HomeMy WebLinkAbout1,231 - June 10, 2025 signedMINUTES OF THE 1,231st PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR MEETING
HELD BY THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the City Planning Commission of the City of Livonia
held its 1,230th 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
Peter Ventura Ian Wilshaw
Members absent: Wafa Dinaro Patrick Droze
Mr. Jacob Uhazie, 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 2025-05-02-10 Tru-Heal Veterinary
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda, Petition 2025-
05-02-10 submitted by Tiseo Architects requesting waiver use
approval pursuant to Section 6.59 of the Livonia Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, to build an addition to the existing
veterinary hospital at 27492 Five Mile Road, located on the
northeast corner of Five Mile Road and Foch Street in the
Southeast 1/4 of Section 13.
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31904
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This petition is to add an addition
connecting the two existing buildings, expanding the existing
veterinary hospital at 27492 Five Mile Road. The parcel is located
at the northeast corner of Five Mile Road and Foch Street. The
current zoning is C-1 (Local business) with the rear of the
property being P (Parking). To the west of the petition site across
Foch Street is a vacant property also zoned C-1, and P. To the
north is residential property zoned N1 (Neighborhood). To the
east is a vacant property also zoned NM1 (Neighborhood Multi
Family). South across Five Mile are residential properties zoned
N2 to the southwest and N1 to the southeast. The petition
involves connecting these two buildings. The two adjoining
properties are under common ownership now, Together, the
properties combined are about 0.54.acres with approximately 147
feet of frontage along Five Mile Road by 160 feet along Foch
Street. The property at 27495 Five Mile Road is the building to
the east, and consists of 3,113 square feet of commercial space
currently occupied by the True Health Veterinary Hospital. 27492
Five Mile Road is the building to the west and consists of a 1,737
square foot vacant commercial space that was formerly used as
a realtor building. The waiver petition is to expand the use of the
Veterinary Clinic under Section 6.59 of the zoning ordinance. The
waiver would also expand the use to both buildings and the
addition between them. The addition would add 23 square feet
between the buildings. Once complete, the building would have a
combined area of 4,873 square feet. Parking will largely remain
unchanged, with the exception that three parking spots would be
removed and restriped to prevent parking vehicles from having to
back up into the entrance ways. The site will have a total of 25
parking spaces and is only required to have eight by the zoning
ordinance. The petition application did not include any changes
to signage or landscaping on the site. Elevation plans show a 12
1/2 foot tall addition that would match the existing white brick with
metal cap on the top of the veterinary office. And the two buildings
are at different elevations, and to account for this, the floor plan
shows a ramp located inside the addition that slopes downward
towards the realtor building to the west. With that, Mr. Chairman,
I can read out the departmental correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Yes, please.
Mr. Uhazie:
The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated May 21,
2025, 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, but would like to note the following items: 1. The subject
parcels are assigned the addresses of #27488 and #27492 Five
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31905
Mile Road. Should additional addresses be needed, the Owner
will need to contact this Department once approvals have been
obtained. 2. The existing parcel is currently serviced by public
sanitary sewer and water main, as well as private storm sewer.
Utility information, specifically storm detention calculations, have
not been submitted with the drawings, but we do not believe there
will be any adverse effects from the proposed project. 3. After the
subject parcel has transferred ownership, the developer shall
contact the Assessor's office to combine the parcels prior to
receiving final permit close-out." The letter is signed by David W.
Lear, P.E., Assistant City Engineer. The next letter is from the
Livonia Fire & Rescue Division, dated May 14, 2025, which reads
as follows: "This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in
connection with a request to construct an addition to an existing
commercial building on property located at the above referenced
address. We have no objections to this proposal. A further
detailed plan review will take place when this division receives an
official plan set."The letter is signed by Brian Kukla, Fire Marshal.
The next letter is from the Division of Police, dated May 12, 2025,
which reads as follows: `1 have reviewed the plans in connection
with the petition. I have no objections to the proposal."The letter
is signed by Paul Walters, Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The next
letter is from the Inspection Department, dated June 5, 2025,
which reads as follows: "Pursuant to your request, the above -
referenced Petition has been reviewed. 1. These two separate
parcels must be combined before the proposed addition can
connect the two buildings. This Department has no further
objections to this Petition."The letter is signed by Jerome Hanna,
Director of Inspection. The next letter is from the Treasurer's
Department, dated June 5, 2025, which reads as follows: "All
taxes have been paid on this property." The letter is signed by
Susie Nash, Treasurer. That is the extent of the correspondence.
Mr. Wilshaw: Excellent thank you, Mr. Uhazie. Is there any questions for our
planning staff?
Mr. Ventura: Jacob, so as I look at these floor plans, it appears that only minor
modifications are being made to the interior of the westernmost
building.
Mr. Uhazie: Correct.
Mr. Ventura: And the eastern building is going to stay exactly the way it is.
Mr. Uhazie: Yes.
Mr. Ventura:
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31906
And do I recall that the public entrance is going to be in the
eastern most building, where it is today, and really not any public
access...
That is my understanding. Most of the public access would be
contained to the existing building. I think there would be one or
two exam rooms that would also be accessible for additional
space, but the vast majority of it would be employees only.
Mr. Ventura: Okay, and then flipping down to the...if I can do that here,
elevations, reason I'm having a hard time doing that. Do I
understand that the elevations of the southern elevation of the
westernmost building is gonna stay exactly the way it is. We're
adding three glass panels to the eastern building.
Mr. Uhazie: At the addition?
Mr. Ventura: Pardon?
Mr. l'Jhazie: To the addition?
Mr. Ventura: In front of the Eastern building. Or is that existing?
Mr. Uhazie: I thought that was existing.
Ben Tiseo, Tiseo Architects. The two buildings will remain exactly the way it is. The
only work will be the three foot, nine inch space between the two,
connecting them, and yes, the one point of entry for both buildings
will be controlled by the reception area in the easterly building.
Mr. Ventura: Mr. Wilshaw is going to scold us for being out of order here but
thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you for giving the introduction, Mr. Ventura, does that
answer your question?
Mr. Ventura: Yes. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, any other questions for staff? All right, now we'll go to the
petitioner.
Ben Tiseo, Tiseo Architects, 19815 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI. Again, we're
hopeful for support tonight to put another vacant building back on
the payroll for the city. I did want to add one note. I know it was
missing on our site plan, the existing real estate sign will be
removed and some landscaping will be put in this place. I noticed
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Tiseo:
Mr. Wilshaw:
June 10, 2025
31907
it wasn't stated that on the drawings, but that will be on the
construction documents.
Appreciate it. Thank you. Is there any questions for our
petitioner's representative? And just a note, the owner of the
property, the veterinary themselves was at our study meeting,
and she was able to answer some questions there, but she's out
of town...
Out of country, actually.
For tonight, yes, so you are taking duties as her representative.
So, yes, thank you. Thank you. Any questions for petitioner's
representative?
Mr. Caramagno: Just probably a simple question. Is there doors between these
two buildings that will close, or it's going to be always open
between the two>
Mr. Tiseo:
It'll be always open. It is actually an extension of a corridor, but
we do have a new door that will be in the westerly building that'll
prevent the public from going beyond the exam room there.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, so between the two, there's, that's no fire issue,
Mr. Tiseo:
No. Everything is fine.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, good. Thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you. Mr. Caramagno. Any other questions for petitioner?
Is there anyone in the audience wishing to speak on this item?
Sir, feel free to come forward to our podium. I'll give you a chance
to speak. We just ask you for your name and address for our
record.
Jonathan Dmytro, 15410 Foch, Livonia, MI. That's just three houses down from
there. I just presented a small organization of thoughts for myself.
So, thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here to
express my full support for the zoning ordinance that will allow
the expansion of the veterinary office, owned and operated by my
opinion, a remarkable member of community, Ned. Ned is the
husband of Mary the owners. Ned is more than just a business
owner. He's a living example of what makes Livonia such a
special place, grit, heart and a commitment to community. He
immigrated to the US from somewhere in Europe. Honestly, I
wish I remembered exactly where, but I forget exactly where. He
came here chasing love, and although it didn't pan out, he stayed
June 10, 2025
31908
and built something even more meaningful. He was already a
trained veterinarian in his home country, and instead of giving up
when he arrived here with limited English and no local
credentials, he worked tirelessly to get recertified in the US as a
vet. That alone says something about his determination and
passion for the field. And now he owns and operates a veterinary
practice that provides an essential service to our neighborhood,
and it's already a thriving business. It's already booked, and
everybody and anybody knows about the vets around here. It's
not like you can just call and get in that day. So, it's very much
needed, especially me, owning lots of dogs and cats. You know,
not so much anymore as we get older, but so I'm loving having
him there. It's so nice, because I used to have to drive 40 minutes
into Canton just because that was the availability for my pets.
Before Ned took over the property. The building sat vacant and
deteriorating for as far as I can remember, to be honest. Apart
from that, the one on the west side where that guy, John, who
passed away. And, you know, the community wasn't necessarily
too thrilled about what he was doing there. And I know there was
a lot of issues either way. You know, nobody really enjoyed what
was happening. And the fact that Ned is taking that, you know,
wants to do what he wants to do there is, you know, something
everybody in our street has totally supported even when I talked
to my neighbors, I thought they were coming, and they're like, we
go. Why? They're like, why wouldn't you pass it? I'm like, Well,
you still got to come and show support if that's what you want to
have happen. You know, so surprised they're not here. Anyways,
all the neighbors, everybody's for it, and they love it. And he's
such a good person. Like I said that one building was
deteriorating...those buildings have been deteriorating for years,
especially that sign you mentioned, that's going to get taken down
with the 1- 800 like quick sell or something. I mean, that has, as
far as you guys can probably remember, that sign has been there,
and it's just been getting worse and worse. So, I'm so looking
forward to just getting it beautiful where it needs to be, the
structure next door, the one he's recently acquired and wants to
connect to his existing practice was, was in the same shape. Two
eyesores, two missed opportunities. But Ned saw potential where
others saw decay, and through hard work and investment, he
turned one of those buildings into a vibrant, much needed
Veterinary Clinic. Now he's ready to do it again, expand his
services, improve our neighborhood and meet the growing
demand. It's not just about esthetics or business, it's about
someone who genuinely cares. He's the kind of person
remembers your pet's name, answers questions after hours and
helps families through some of the toughest moments they face.
I don't think he's asking for a handout. He's asking for the
Mr. Wilshaw:
June 10, 2025
31909
opportunity to keep investing in our city. He owns both buildings,
and he's already proven what he's capable of. All he needs now
is the city support to take this next step. I truly believe Livonia is
better with Ned and his wife in it. This expansion brings more
services, more jobs and more vitality to our area. I urge you to
approve the ordinance and support someone who's already given
so much to this community. Thank you.
Well, thank you. Mr. Dymtro, that was an excellent testimony for
the area and for this business. Is there anyone else wishing to
speak on this item? I don't see anyone else wishing to speak. Mr.
Tiseo, is there anything else that you'd like to say before we make
our decision?
Mr. Tiseo: No. Thank you for the kind comments. I know that the owner had
left a large corporation that had veterinary services, and frankly,
he left because he couldn't give proper care to the animals. That's
why he wanted to get his own business.
Mr. Wilshaw: Excellent. Thank you. Well, we appreciate that. Thank you. If
there's no further comments from the public, I'm going to close
the public hearing, and a motion is in order.
On a motion by Long, seconded by Bongero, and unanimously adopted, it was
#06-28-2025
RESOLVED, That the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that Petition 2025-05-02-10
submitted by Tiseo Architects requesting waiver use approval
pursuant to Section 6.59 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance, as
amended, to build an addition to the existing veterinary hospital
at 27492 Five Mile Road, located on the northeast corner of Five
Mile Road and Foch Street in the Southeast' of Section 13, be
approved subject to the following conditions:
1. That the Site Plan identified as Sheet No. P1, Floor Plan
identified as Sheet No. P2 and Elevation Plan identified as
Sheet No. P3 dated May 05, 2025, prepared by Tiseo
Architects, Inc., is hereby approved and shall be adhered to.
2. That the operation of the subject use shall not include the
overnight boarding or care of animals.
3. That there shall be no outside dumpster located on the site,
and all trash must be contained within the building except on
the day trash is scheduled for removal.
June 10, 2025
31910
4. That all animal remains, medical and animal waste shall be
properly disposed of.
5. That adequate soundproofing shall be installed to the extent
necessary to insure the elimination of all noise from the
building.
6. That the use of open or outdoor runways, kennels or pens
are prohibited.
7. That only conforming signage is approved with this petition,
and any additional signage shall be separately submitted for
review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
8. That no LED lightband or exposed neon shall be permitted
on this site including, but not limited to, the building or
around the windows.
9. The two separate parcels shall be combined into a single lot.
10. That the specific plan referenced in this approving resolution
shall be submitted to the Inspection Department at the time
the building permits are applied for; and
11. Pursuant to Section 13.13 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance,
as amended, this approval is valid for a period of one year
only from the date of approval by City Council, and unless a
building permit is obtained, this approval shall be null and
void at the expiration of said period.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there any discussion?
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to the City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #2 PETITION 2025-05-08-06 Mid-6 Plaza
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the first item on the agenda Petition 2025-
05-08-06 submitted by Rich Naman, requesting site plan
approval under Section 13.13 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance,
as amended, to construct a 4,164-square-foot warehouse garage
at the Six Mid Plaza at 29441 Six Mile Road, located in the
Northeast % of Section 14.
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31911
Good evening. This is a request to construct a 20-foot tall,
approximately 4,000 square foot warehouse garage at the rear of
the site for the tenants of the commercial strip located on the
south side of Six Mile Road between Middle Belt and Oporto
Street. The existing zoning is C-2 (General business). To the west
of the property is the Bethel Baptist Church in the RUF zoning.
To the north, across Six Mile are store fronts within the C-2
district. To the east, are properties in the C-2 district as well. And
South is the Vibe credit union zoned C-2. The parcel is irregularly
shaped and measures 1.60 acres in size, with approximately 120
feet of frontage along Six Mile Road by a depth of 290 feet. The
site contains an existing 8,110 square foot commercial strip
center with approximately 20 parking spaces in front of the
property, and an additional 70 parking spaces that are accessible
via a 22-foot driveway. Some of the existing tenants include a nail
salon and bridal shop. A new site plan was submitted since our
last meeting. There is a paper copy in front of you. It's the same
basic layout, but it has some of the elements discussed at the
study meeting including adding the parking striping, as well as
some landscape details. The proposed warehouse will include
four separate 1,041 square foot garage spaces for a total area of
4,164 square feet. The garages will be positioned behind the
existing nail salon and bridal shop on Six Mile Road. According
to Section 7.23, accessory structures in the C-2 district must be
customarily incidental to the principal permitted use on the site. A
storage garage for the storage of commercial vehicles used by
businesses or other permitted activity when located on the same
lot therein, and occupying not more than 25% of the area of such
lot shall be considered a legal accessory building which this
complies with. Accessory uses to those permitted in the section
include assembly, repair and storage, which is clearly incidental
to the conduct of the permitted use. The proposed warehouse
satisfies the setback requirements of the C-2 side yard and rear
yard. The site plan shows the garage is setback 10 feet from the
existing property line. The proposed warehouse garage satisfies
the height requirements of the C-2 zoning district, as the
proposed warehouse garage is 20 feet. Vehicle access will
remain unchanged from an existing curb cut off Six Mile Road.
Circulation appears to be the same after the garage is built. The
number of parking spaces in the rear of the building would be
reduced from 70 to 35 but that would still provide adequate
parking. The petitioner submitted the revised site plan with
additional landscaping elements. The plans show the sides and
rear of the proposed warehouse garage would have eight feet of
mulch surrounding a two -foot walkway. The southeast and
southwest corners show a mix a dwarf white pine and baby blue
spruce trees with additional baby blue spruce trees along the rear
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31912
of the property and both front corners of the warehouse. The
petitioner has not provided a lighting plan, but on some of the
previous drawings were noted that there were LED flood light
fixtures that were added later to the site plan over the garages
and the site plan shows sconce lighting at each garage door. One
thing to note, there is no dumpster shown on the site plan. The
elevation plans show the four 10 x 9 steel overhead garage doors,
each with a separate steel door to the right. The building would
be constructed with CMU and a metal coping along the top of the
building. And the exterior is proposed to be painted, but no color
is listed on the plans. With that, Mr. Chairman, I can read out the
departmental correspondence.
Yes, please.
The first item is from the Engineering Division, dated May 21,
2025, 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 project, but
would like to note the following items: 1. The subject parcel is
assigned the addresses of #29441 thru #29443 Six Mile Road
with the address of #29441 Six Mile Road being assigned to the
overall parcel. Should additional addresses be needed, the
Owner will need to contact this Department once approvals have
been obtained. 2. The existing parcel is currently serviced by
public sanitary sewer and water main, as well as private storm
sewer. Utility information has not been submitted with the
drawings, but we do not believe there will be any adverse effects
from the proposed project. 3. Per the original site plans, the layout
of the proposed garages is located over the top of a private 15"
storm sewer that drains the subject parcel and the parcel to the
east. This storm sewer will need to be relocated outside of any
proposed footings, or the garage layout will need to be revised.
4. Once approvals have been received, the Owner will need to
submit Engineering drawings to this Department to determine
what 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 May 17, 2025, which reads
as follows: "This office has reviewed the site plan submitted in
connection with a request to construct a commercial building on
the property located at the above referenced address. We have
no objections to this proposal with the following stipulations:
What exactly is being stored, manufactured, or for retail in the
"warehouse garage"? A further detailed plan review will take
place when this division receives an official plan set" The letter
is signed by Brian Kukla, Fire Marshal. The next letter is from the
Division of Police, dated May 19, 2025, which reads as follows: "I
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31913
have reviewed the plans in connection with the petition. I have no
objections to the proposal." The letter is signed by Paul Walters,
Sergeant, Traffic Bureau. The next letter is from the Inspection
Department, dated June 5, 2025, which reads as follows:
"Pursuant to your request, the above -referenced Petition has
been reviewed. 1. This property is currently in violation for the
storage of a recreational vehicle and an unlicensed/inoperable
vehicle on site. This Department has no further objections to this
Petition." The letter is signed by Jerome Hanna, Director of
Inspection. The next letter is from the Treasurer's Department,
dated June 5, 2025, which reads as follows: All taxes have been
paid on this property." The letter is signed by Susie Nash,
Treasurer. That is the extent of the correspondence.
Okay. Thank you, Mr. Uhazie. Is there any questions for our
planning staff?
Jacob, do we know if the vehicle violation has been resolved?
I do not know if it's been resolved.
Rich Naman, owner, No, It belongs to my tenant, and he's being evicted, and I
even have text messages from him promising that RV will be
removed on the 12th
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Wilshaw:
Okay. And then regard to the, well, we can...I can wait till you're
up. And then on the plan, were we talking about a 20-foot buffer
in the back? And now it's showing...
The ordinance requires a 20-foot buffer, but there is language that
allows for City Council and Planning Commission to make,
adjustments. The ordinance also allows for the buffering on the
other side of the neighboring property to be considered.
Okay, he's requesting 10, that's what the plan shows.
Yes.
Okay, okay, thank you.
You guys are just ruining the flow of my meetings. Any other
questions for planning staff? Okay, all right. Now the petitioner is
up. Good evening, sir. Would you like to start with your name and
address? Please.
Rich Naman, the owner of Six Mid Plaza, Livonia, MI. And what we're proposing
over here, basically will clean up that whole area over there, and
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Bongero:
Mr. Uhazie:
June 10, 2025
31914
a lot of this stuff will go into the storage area. As far as the
recreational vehicle and abandoned vehicle, the van that didn't
have plates on belonged to the same tenant that owns the RV,
and he was supposedly permitted by the city to use that RV
temporarily as an office because we had wind damage when we
had that big storm that hit the area on August 28 I think it was
from last year, and he had some damage in the front of his
building, and we replaced the roof up there, and because it got
uplifted with the wind, but we replaced the roof. And I, right after
that, since October, I've been sending him messages that you
need to remove that RV. You need to remove that RV. And finally,
I had to get some legal counsel, you know. And so we're taking
him to court, actually, on June the 25th but his RV, from his text
messages, supposed to be moving out on the 12th of June, so a
couple days hopefully.
Okay, excellent. I'm gonna go see if there's any questions for you.
Just to follow up on that the 20-foot buffer in the rear. Are you
looking to do 10 feet now?
Yes.
Okay, so if you do, if you move it back to 10, does that get you
out of the way of that storm sewer that the buildings can be on
top of? Or. Do you still have to move it?
No, the storm sewer will be right in front of one of the garages,
okay, but the...
We talked to you, had to move it.
The one in the front, we're moving it just because it's...we're not
going to build on top of it. Actually, we're missing it by a couple
feet, but still too close to the front of the proposed building, so
we're going to move it further up.
Okay. At the study meeting we had talked, you were 20 feet back.
So, if you move it to 10, that gives you, that's bringing you 10 feet
further back. So I don't know if that clears the...
no...from the...originally, It was 10 foot.
Oh, my notes just said you're going to go to 20.
I think we discussed the 20 being the requirement. This is just a
more detailed version of what was presented at the study.
June 10, 2025
31915
Mr. Bongero: Gotcha, I got you. Okay, so you still got, you still have to go
through all that. Okay, yes, okay, thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw: Excellent. Very good. Any other questions for our petitioner?
Mr. Caramagno:
Mr. Uhazie:
Mr. Caramagno:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Caramagno:
Mr.Naman:
Mr. Caramagno:
Yeah, I've got some Mr. Chair. A couple of things the let's start
with the parking. Jacob, how much parking is actually required on
this site?
Offhand, I would have to redo the math. I can do that.
The reason I ask is the parking as illustrated here on these plans.
Look at parking, bumper to bumper, east to west. Is that what I'm
seeing here?
Yeah, parallel parking.
Parallel parking, the whole way, which is, which is difficult. And if
you don't need this much parking, why would you, why would you
use that kind of parking on this property? Just doesn't seem,
doesn't seem like it's needed if you don't need as much parking.
That would be a question for my architect, I guess he came up
with that plan. I thought just keeping the parking the way was
okay would be sufficient, because we don't need that much
parking. We have like 70 spaces right now as it is.
It seems excessive. So, the next question I had with that, I
thought, Well, are you going to park that dump truck and trailer in
there? And is that why you want them long parking spots,
east/west?
Mr. Naman: No, the dump truck is...that's why these are being built 30 foot
deep, so it can slide in there, in the storage.
Mr. Caramagno: Okay, just looks like it looks like excessive parking to me and then
getting in and out of your building. What am I looking at here? 16-
18 feet between the parking spaces and the door, which doesn't
leave you a lot of room to get a piece of equipment and out of
there Right? Looks, looks tight, doesn't look practical to me. So
that's one question I had for you. The next question I had was no
dumpster enclosure. Now, between your front building and this
building, you got over 12,000 square feet of building here with no
dumpster enclosure. I think it's probably time to put a proper
dumpster enclosure here.
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Caramagno:
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Caramagno
Mr. Naman:
Mr. Caramagno
June 10, 2025
31916
We can do that. The reason, over the years, we haven't done the
dumpster enclosure because we have curb service.
No, I understand, but now you're over 12,000 square feet here,
so between two buildings, not counting the other three or four in
the front. So I think it's time to make this a true commercial
property with a dumpster enclosure. So, I'd like to see something
like that put here. And then my last question for you is the sign in
front where it says shooter, service that plywood sign, yeah, that
what's the plan with that? Because that's unfinished plywood
right, sitting in what looks like...
We redid the front of the building a few years ago. Yeah, we put
stone on the facade on the front, and we were going to use the
same stone to cover that pylon. But unfortunately, we don't have
enough square footage of that stone, so we're just waiting to put
another, you know, similar stone on there. Basically, that's going
to be stoned.
: How long do you wait for that? You've got exposed plywood with
no finish on it at all there? What that's going to go to? How fast?
Well, that plywood is womanized. It's not regular plywood. It's
weatherproof, so I agree with you.
: It's not slightly at all, right?
Mr. Naman: It looks ugly.
Mr. Caramagno: Yeah, that needs attention, too. So we need something in the
write up, to get that taken care of in a timely fashion, in my
opinion. So those are the thing concerns I've got, and I'm willing
to hear whatever else we got.
Mr. Wilshaw: Thank you, Mr. Caramagno, is there any other questions or
comments from any of our commissioners?
Mr. Ventura: I note that on the site plan that I have on my screen, but evidently
not on the screen you're looking at, the mulched area to the south
of the building, and the east and west of the building shows some
landscaping. Jacob, have we received a landscape plan with
this?
Mr. Uhazie:
No, not an official landscape, but they did add the trees on that if
you can see the mulched area. It's kind of hard to see on here,
but that's where the spruce and white pines are. So, it's not an
June 10, 2025
31917
official landscape plan, but it does have the trees identified and
their locations. I zoomed in here on the screen.
Mr. Ventura: And do we reference this landscaping anywhere on the
resolutions?
Mr. Uhazie: Not the resolutions. The details of this landscape came in after
the e-packet was sent out.
Mr. Ventura: In our notes at the study session, there were questions about the
drainage in the parking lot and the condition of the parking lot.
Parking lot is a patchwork of different surfaces at different ages
and different conditions, and I can only imagine the construction
activity that you do back there to build your new building will
be... have another deteriorating effect. Are you planning on
repaving the entire thing and restriping the entire thing?
Mr. Naman: We are. We're planning on, like, putting another cap on it.
Mr. Ventura: Cap on it.
Mr. Naman: Yeah.
Mr. Ventura: And then finally, we also had some notes about lighting. And
Jacob, did we get a lighting plan with this?
Mr. Uhazie: No.
Mr. Ventura: Do we know that this conforms in any way or that it complies with
the requirements?
Mr. Uhazie: Not with any strict details?
Mr. Wilshaw: Anything else, Mr. Ventura? Thanks. Any other questions from
any of the commissioners for the petitioner?
Mr. Uhazie: Just one thing to note, Mr. Caramagno's question, the ordinance
requires 28 parking spaces, so there's more than sufficient, even
just in the front, mostly and a couple in the back.
Mr. Caramagno: So, there's some opportunity to reconfigure that back lot a little.
Mr. Uhazie: They have significant access.
Mr. Caramagno: There's a big opportunity there. Okay, thank you.
Mr. Wilshaw:
Mr. Naman:
June 10, 2025
31918
Yeah, that's, that's one of the most unusual layouts of parking I've
seen in a long time. Alright, good. Any other questions or
comments from anyone? Anyone in the audience wishing to
address the issue? No. I'll go to the petitioner. Is there anything
else that you'd like to say before we make our decision?
Not really, just we appreciate it if we can work together and get
this done. And as far as the lighting that we were talking about,
we're going to use flood lights coming off of the building, you
know, onto the parking lot, and we're getting rid of that one DTE
that they use, you know, the old bulbs. You know that will be
gone, because right now, that's all there's in that parking lot. But
we're going to put like four flood lights on this parking lot. So, it
will be lit up. We wanted to light it up because, again, we had
break ins into the bridal, and not anything stolen, just destructive,
you know, just so we have cameras back there, but still, you
know, last one, he broke in and he hid in the church.,
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, so, yeah, what you'll probably hear is some discussion
around as we proceed with this is...we certainly understand your
need for lighting for security reasons, but we also want to make
sure that the lighting is not excessive to the point that it shines
beyond your property and that type of thing. That's why we have
standards. So, we don't want, you know, daylight back there.
Mr. Naman: No me and the guy next door, Chris from Functional Floors. We're
working out the details of that.
Mr. Wilshaw: Okay, yeah, we'll see how things proceed. I appreciate your
comments, and I'm going to go back to the commission. And if
there's no other further questions or comments, a motion would
be in order,
On a motion by Ventura, seconded by Bongero, and unanimously adopted, it was
#06-29-2025
RESOLVED, That the City Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council that Petition 2025-05-08-06
submitted by Rich Naman, requesting site plan approval under
Section 13.13 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to
construct a 4,164-square-foot warehouse garage at the Six Mid
Plaza at 29441 Six Mile Road, located in the Northeast '/4 of
Section 14, be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. That the Site Plan identified as Sheet C101 dated May 02,
2025, as revised, prepared by HBB Design Collaborative, is
hereby approved and shall be adhered to.
June 10, 2025
31919
2. That the Elevation Plan identified as Sheet A201 dated May
02, 2025, as revised, prepared by HBB Design
Collaborative, is hereby approved and shall be adhered to.
3. The use of the warehouse garage shall not be open to the
public and only accessible to the property owner and their
tenants.
All storage shall be clearly incidental to the conduct of the
permitted use on site and limited to the storage of business
items only.
5. That parking spaces shown on the site plan shall be double
striped, including the provision of barrier -free parking, and
all regular parking spaces shall be ten feet (10') wide by
twenty feet (20') in length, as required.
That there shall be no outdoor storage of auto parts, scrap
material, waste petroleum products, junked, unlicensed or
inoperable vehicles, or other similar items in connection with
this operation.
7. There shall be no storage of flammable, explosive,
radioactive, hazardous, toxic, or volatile substances within
the warehouse garage or upon the premises.
8. No unit designed or intended for storage purposes shall be
used for operating a business or recreational activity
including, but not limited to, repairs, manufacturing,
assembly, personal service, hobby, retail or office.
That a dumpster enclosure be added to the site in a location
that is satisfactory to the Planning Director.
10. That the three walls of the trash dumpster area shall be
constructed out of building materials that shall complement
that of the building. The enclosure gates shall be of solid
panel steel construction or durable, long-lasting solid panel
fiberglass. The trash dumpster area shall be maintained
and when not in use closed at all times.
11. That a lighting plan shall be provided to the satisfaction of
the Planning Director and Inspection Department.
12. That only conforming signage is approved with this petition,
and any additional signage shall be separately submitted for
review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals; and
June 10, 2025
31920
13. That unless approved by the proper local authority, any type
of exterior advertising, such as promotional flags, streamers
or sponsor vehicles designed to attract the attention of
passing motorists, shall be prohibited.
14. That the warehouse garage building's exterior wall design,
texture and color shall match that of the existing building to
the satisfaction of the Planning Director.
15. That all landscaped and sodded areas shall be irrigated and
permanently maintained in a healthy condition.
16. That the plan referenced in this approving resolution shall
be submitted to the Inspection Department.
17. That the parking lot shall be repaired, resealed, and
restriped as necessary to the satisfaction of the Inspection
Department.
18. That the front plywood sign shall be repaired with sturdy
materials to satisfaction of the Planning Director and
Inspection Department.
19. Pursuant to Section 13.13 of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance,
this approval is valid for a period of one year only from the
date of approval by City Council, and unless an appropriate
permit is obtained, this approval shall be null and void at the
expiration of said period.
Mr. Wilshaw: Is there any discussion?
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted. It will go on to the City Council with an approving
resolution.
ITEM #3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
417th Special Meeting
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of
the Minutes of the 417th Special Meeting held on June 3, 2025.
On a motion by Ventura, seconded by Bongero , and unanimously adopted, it was
#06-30-2025 RESOLVED, That the Minutes of 417th Special Meeting held by
the Planning Commission on June 3, 2025, are hereby approved.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
June 10, 2025
31921
Bongero, Long, Ventura, Caramagno, Wilshaw
None
Dinaro, Droze
None
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
ITEM #4
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1,230th Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting
Mr. Caramagno, Secretary, announced the next item on the agenda, Approval of
the Minutes of the 1,230th Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
held on May 20, 2025.
On a motion by Ventura, seconded by Long, and unanimously adopted, it was
#06-31-2025 RESOLVED, That the Minutes of 1,230th Public Hearings and
Regular Meeting held by the Planning Commission on May 20,
2025, are hereby approved.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution resulted in the following:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Bongero, Long, Ventura, Wilshaw
None
Dinaro, Droze
Caramagno
Mr. Wilshaw, Chairman, declared the motion is carried and the foregoing resolution
adopted.
On a motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the 1,231st Public
Hearings and Regular Meeting held on June 10, 2025, was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
ATTEST:
lan Wilshaw, Chairman
CITY P_ NNING COMMISSION
am C=ramagno, Secretary