Corridor Improvement Authority

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 9, 2008– 5:30 P.M. CITY CENTER – ROOM 201 Approved Dan Crombez called the meeting to order at 5:43 p.m. Members present at roll call: Daniel Crombez, Denice Gerstenberg, Pat Lehman, and Rose Tocco. Doug Skrzyniarz (arrived 5:50 pm). Members absent: Salvatore D’Angelo, Mary Marcinak, Also in attendance: Luke Bonner, Economic Development Manager; Terry Croad, McKenna Associates, Councilwoman Yvonne Kniaz, Teresa Jarzab, Recording Secretary Motion to Approve the Agenda Moved by Gerstenberg, supported by Tocco, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Motion to Approve the December 13, 2007 Minutes Moved by Gerstenberg, supported by Tocco, to approve the minutes from December 13, 2007. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Discussion on Façade Program Progress Mr. Bonner introduced Mr. Croad of McKenna Associates. Mr. Croad of McKenna discussed his findings after a field review of the corridor. Mr. Croad suggested some corridor improvements to signage, outdoor seating opportunities, landscaping, and pedestrian streetscape. Ms. Lehman questioned if there was already a sign ordinance through the Planning and Zoning Department. Mr. Croad asked the committee for specific direction of their design ideas. Mr. Croad presented a handout of Façade Details and discussed the lack of a historical district, to base any design ideas on. He is presenting what he calls Simplified Traditional. Discussion of site plan reviews, and how the façade program will work on both redevelopment and new construction. Mr. Combez sited an example of the old Ping-on building and the redevelopment of that site, and if this could be our first in the program. Mr. Bonner stated that the developer of Ping-on has already been in to the City and talked with the planning department. Mr. Bonner talked about all the redevelopment in the area, including Bozek’s Market, Shelby Hobby Shop (old CVS) and the Ping-on site. These three projects will really get us started and give the corridor great opportunities. Discussion about the types of materials that would be appropriate to include in the guidelines and how to prohibit inappropriate materials and still achieve the look that the committee wants. Ms. Lehman asked questions about the Boulevard and ROW distances. Ms. Gerstenberg and Mr. Bonner stated that the ROW would be the same if the boulevard were built or not. Question about the status of the Boulevard project. How much would that project cost? Ms. Gerstenberg and Mr. Bonner responded that the entire project including streetscape and the boulevard is estimated at Five (5) Million dollars. Mr. Bonner gave an update on the old Riverland Amusement Park, and the effect that this development would have on the revenue to the program. Discussion ensued regarding the MDOT traffic improvements at the roundabout. Mr. Croad requested the committee to make a decision on how to proceed. Mr. Crombez asked all the members if we agree on the simplified traditional designs as presented by Mr. Croad? All members present agreed, and directed Mr. Croad to proceed. Public Comments Ms. Lehman requested that Ms. Kniaz be shown the boulevard design for the corridor. Discussion ensued over the presented design. Mr. Bonner discussed the traffic analysis completed by HRC. Open discussion regarding the need to get the money to do the boulevard improvements. Discussion regarding both the roundabouts in the City ensued. Adjournment Moved by Crombez, supported by Skrzyniarz to adjourn. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. TJ Minutes Approved 04/09/08 Rose Tocco, Secretary