CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 28, 1998
MINUTES
Present: Paul D. Woodring, Chairman
Vincent
J. Gudobba, Vice Chairman
Denise
C. Trombley, Secretary
Michelle
Braswell
Nancy
L. Dedenbach, Late
Thomas
Landa
Donald
Roach
Dennis
C. Tomlinson
Absent: Peter M. Catalano, Excused
Staff: Steven N. Cassin, Director
DEPT.
OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Woodring called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mr. Gudobba, supported by Ms. Braswell, to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried.
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF CLINTON TOWNSHIP PART TWELVE-PLANNING
AND ZONING CODE
- PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO TEXT: RECREATIONAL VECHICLES
-- MF #5201: PETITIONED BY THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON
PUBLIC HEARING
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Mr. Woodring explained the procedure for a Public Hearing to be as follows: the petitioner will make comments, the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and the Planning Commission will have opportunity to make comments or ask questions.
Mr. Cassin stated that the existing Recreational Vehicle Ordinance allows for one (1)
recreational vehicle with a limited size of twenty (20) feet. The Township Board, Planning
Department and a committee comprised of members of the Planning Commission and residents
met to revise the ordinance. State statute requires that a public hearing be held to allow
residents to comment on the proposed changes. The proposed ordinance and comments from the
public will be submitted to the Township Board for approval.
William Rich, 36515 Birwood, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated that he has owned and
stored a motor home for 20 years at his residence and inquired as to whether the new
ordinance will make storing the motor home in violation of the ordinance.
Mr. Cassin stated that the ordinance enforcement office received numerous complaints from residents and asked that an amendment be made to the former ordinance. He added that the proposed ordinance mirrors the original ordinance that existed for approximately 20 years.
Charles Norror, 22442 E. Christ Drive, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated that he has owned a motor home for 30 years. He inquired as to whether the motor home could be connected to utilities.
Mr. Cassin stated the ordinance allows the recreational vehicle to be connected to utilities for 48 hours.
Mr. Tomlinson stated that when the committee met, the intent of the ordinance allowing
utility hooks-ups was to discourage occupying the recreational vehicle as a residence.
Howard Fenner, 23571 King, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, inquired as to the setback
requirement for parking.
Mr. Cassin stated the setback is required to be 3 feet to 10 feet depending on the lot size and zoning of the property.
Mr. Finner inquired as to the fine for violation of this proposed ordinance.
Mr. Cassin stated that a violation of the ordinance is considered a criminal act by
State law and the fine can be up to $500.00. He added that the ordinance enforcement
office issues 3 to 4 notices for violations before a summons is served. He added the
largest fine he knows of being issued was $200.00.
Robert Rode, 16120 Rothan Court, Clinton Township, Michigan, inquired as to the required
setback if there is not enough room on the driveway.
Mr. Cassin stated the provision for allowing recreational vehicles to be parked in the front has not changed. He added that the ordinance enforcement team does not have the man power to look for violations; however, the ordinance will be enforced if complaints from neighbors are received. Also, residents can petition the Zoning Board of Appeals if they have a unique situation.
Evelyn Butler, 36900 Weideman, Clinton Township, Michigan, inquired as to the number of complaints received by the ordinance enforcement office.
Mr. Cassin stated he does not know the exact number of complaints received but
estimated receiving approximately two dozen.
Evelyn Butler stated her opinion that this is a minority complaining and that the majority
should have the rule.
Robert David, 35377 Simco, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035, stated that he recently moved to the area and in his opinion the current ordinance sounds restrictive. In addition, he stated his opinion that a Judge ruling on a violation will go by the ordinance and not the fact that the Planning Commission stated the ordinance will be flexible. He added that some police officers can issue tickets if in the "right mood".
Mr. Woodring stated that the Police Department does not issue tickets for ordinance violations, the ordinance enforcement office handles issuing tickets. He felt that Judges are reasonable.
Mr. Cassin added that the majority of summons that are served are after several notices have been issued and no response or effort has been made by the resident to resolve the matter.
Donald Pain, 47375 Harry, Shelby Township, Michigan stated that there is State property in the area and perhaps this could be developed to store recreational vehicles.
John LeSage, 33535 Shell Drive, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated his opinion that the
proposed changes should be referred to a ballot vote by the residents of Clinton Township.
Charles Lumpking, 35323 Morracco, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated his property is 60
feet wide and inquired as to the setback that is required.
Mr. Cassin stated that without looking at the property he would approximate that the
side yard total setback requirement is nine feet with a minimum of 3 feet on one side.
A resident at 36762 Melbrook Court, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated that he is the
zoning coordinance for his subdivision and inquired as to the chages from the original
ordinance.
Mr. Cassin stated that the two additions to the proposed text are as follows (2F) requiring the license plate and/or registration be displayed; and (2G) requiring the vehicle to be on a storage pad.
George Gunnel, 442 Terricar Lane, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated that he received a violation in the mail and has been unable to contact anyone in the Building Department to resolve the matter.
Mr. Cassin stated that the violation is from the ordinance enforcement office and that the Building Department will have to assist with the violation.
Mark, Terricar Lane, Clinton Township, Michigan, stated he has questions regarding structures and the ordinance.
Mr. Cassin stated that residents can contact the Planning Department and they will answer questions regarding accessory structures.
William Rich inquired as to whether he could request a variance for his recreational vehicle or whether his situation could be "grandfathered" to be in compliance with the ordinance.
Mr. Cassin stated that the proposed ordinance mirrors the original ordinance that was
in effect until approximately one year ago. The only two changes are 2F and 2G. He stated
that residents have the ability to petition the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance. He
added that if a variance was granted it would go with the property.
Joe Markowitz, 18423 Matthew, Clinton Township, Michigan, inquired as to how the interim
ordinance was passed if the public was not notified.
Mr. Cassin stated that the Township notifies residents by placing ads in the Macomb Daily and advertising on the local cable TV stations.
Evelyn Butler stated she would like the proposed ordinance in place of the current
ordinance.
Tom Gibson, 35420 Seville, Clinton Township, Michigan, inquired as to the effective date
if the new ordinance is accepted.
Mr. Cassin stated it would be submitted to the Township Board for approval and would go into effect 30 days after approval.
Mr. Tomlinson stated that the committee was made up of residents who are recreational vehicle owners and those who are not and he felt this is a fair compromise.
Ms. Dedenbach stated her opinion that not every change to the ordinance can be placed on the ballot for a vote.
Mr. Gudobba stated he would like to thank Molly Breasbois, Tom Gibson, Gary Aruda and Rosette O’Neil along with Mr. Catalano, Mr. Woodring and Mr. Tomlinson for participating on the committee.
Motion by Mr. Gudobba, supported by Mr. Landa, with reference to File #5201 and application from the Charter Township of Clinton, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038, concerning request for amendment to text: Recreational Vehicles, Part Twelve-Planning and Zoning Code, that recommendation be submitted to the Township Board for approval. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Gudobba, Landa, Braswell, Dedenbach, Roach, Tomlinson, Woodring, Trombley. Nay- None. Absent- Catalano. Motion carried.
Meeting recessed at 7:44 p.m. and reconvened at 7:49 p.m.
PART OF LOT 30, SUPERVIOR’S PLAT #8 SUBDIVISION AND 3.7 ACRES OF LAND FRONTING THE EAST LINE OF GRATIOT AVENUE, SOUTH OF QUINN ROAD (SECTION 34)
- ALDI RETAIL FOOD STORE
-- REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLANS
MF #5169: PETITIONED BY KEVIN J. MCCLURE
REPRESENTED BY WAYNE A. KOCH
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
Wayne A. Koch, Wightman & Associates, Inc., 920 Broad Street, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, representative, stated that the subject property is vacant and the petitioners plan to develop a grocery store with access from the southwest corner of the lot. He added that they will provide access from Target and the residual parcel of the subject property.
Ms. Braswell inquired as to whether the garage that is on the subject property will be removed.
Mr. Koch stated that garage will be removed.
Mr. Tomlinson inquired as to whether the grocery store will specialize in a certain market.
Mr. Koch stated that the petitioners will develop the store with a German base. The store will carry approximately 700-800 different items. He stated they currently have 400-500 stores across the United States. One Fleet will service the store. He added there are currently 14 stores in Michigan.
Motion by Ms. Braswell, supported by Mr. Roach, with reference to File #5169 and application from Kevin J. McClure , Aldi, Inc., Hinkley Division, 1319 West 130th Street, P.O. Box 844, Brunswick, Ohio 44212, as represented by Wayne A. Koch, Wightman & Associates, Inc., 920 Broad Street, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, concerning request for recommendation of approval of Site Development Plans for Aldi Retail Food Store, located on Part of Lot 30, Supervisor’s Plat #8 Subdivision and 3.7 acres of land fronting the east line of Gratiot Avenue, south of Quinn Road (Section 34), that recommendation for approval be submitted to the Township Board with the notation that this recommendation does not include approval of the business signs for the development. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Braswell, Roach, Dedenbach, Gudobba, Landa, Tomlinson, Woodring, Trombley. Nay- None. Absent- Catalano. Motion carried.
LOTS 276 & 277, JEFFRSON HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION (SECTION 36)
- HARB PLAZA RETAIL STORE
-- REQUEST FOR RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT
PLANS
MF #5194: PETITIOEND BY NIKOLA & NAIMEH HARB
REPRESENTED BY JOHN LATELLA
Pertinent correspondence was read and entered into the record.
John LaTella , 1515 W. Windermere, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, representative, stated the petitioner plans to develop a 3,200 square foot shopping center consisting of one building divided into three stores for retail which is consistent with the zoning.
Ms. Dedenbach inquired whether the petitioner is agreeable to an easement for access to the north and south end of the property.
Mr. Cassin stated that the petitioner is agreeable and the Planning Department is working with the adjacent business owners to receive agreement for the easements to their properties.
Mr. Gudobba stated his opinion that the curb cut would be more suitable to the south of the subject property.
Mr. Cassin stated that the petitioner originally submitted the Site Plans with the curb cut to the south and after review by the Planning Department, it was decided that the curb cut is more suitable at its present location to keep the proposed building even and fluid with the existing buildings.
Mr. Tomlinson inquired as to whether the petitioner is agreeable to developing his wall consistent with the barrier of the adjacent development.
Mr. Latella stated the petitioner is agreeable to keeping the barriers consistent.
Mr. Roach inquired as to how the required parking spaces for the proposed development were calculated. He stated his opinion that there was not enough parking spaces for the proposed development.
Mr. Cassin stated that the required parking spaces were calculated by determining one parking space for every 200 square feet of building space. He added that he could look into the matter.
Motion by Ms. Dedenbach, supported by Ms. Braswell, with reference to File #5194 and application from Nikola & Naimeh Harb, 25019 Anchorage, Harrison Township, Michigan 48045, as represented by John Latella, 1515 W. Windemere, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, concerning request for recommendation of approval of Site Development Plans for Harb Plaza Retail Store, located on Lots 276 & 277, Jefferson Heights Subdivision (Section 36), generally located east of Harper, south of Manila, that recommendation for approval be submitted to the Township Board contingent upon the petitioner agreeing to easements to the north and south of the subject property. Roll Call Vote: Aye- Dedenbach, Braswell, Gudobba, Landa, Roach, Tomlinson, Woodring, Trombley. Nay- None. Absent- Catalano. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Landa, supported by Ms. Braswell, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise C. Trombley, Secretary
CLINTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION