Planning Commission

CITY OF BATTLE CREEK PLANNING COMMISSION 10 North Division, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Minutes for April 23, 2025 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: By Commissioner Hughes at 4:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: Roll call was taken. Comm. Hughes, present Comm. Denison, present Comm. Godfrey III, present Comm. Moton, absent Comm, O’Donnell, present Comm. White, present Comm, Gray, present Mayor Behnke, present Comm. Morris, present Staff Present: Melody Carlsen, Administrative Assistant, Darcy Schmitt, Planning Supervisor, Marcel Stoetzel, Deputy City Attorney, Ted Dearing, Interim City Manager APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 26, 2026. MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GODFREY TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MEETING MINUTES. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GRAY. ROLL VOTE: Commissioner Hughes asked everyone in favor to signify by saying “aye”. ALL IN FAVOR, NONE OPPOSED, MOTION APPROVED. Noted that the meeting date on the agenda was not correct for the February meeting minutes. The minutes submitted for approval did show the correct date. CORRESPONDENCE: None. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DELIBERATIONS: A. Lakeview District Subplan of the Master Plan public hearing: The Planning Commission will be asked to host a public hearing regarding the proposed Lakeview District Subplan of the Master Plan. The proposed subplan document was released to the Planning Commission, City Commission, surrounding entities and the public on February 26, 2025. Staff Presentation: Darcy Schmitt gave the staff report the Lakeview District Subplan of the Master Plan. Questions by Commissioners: Commissioner Hughes asked if the public comments through the public engagement process were published anywhere. Public Comments: 1  Annie Stetler of 69 E Langley Rd Commissioner White asked the applicant what she felt the Commission could do differently to help respond to her concerns. Mayor Behnke on the Redwood project south of town and the concern of having companies buy in and develop. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. Lakeview District Subplan of the Master Plan Additional Staff Comments: None. Commissioner Question/Comments: Commissioner Dennison about TIF funding, Cost of building and infrastructure funding, time frame for this project, maintenance of green spaces, the edition of pickle ball courts and who the target residents would be. Commissioner Godfrey inquired to the greenway and losing the west end of the mall and if the mall owner has been contacted. Commissioner O’Donnell hopes this plan can move forward, housing and professional offices will need to be developed, road improvements will help and asked what will happen with the existing businesses in the Target area. Commissioner Hughes referred to Commissioner White to elaborate more on the TIF funding. MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MORRIS TO APPROVE THE LAKEVIEW DISTRICT-COORIDOR PLAN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER O’DONNELL. ROLL VOTE: Commissioner Hughes asked everyone in favor to signify by saying “aye”. ALL IN FAVOR, NONE OPPOSED, MOTION APPROVED. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF: None. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Hughes adjourned the meeting at 4:29 pm. Submitted by: Melody Carlsen, Administrative Assistant, Planning & Zoning. 2