Smiley: Because I noticed you had washers and dryers and stuff.
Mr. Nofar: Yeah, it's an extended stay brand.
Ms. Smiley: Will you be serving...do you have a restaurant in there?
Mr. Nofar: We won't have a restaurant, but we will be offering continental
breakfast, a buffet breakfast type of deal for all our guests. We
don't charge for it.
Ms. Smiley: So, they have some kind of a kitchen area?
Mr. Nofar: Yes, we will have a kitchen.
Ms. Smiley: Good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Wilshaw: Great. Thank you, Miss Smiley. Any other questions for our
petitioner? Mr. Caramagno?
Mr. Caramagno: Sir, I know, I've asked this before. Why another hotel in this
area? Is there a demand for hotel and long-term stay? What is
it? Tell me a little more about that?
Mr. Nofar: Well, the demand is for the extended stay guests. There really
isn't that much good, extended stay brands in the area, in that
vicinity. And we are getting a lot of calls from our sister property,
which is the Holiday Inn Express off of Inkster. The franchise
actually approached us and said that they're getting a lot of hits
for a Staybridge suites in that area. They did their own feasibility
study, their marketing study, and so forth. So, it was a lot of
work to find out if it was feasible to do something like this.
Or.
Caramagno: So, the feasibility study from Staybridge, or the corporate
Staybridge folks said, there's demand. We need to have
July 1932022
30614
something in the area. They came to you with that, and then you
did your research.
Mr. Nofar: That's correct. Yes.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, it's good to know. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Any other questions for our petitioner? I don't see any other
questions. Just one question, Mr. Nofar, this property, and also
the Holiday Inn, are ran by the same parents? Overarching
company, correct?
Mr. Nofar: That's correct.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay. So, there is opportunity for people who use reward points
and things like that to transition from one property to another
and because they're already familiar with the area and in your
other property, correct.
Mr. Nofar: That's correct. Actually, we get so many people that want to stay
long term, they prefer to have like a studio suite type of deal
room, and we can't accommodate. So, they end up going either
to Farmington Hills, or Northville, or those areas. So, it does
need a good extended stay brank in that location. We also cater
from downtown. A lot of guests that come in from downtown,
they prefer to stay in an urban area, not an urban area, more of
a suburban area, because of all the busyness and so forth.
They want to be close to work and at the same time they don't
want to pay the high parking, you know, prices over there.
Sometimes the prices over there, you know, are a lot higher, so
we can accommodate better for them as well.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, excellent. Thank you. I appreciate that. Any other
questions from any of our commissioners for our petitioner? Is
there anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against
this petition? I don't see anyone else coming forward. Mr. Nofar,
if you just want to stay there for one moment, we'll get a motion
and see how this goes. Okay. I'll close the public hearing at this
time and the motion would be an order.
On a motion by McCue, seconded by Bongero, and unanimously adopted, it was
#07-39-2022 RESOLVED, That pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
by the City Planning Commission on July 19, 2022, on Petition
2022-05-01-01 submitted by Nofar Hotel Group pursuant to
Sections 13.13 and 13.15 of the Livonia Vision 21 Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, requesting to rezone the property at
July 19, 2022
30615
31501 Schoolcraft Road, located on the south side of Schoolcraft
Road between Merriman Road and Hubbard Avenue in the
Northeast'/4 of Section 27, from C-3 (Highway Services) to C-4
(High Rise Commercial), the Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that Petition 2022-05-01-01 be
approved for the following reasons:
1. That the proposed change of zoning is compatible to and in
harmony with the surrounding land uses and zoning districts
in the area.
2. That the proposed change of zoning and the intended use
of the property are consistent with the developing character
of the area.
3. That the proposed change of zoning will provide for the
development of the subject property in a manner that is
consistent with its size and location.
4. That the proposed zoning is consistent with the purposes,
goals and objectives of the Master Plan and Zoning
Ordinance, which seek to ensure compatibility and
appropriateness of land uses so as to enhance property
values and create and promote a more favorable
environment for neighborhood use and enjoyment, and
5. That the proposed change of zoning represents a
reasonable and logical zoning plan for the subject property
which adheres to the principles of sound land use planning.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That notice of the above hearing was
given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.13 and
13.15 of Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there any discussion?
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go onto City Council with an approving resolution.
ITEM #2 PETITION 2022-08-02-14 Ally Saad
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2021-
08-02-14 submitted by Ally Saad requesting waiver use approval
of all plans required by Sections 3.10, 3.11 and 6.51 of the Livonia
Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended, in connection with a
July 19, 2022
30616
proposal to construct a single commercial building containing two
(2) limited -service restaurants with drive-thru facilities at 20365
and 20385 Middlebelt Road, located on the west side of
Middlebelt Road between Norfolk Avenue and Eight Mile Road in
the Northeast'/4 of Section 2.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Now again, just to remind the folks in
our audience I know a few people came in after the meeting
started, the petitioner has requested that this item be tabled. So,
we're not going to conduct a full public hearing at this point, most
likely, but what we will do is we will repost this meeting at a future
date, and we will conduct a full public hearing with an opportunity
for the petitioner to present his case and also for anyone in the
audience who comes to that meeting to also speak to the item.
And anyone who did receive a notification for this meeting tonight
will also receive a notification for that meeting in the future. Mr.
Taormina, is there any other information you wanted to provide
before we move forward?
Mr. Taormina: No, Mr. Chairman, we will re advertise this item when the
petitioner has resubmitted the documentation that was
requested.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, thank you, appreciate that, Mr. Taormina. Any of our
commissioners have any questions on this item?
Mr. Long: Mr. Chair, I don't know if any of the people in the audience are
here for R. But if they are, and they want to speak, I think we
should give them a couple of minutes to do so
Mr. Wilshaw: I think that's very fair, because they did come tonight and this is
a public hearing still, so, if there is anyone in the audience who
does wish to speak on this item at this point ... we don't have a lot
of information yet, but you are welcome to come forward and
speak if you wish. If not, we will certainly give you an opportunity
in the future. I don't see anyone standing up or coming forward,
but thank you for coming tonight, and also thank you, Mr. Long
for reminding us of that. If there is no further information or
questions on this item, a motion would be an order.
On a motion by Long, seconded by Smiley, and unanimously adopted, it was
#0740-2022 RESOLVED, That pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
by the City Planning Commission on July 19, 2022, on Petition
2021-08-02-14 submitted by Ally Saad requesting waiver use
approval of all plans required by Sections 3.10, 3.11 and 6.51 of
the Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended, in
July 19, 2022
30617
connection with a proposal to construct a single commercial
building containing two (2) limited -service restaurants with drive-
thru facilities at 20365 and 20385 Middlebelt Road, located on the
west side of Middlebelt Road between Norfolk Avenue and Eight
Mile Road in the Northeast % of Section 2, the Planning
Commission does hereby table this item to a future meeting, date
undetermined.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That notice of the above hearing was
given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.13 of
Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
Mr. Wilshaw: There is no discussion on tabling motions
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
ITEM #3 PETITION 2022-06-02-14 Livonia Athletic District
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Petition 2022-
06-02-14 submitted by Stark Road Holdings L.L.C. requesting
Special Waiver Use approval for a Planned Development under
Sections 3.04 and 5.02 of the Livonia Vision 21 Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to utilize a Class C liquor license (sale
of beer, wine and spirits for consumption on the premises) in
connection with the operation of a multi -purpose recreational
facility (Livonia Athletic District) at 14255 Stark Road, located on
the west side of Stark Road between Schoolcraft Road and
Lyndon Avenue in the Southeast'/4 of Section 21.
Mr. Taormina: Thank you. Thisrequest for special waiver -use approval to
operate aClass-C liquor license. The location is the site of the
former YMCA on Stark Road, now operating as the Livonia
Athletic District (LAD), a privately -owned, multipurpose health
fitness and athletic facility. The property is zoned N-2
(Neighborhood District). Utilization of a Class-C liquor license is
possible under Section 5.02, which provides special waiver -use
standards for planned developments that allow modifications of
the ordinance for uses not permitted in the N-2 district. Uses other
than those permitted may be allowed when they relate to an
overall concept of a planned development and meet the
requirements of Section 5. 024, including the proposed use shall
be of such location, size and character as to be in harmony with
the appropriate and orderly development of the zoning district in
which situated, and shall not be detrimental to the orderly
July 19, 2022
30618
development of adjacent zoning districts. The subject property is
9.6 acres in size with 350 feet of frontage on the west side of
Stark Road. The various interconnected buildings that make up
the LAD are located on the easterly half of the property. The
westerly half is mostly wooded and undeveloped. Surrounding
land uses include Frost Middle School to the south, John
Stymelski Veterans Park to the north and Ford Field to the east,
all of which are zoned PL, Public Lands. Single-family homes are
located to the east and west, along with Parkview Memorial
Cemetery. These areas are zoned N2 and RUF, respectively.
LAD would restrict the sale and consumption of alcoholic
beverages to specific interior areas of the building. Consumption
would be allowed in what is referred to as Cafe LAD, which is a
lounge located in the building's main lobby. Consumption would
also be allowed in the coin operated arcade room, which is in
what was formerly the YMCA's administrative offices located
adjacent to the main lobby, as well as the observation lounge
overlooking the former tennis courts, now an indoor soccer field.
Other locations include the sitting areas adjacent to the golf
simulators and indoor putting green, which are the former
racquetball courts, the eastern observation area of the pickleball
courts, and the connecting hallways between these various
areas. The point of sales locations would be in the Cafe LAD and
a lounge located adjacent to the indoor putting green. Alcohol
would not be allowed on any of the playing surfaces, including the
pool and batting cages. Special provisions include a requirement
that a proposed Class-C licensed establishment shall not be
located within 1,000 feet of another such licensed establishment.
There are no such license establishments within 1,000 feet of the
proposed planned development. Another special requirement is
that a proposed Class-C license shall be located at least 400 feet
from any church or school measured between the buildings. No
such establishments are within 400 feet of this planned
development. Livonia Athletic District is 447 feet from Frost
Middle School and 956 feet from Christ our Savior Lutheran
Church and the early childhood center. With that, Mr. Chairman,
I can read out the departmental correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Yes, please.
Mr. Taormina: The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated June 22,
2022, which reads as follows: "In accordance with your request,
the Engineering Division has reviewed the above referenced
petition. We have no objections to the proposed waiver use at this
time. The parcel is assigned the address of #14255 Stark Road.
The existing building is currently serviced by water main, storm
and sanitary sewer. The drawings do not indicate any alterations
July 191 2022
30619
to the existing services, so we do not anticipate any issues with
the proposed waiver use. It should be noted that should the owner
need to modify any of the existing utilities, or do any work within
the Stark Road right-of-way, drawings will need to be submitted
to this Department to determine if permits will be required' The
letter is signed by David W. Lear, P.E., Assistant City Engineer.
The next letter is from the Livonia Fire & Rescue Division, dated
July 8, 2022, which reads as follows: 'This office has reviewed
the site plan submitted in connection with a request to construct
a commercial building on property located at the above
referenced address. We have no objections to this proposal with
the following stipulations: On submitted plans, please include
nearest fire hydrant location(s). This site may require an
automatic sprinkler system based on A-2, A-3 use. Hydrants shall
be located between 50 feet and 100 feet from the Fire
Department connection. NFPA 14, 2019 6.4.5.4 A further detailed
pIan review will take place when this division receives an official
pIan set." The letter is signed by Brian Kukla, Fire Marshal. The
next letter is from the Division of Police, dated July 11, 2022,
which reads as follows: `I have reviewed the plans in connection
with the petition. I have no objections to the proposal."The letter
is signed by Scott Sczepanski, Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The
next letter is from the Inspection Department, dated July 11,
2022, which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request, the
above -referenced petition has been reviewed. This Department
has no objections to this petition." The letter is signed by Jerome
Hanna, Director of Inspection. The next letter is from the Finance
Department, dated July 1, 2022, which reads as follows: "I have
reviewed the address connected with the above noted
petition. The following amounts are due to the City of Livonia:
Unpaid water and sewer charges: $4,309.84 Unpaid delinquent
faIse alarm charges: $660.70 Total Due City of Livonia $4, 970.54"
The letter is signed by Connie Kumpula, Chief Accountant. The
next letter is from the Treasurer's Department, dated June 20,
2022, which reads as follows: `In accordance with your request,
the Treasurer's Office has reviewed the name and addresses
connected with the above noted petition. At this time there are
delinquent taxes due, therefore I do have objections to the
proposal. 2021 Real Property Winter Taxes: Winter Bill issued
on December 1,2021 Good through June 30, 2022: $53,332,62 -
Payable to Wayne County Treasurer (We do not show any
payments have been made towards this bill, either with the City
of Livonia prior to March 1, nor with Wayne County since March
1)." The letter is signed by Lynda Scheel, Treasurer. The last
letter is from the Division of Police, dated July 8, 2022, and it
reads: "We received the plans submitted by Stark Road Holdings
L.L.C. requesting Special Waiver Use approval for a Planned
July 19, 2022
30620
Development under Sections 3.04 and 5,02 of the Livonia Vision
21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to utilize a Class C liquor
license (sale of beer, wine and spirits for consumption on the
premises) in connection with the operation of a multi -purpose
recreational facility (Livonia Athletic District) at 14255 Stark ro ad,
located on the west side of Stark Road between Schoolcraft Road
and Lyndon Avenue in the Southeast quarter of Section 21. The
proposed site is in close proximity to Frost middle School at
14041 Stark (444 feet) but does meet the separation requirement
distance of at least four hundred (400) feet distance from any
school or church. After reviewing the plans with the Chief of
Police , we have no objections to the waiver being granted,
contingent that the petitioner complies with: All State Laws City
Ordinances, Stipulations and conditions set by the Livonia Police
Department, Liquor Investigation Unit, as approved by the Chief
of Police Stipulations and conditions set by the Traffic Bureau of
the Livonia Police Department We are available to provide any
additional information you may desire on this subject. " That is the
extent of the correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you. Mr. Taormina. Any questions for our planning staff?
Mr. Bongero: Mark, there was correspondence from the fire chief? I don't have
it in my packet.
Mr. Taormina: It's part of our packet. Going back to that letter, I know that they
reference construction, even though there isn't any new
construction associated with this petition other than some
possible minor interior building modifications.
Mr. Bongero: Did I understand they're talking about fire suppression needed
inside the building?
Mr. Taormina: Yes, but I don't believe the operation of a liquor license would
trigger the need to add a fire suppression system. I will have to
get clarification from the Senior Fire Inspector.
Mr. Bongero: It'd be a lot of work to have to try to wrap
it up. I guess I
had one
other question...has the
petitioner
made any
type of
arrangements for these
back
fees, water
and sewer and
taxes?
Mr. Taormina: I'm going to let the petitioner respond to that question. I'm not
aware of any, but that doesn't mean that there haven't been some
discussions.
Mr. Bongero: Okay. Thank you.
July 19, 2022
30621
Mr. Wilshaw: We'll ask the petitioner that when he gets an opportunity to come
forward, it'll be just a minute. Is there any other questions for our
planning staff? Okay, no other questions for our planning staff.
So now, our petitioner is up, we'll give him a minute to get over to
our podium. And again, we'll ask that you start with your name
and address and good evening.
Good evening, Jonathan. Hartzell, 31196, Churchill Drive, Beverly Hills, MI.
Or. Wilshaw: Okay. And you did hear a question regarding the payment of
some back property taxes and other fees. Did you want to
address that first and then you can get into any other presentation
you'd like to make?
Or. Hartzell: Sure, Wonderful. Yeah, um, we'll set up a payment plan with the
city. Try to get all knocked out before October 1. I'm not sure who
to talk to. I'll just talk to the Treasurer on that, I guess. Just set up
ah, schedule payment plan, I guess.
Or. Wilshaw: All right. Any other information you'd like to provide? Before we
get into questions?
Mr. Hartzell: No, I think we'll just go to questions. We had a good session last
week, and I assume you guys still have some questions from
there. So, I'd like to hear from you guys.
Mr. Wilshaw: That sounds great. Any questions for our petitioner? Ms. Smiley?
Ms. Smiley: Can you tell
me
where
those
stations
would be located that
they're able
to
get
drinks
or beer
or wine
or whatever?
Mr. Hartzell: Sure. As you walk in the entryway where your mouse is going,
North, I guess, above the batting cages, there's an entryway,
there. You see a vestibule and right to the left of the... or to the
right of that you can see a little L shaped mill package to the left
of your mouse. Right there is your kiosk for your little cafe space.
And in front of that, that big open space in front, a little dining
seating space where you can sit in and partake, that's kind of the
hub of the building. So, if you walk in and turn to the right, you're
gonna get to office space and Healthquest physical therapy and
another suite not finished. If you'd walk straight and gone through
the door in front of it, you get to the pool space, and if you walk
left and go down, and you get to the soccer sports space. So, that
kind of main common core where you're running the mouse and
down the core, that's the real drinking facility in space. So, you
can go and watch sport happen. You can sit and dine after a
workout right there. And there is an arcade right there to entertain
July 19, 2022
30622
it. Then, as were asking for the rights to have in the dogleg
simulator, that's a future tenant space. So, we're just, you know,
that's their build plan is to put golf simulators and a little lounge in
there, but that'll be a secondary permit for them. We just want to
make sure we have the right to have use in that space. And then
to the left, I guess, all the way down there, you can see by the
bathrooms, there's a little ... pickleball courts are on the left of that
dotted line, and the space for the dotted line and the doorway, it's
kind of a lounge space where there's just a seated area, and
there's an opportunity to sit and have a cocktail. And there's a
little room there by itself. That's set up as a little lounge with couch
and chairs to congregate between matches.
Ms. Smiley: So, there's really three places so you have personnel in all those
places checking ID's and...
Mr. Hartzell: Yup.
Ms. Smiley: Okay, well, that's interesting. I'm familiar with...) mean, I know
that we have a place that has golf simulators, and they have
parties and stuff, but it's like one section. It's a one unit in a
shopping mall. I'm familiar with that. I'm not familiar with this
setup. But as one Commissioner until these... that $58,000 is
paid, I don't think I'm interested in approving any kind of liquor
sale.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, thank you, Ms. Smiley. Any other questions for Petitioner?
Ms, McCue?
Ms. McCue: Just to double click on the staffing of those items. So, you're going
to have three individuals at all times, or will those places not be
open at all times?
Mr. Hartzell: Yeah, so some might not be open. Just depends on the time of
day.
Ms. McCue: Because the logistics, obviously, as we know, I'm singing to the
choir, right? But having alcohol, it's going to have to be manned.
Just that always kind of makes me a little panicked when you
have a lot of kids running around there. I'm sure you have it under
control, but just having three separate individuals that are going
to strictly be in charge of alcohol sales, I don't... from a logistics
standpoint, that seems like a lot.
Mr. Hartzell: So, I own a place called Detroit shipping company. It's a 12,000
square foot, two-story, food hall. It's got six food vendors. We
have four different points of sale of beer, wine, liquor. In the
July 19, 2022
30623
backyard, which has a sand volleyball pit, it's very family friendly,
I kind of built it around...I have four children, and we go to Detroit
city, there was nowhere ever to go with your kids. It's really hard.
I kind of built this, and if you ever go there, you'll see kids are kind
of running around all the place. Families, big family gathering
space, and there is four points of sale like are there and we are
controlled by MLCC, and there's heavy fines and regulations and
how that your staff is trained. And, you know, it's not worth the
value of goofing off of that because you lose, you know,
especially when it's $75,000 for a license plus annual expenses.
Ms. McCue: What's the attendance at a place like that versus what you have
right now going on?
Mr. Hartzell: At Detroit Shipping Company, we have a 500-person capacity.
We do a lot there. Weekends it really gets busy. Hate to say it,
but about 200,000 people go through annually in the space.
Ms. McCue: Okay, thank you. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you, Ms. McCue. Any other questions for our petitioner?
Mr. Bongero?
Mr. Bongero: I just...) guess I do have a concern about the back fees. How's
business going over there? I mean, it looks pretty busy every time
I drive by there. But...
Mr. Hartzell: Yeah, it's...we bought June 4, last summer, and went under
remodel and opened the back courts of the sports spaces, soccer
space, early in October, but really didn't get our marketing and
into the real segment of the sports community until March, April.
That's when our pool opened up. So, really our first year of true
business because a calendar year of the sports world starts in
October, So, we're really just kind of, you know, carrying on that
first year of just opening so it's kind of slow on that level, you
know, below expectation, but our leases that we've pulled from
club sports and other third parties for next year is really ramped
up. So it's like 40% higher than first year.
Mr. Bongero: Yeah, I just...) guess I'd be concerned, you know, that the fees
are, you know, they're doing or they're delinquent, you're gonna
have to make a payment plan, but I know that liquor license is not
cheap. So, you're gonna have to outlay that money to get this
license, but it seems like, you know, you're struggling to make the
other payments. I guess I'd be concerned about that 'til we saw
those fees paid up. That's my feeling, though. Whether or not I
July 19, 2022
30624
agree, you know, for this or not, but I'm in agreement with
Commissioner Smiley about that. So, thanks.
Mr. Wilshaw: an you, Mr. Bongero. Any other questions for petitioner? Mr.
Caramagno?
Mr. Caramagno: Sir, when you
said when you walk in
the original
lobby, you said
there's a kiosk.
What's the kiosk?
Mr. Hartzell: A cafe, you know, front end. So, you can buy, you know, food,
drink, different little things there. So, it's just a cafe front.
Mr. Caramagno: There's no kiosk availability of mixed drinks and a can or a beer
out of this? If you show an ID, is there? Is there any possibility of
that? Or is that just...
Mr. Hartzell: No, it'd be someone standing there at a POS system selling
goods.
Mr. Caramagno: So, it'd be a staffed person in the lobby, or at the other couple of
stations?
Mr. Hartzell: That is correct.
Mr.
Caramagno:
Is there a manager that's on site all the time
here?
Mr.
Hartzell:
There is now yeah.
Mr.
Caramagno:
There is now versus there wasn't before?
Mr.
Hartzell:
Our partnership was in there. We just hired a
general manager to
run the building.
Mr.
Caramagno:
Okay, so there will be someone there during
all business hours?
Mr.
Hartzell:
That's right.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay. What is the ... tell me about the urgency to out this liquor in
there now versus being stabilized to some extent because I
obviously share the same concerns with the taxes and water and
the alarms not being paid, and so what is the urgency now? Is the
urgency to ... what is that?
Mr. Hartzell: Yeah, a big part of it, as I mentioned, like the dogleg in some of
the lease spaces, they're reliant on that usage to come in and
sign their leases. So, it's part of the contingency on my end is I
have to get approval to have like a license in the building.
July 19, 2022
30625
Mr. Caramagno: So really, this license is an attractant to future current tenants,
future tenants, and without this, are you saying this thing's in
trouble?
Mr. Hartzell: No, not at all. We just didn't pay a few bills, just because how
they're capitalized, our partnership group, and we're actually
buying a partner out in the middle, so it's just kind of a little legal
moment. So, it's movement of cash. It's just kind of goofy. So, we
have the funds to move. It's just how it's all unfolding, and so it'll
be done in the next three to six weeks. With that, just going
through that, and then I'm able to release all the funds. That's why
said, it's like, I don't have anything set up. But you know...
Mr. Caramagno: You say just not paying a few bills. Well, these are pretty
substantial bills for the City of Livonia. You're a property owner,
and you're coming to us asking for something else, and you're not
just paying a couple bills, and you want to move on without taking
care of the prior arrangements and engagement you have. So,
that's troubling to me. I'd like to see you slow down on the urgency
with this thing. Straighten this this issue up, and then come back
and see us. That's my opinion.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you for your thoughts, Mr. Caramagno. Any other
questions or comments to our petitioner? There is no one else in
our audience to speak for or against this. So, Mr. Hartzell, I will
give you a chance to have the last word.
Mr. Hartzell: I just appreciate the time everyone puts into these meetings,
right? You get together on your time in the evening. You now,
I'd love to be able to say that we paid those beforehand. I just
couldn't move it with my partners on whatever reasons we have
going forth. The business is good, strong, we've got a lot of great,
you know, movement with third party lease tenants coming
through. A lot of clubs coming through. You probably... if you go
during the day, you've seen the sports camps going on. So, it's
really bringing back a lot of, of that traffic that was there before. It
takes a little bit of time, you know, but it's coming. You know, I
own four or five different businesses and your ones generally are
tough ones to get through, but our partnership is very strong, very
well fiscally supported. It's just, again, we have a little bit of a
hiccup with one of our partners we had to move on from so don't
be afraid of the business. It'll be the long-standing business and
community. We will solve the problem of what was left in front of
us with the tax bill and we'll come back and solve it.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you, Mr. Hartzell.
July 19, 2022
30626
Ms. Smiley: May I ask one more question?
Mr. Wilshaw: Of course.
Ms. Smiley: Are you trying to get more adults than kids? I when I first saw this,
I thought this was going to be something for children, but you're
trying to lean towards more like the golf simulator and that kind of
stuff. This is more of an adult athletic club kind of thing.
Mr. Hartzell: Oh, no, no family oriented, right? Golf is, if you look at, the 90,000
square foot facility, right, and that's 3000 square feet, right? In the
sports facilities from, you know, eight in the morning till about
seven at night are all youth, and then from seven at night'til 11 pm
is adult. So, if you just, you know, start taking the different times
and zones, we're just trying to be a place that you can come and
congregate and entertain, and have a good time and be it that
you're an adult at night, your adult in the simulator, or if your
family comes in and do all your things, you can partake in that,
right.
Ms. Smiley: Okay, like I said, my real problem I don't ever remember, and I've
been on the Commission for quite a long time that we had a
$580000 bill and then we approved something else. So that's
gonna make me a hard no. Okay, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you, Ms. Smiley. Any other comments? Just one question
Mr. Hartzell. The pickleball, I'm not super familiar with it, but I
know it does tend to appeal toward an older audience. Is that
more of an adult oriented sport even during the day? Are there
youth playing pickleball as well?
Mr. Hartzell: No, there's no youth in there. That's all adults. And that's really
40 and up. They come seven in the morning, and some groups
leave at 10 at night.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay so you do get some daytime activity from the pickleball with
adults.
Mr. Hartzell: Yeah, and then like Health quest, that's all adults, older. On the
north side, like I said, I put an office in there from hospitality
company that runs all the other businesses I mentioned. So,
that's a good group of young adults, and then like the simulator
space, but that simulator space, as you know, it'd be later in the
evening. It's a good mix.
July 19, 2022
30627
Mr. Wilshaw: All right, very good. Thank you. Appreciate that. If there's no other
questions or comments on this item, I will close the public hearing
at this time and a motion would be in order.
On a motion by Smiley, seconded by Bongero, and unanimously adopted, it was
#07-41-2022 RESOLVED, That pursuant to a Public Hearing having been held
by the City Planning Commission on July 19, 2022, on Petition
2022-06-02-14 submitted by Stark Road Holdings L.L.C.
requesting Special Waiver Use approval for a Planned
Development under Sections 3.04 and 5.02 of the Livonia Vision
21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to utilize a Class C liquor
license (sale of beer, wine and spirits for consumption on the
premises) in connection with the operation of a multi -purpose
recreational facility (Livonia Athletic District) at 14255 Stark Road,
located on the west side of Stark Road between Schoolcraft Road
and Lyndon Avenue in the Southeast '/4 of Section 21, the
Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the City
Council that Petition 2022-06-02-14 be denied for the following
reasons:
1. That the petitioner has failed to affirmatively show that the
proposed utilization of a Class C liquor license at this
location would comply with all the general waiver use
standards and requirements as set forth in Sections 3.04
and 5.02 of the Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as
amended.
2. That the petitioner has not sufficiently demonstrated that the
proposed utilization of a Class C liquor license at this
location would be compatible to and in harmony with
surrounding residential neighborhoods in the area.
3. That it has not been demonstrated that the utilization of a
Class C liquor license at this location is needed for this
facility to flourish.
4. That the petitioner has failed to adequately demonstrate that
the facility has the capacity to accommodate the proposed
Class C liquor license, and
5. That the utilization of a Class C liquor license at this location
is contrary to the goals and objectives of the Zoning
Ordinance which, among other things, are intended to
ensure suitability and appropriateness of uses.
July 19, 2022
30628
FURTHER RESOLVED, That notice of the above hearing was
given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.13 of
Livonia Vision 21 Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there any discussion?
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
ITEM #4 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1,188th Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of
the Minutes of the 1,188thPublic Hearing and Regular Meeting
held on June 7, 2022.
On a motion by Caramagno ,seconded by McCue ,and unanimously adopted, it
was
#07-42-2022 RESOLVED, That the Minutes of 1,188th Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting held by the Planning Commission on June 7,
2022, are hereby approved.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES: Bongero, Long, McCue, Smiley, Caramagno,
Wilshaw
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Ventura
ABSTAIN: None
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adoptedI
On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously ado,
Hearings and Regular Meeting held on July 19, 2022, was
CITY
ATTEST: `�
Ian Wilshaw, an
1189th Public
G COMMISSION
Secretary