Planning Commission
Regular MeetingSterling Heights, MI · May 14, 2015
Minutes
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL
May 14, 2015
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission held May 14, 2015.
Mr. Reinowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members present at roll call: Benjamin Ancona, Al Kollmorgen, Stefano Militello, Donald Miller,
Jeffrey Norgrove, and Leonard Reinowski
Members absent at roll call: Paul Jaboro, Excused
Edward Kopp, Excused
Gerald Rowe, Excused
Also in attendance: Donald Mende, City Planner
Clark Andrews, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Militello, supported by Kollmorgen, to approve.
Ayes: Militello, Kollmorgen, Miller, Norgrove, Reinowski
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe
Motion carried.
PPCM-1143 – VERIZON WIRELESS / Jonathon Crane-CW Consultants
Requesting Special Approval Land Use for a Cellular Tower in a C-1 (Local Convenience Business)
district - North Side of 19 Mile Road between Schoenherr Road and Freeport Drive in Section 1.
Property Address: 13901 19 Mile Road.
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. Mende to provide background on the case.
Mr. Mende stated that this case is for a Special Approval Land Use for a cellular telephone
tower. The property is located on the north side of 19 Mile Road and is in the Sunny Square
Shopping Center. The property is zoned C-1 (Local Convenience Business) and the parcel
dimensions are 240’ fronting on 19 Mile Road with a depth of 400’. The petitioner intends to
construct an 80’ tall monopole for wireless carriers and the Sterling Heights zoning ordinance
does permit Wireless Communication Towers in a C-1 zoning district, subject to review and
approval by the Planning Commission and must meet all conditions of the ordinance
requirements. Mr. Mende stated that in addition to the monopole, which is located to the rear
of the building, a 12’ x 14’ lease area is proposed that would encircle the tower, as well as a 12’
x 17’ enclosed lease area for a natural gas powered generator, which is located at the north end
of the parking lot. The proposed equipment room for the tower will be located in the existing
building adjacent to the monopole. The property that directly abuts the request to the east and
to the north is the Brookline Subdivision developed with single family homes. Mr. Mende also
stated that a number of concerns were identified with the proposed cellular tower site plan
when reviewing the site plan with the zoning ordinance along with the general standards that
the Planning Commission must determine are met before approval of the Special Approval Land
Use.
1. Location of the monopole. The monopole will make vehicular traffic more hazardous
than is normal as its location interferes with the vehicular turning movements and
traffic flow, and access to off-street parking, refuse containers and drive-through lane
stacking. It extends directly into the maneuvering lane.
2. Location of the natural gas generator. The location of the generator immediately
abutting a refuse dumpster enclosure is a concern. Refuse dumpsters are emptied on a
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Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 2
regular basis and Code Enforcement often times responds to damaged enclosure
complaints where the refuse truck or container has hit the enclosure walls.
3. Communication Tower Design. All communication towers, antennas and related
facilities are to be designed and constructed to minimize their visual impact to the
greatest extent possible, by means of tower placement, screening and landscaping. No
screening or landscaping has been provided in this case.
Mr. Mende stated that the petitioner has indicated that there is a lack of service in this area
thus the need for the tower placement at this location. Mr. Mende also indicated for the
audience’s benefit that there has been a lot of talk about the health effects of cellular towers
but wants to let it be known that, as long as these towers are in compliance with the FCC
requirements, the Federal laws, they cannot be denied based on perceived health risks and
strictly from the site plan point of view, the concerns indicated are strong enough that a
recommendation has been made for denial for the placement of the tower at this location.
Mr. Reinowski asked the petitioner to come forward to make his presentation.
Mr. Jonathon Crane, Petitioner, 1126 N. Main, Rochester, MI, stated he is a Civil Engineer, Land
Use Planner, and an Attorney. He provided his phone number (248-650-8000) for anyone that
has an issue, problem, or concern with this.
Robert Prosbello, Real Estate Site Acquisition Specialist, working for Verizon Wireless, was in
attendance, as well as Chris Wilcox, Radio Frequency Engineer.
Mr. Crane stated that this site meets all criteria relative to height setbacks, and is a permitted
Special Land Use within the C-1 (Local Convenience Business) district. Mr. Crane also gave a
background on the wireless service industry including its tremendous growth. Currently there
are 13 antennas in the Sterling Heights community with this being the 14th, basically within 36
square miles. This tower is needed and they are very precise in their locations. Of the 13 sites
in Sterling Heights, there has never been a complaint from neighbors, Fire and Safety, and Code
Enforcement. Verizon is what they consider a good corporate resident. They maintain their
properties to the highest standards, along with safety conscious and pollution conscious. The
criteria required for evaluation is 3-fold: the design to protect natural resources, health, safety
and welfare as well as the social and economic well-being of those in the land use activity.
What is being proposed is for the 80’ monopole, as pictured in the site plan, which is less than
the height of two telephone poles, to be placed immediately adjacent to the building and
protected by two bollards and then the generator be placed in the rear next to the dumpster
enclosures and protected it with bollards. Mr. Crane stated with the drive-thru concern is that
there are 170 linear feet which is enough for 8 – 9 cars. In addition, the distance from bollard
to bollard is in excess of 30’. As far as the landscaping, they are correct that there is no
landscaping in the site plan due to this being located in the back of a shopping center but will
work with the city on what is necessary.
Mr. Crane stated that Verizon meets every requirement and general standards on location,
design, size, and character along with operation and safety measures. He feels it relates
harmoniously with adjacent land uses and feels there will be no impact on neighboring housing
along with any traffic with the monopole and generator. Mr. Crane asked the City Attorney,
since there is not a full board, what it would take to get an approval.
Mr. Andrews stated that five affirmative votes out of the six commissioners present.
Mr. Crane stated that he would like to hear from the residents and asked if he could come back
with a revised site plan that addresses each issued raised. Mr. Crane presented a drawing with
the site as it exists right now, a drawing of the site with the proposed monopole, along with
another showing it with a monopine, to look like a tree. He does not recommend this but is
authorized to offer it. Mr. Crane also presented coverage maps showing the coverage of
surrounding sites along with pin pointing 19 Mile and Schoenherr.
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Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 3
Mr. Kollmorgen asked if these sites are Verizon and what about the other sites.
Mr. Crane stated yes, they are Verizon and they co-locate with all of them. Each one of the
towers has to have at least one other carrier on them. Mr. Crane then presented a drawing,
showing smaller cells, exactly the site it will be servicing. The last drawing presented was an
aerial photograph.
Mr. Miller asked that these are only Verizon cell towers and no others are showing in the
drawings.
Mr. Crane stated that there are no available towers to co-locate to and yes, there are other
Verizon towers and preceded to show the Verizon sites and other locations such as the Edison
Tower.
Mr. Kollmorgen asked why they can’t use the Edison Tower.
Mr. Crane stated they have a monopole adjacent to the Edison Tower. But to answer the
question, it is a company decision that Verizon does not locate on the Edison Towers. A couple
of smaller carriers do but Verizon does not. He stated that under the ordinance you are
required to show any and why you can’t located on any towers and Verizon looked at a half
mile and there were no sites available. They did look at other sites locations but this proposed
site best fits their needs.
Mr. Norgrove asked Mr. Crane that he said he was willing to work with the city and would come
back in front of the board, and does he not want the board to vote because of some issues that
may come up.
Mr. Crane stated that is correct.
Mr. Norgrove mentioned that he does have concerns with the 3 items brought up by Mr.
Mende. Mr. Norgrove prefers that Mr. Crane get with Mr. Mende and revise the proposal. He
has way too many questions at this point regarding the dumpsters and fire risks in the building,
just to name a few.
Mr. Militello asked Mr. Crane if the generator could be moved away from the dumpsters
Mr. Crane stated that they could move the generator away from the dumpster.
Mr. Kollmorgen asked Mr. Mende if the fire department approved or reviewed this request.
Mr. Mende stated they are not included as part of the Special Approval Land Use that’s just the
Planning Commission deciding whether this land use is appropriate for this location. If it is
given approval it will then go through normal site view process at that point. At that time, the
Fire Department will become involved.
Mr. Miller asked Mr. Crane if there are any restrictions on putting a petroleum based generator
next to a retention pond.
Mr. Crane stated there are no city restrictions or environmental protection agency restrictions.
They do natural gas as a corporate policy.
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. Crane that substantially all the other towers are taller, why are they
going with such a short one and how does it affect the coverage range.
Mr. Crane stated that as they get more sites they do not need the height and this is smaller cell
area.
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Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 4
Mr. Reinowski opened the public hearing for any questions or comments from the public.
Mr. James Belk, 13968 Peterboro in Sterling Heights, does not believe another tower is needed
since there are already 18 other towers total in the area. He does not feel the landscaping is
adequate and asked if Verizon will be owning the property or leasing from the Shopping Center.
Mr. Crane stated they will be leasing.
Ms. Paula Sellers, 13946 Billette Drive of Sterling Heights, has a signed petition from neighbors
opposing the tower and also thinks the landscaping is inadequate. She has submitted a copy of
the signed petition.
Mr. Ancona mentioned as a point of reference that all commissioners have received copies of all
correspondence, the petition, and letters from residents.
Ms. Agnus Siegle, 43006 Freeport Drive, Sterling Heights, is questioning why this particular area
is being picked out in regards to Mr. Crane’s drawings showing the large red area as
“unsatisfactory” but this large red area doesn’t seem to be affected.
Mr. Walter Kugawa, 13920 Peterboro, Sterling Heights, opposes the proposal. Mr. Kugawa is a
Verizon customer and has never dropped a call.
Mr. Adam Vasburg, 13993 Peterboro, Sterling Heights, opposed the proposal. Mr. Vasburg
does have concerns with the value of his home and believes the tower to be unsightly.
Mr. David Wolff, 43077 Freeport , Sterling Heights, opposed the proposal.
Mr. Dan VanHecke, 43029 Freeport, Sterling Heights, opposed to proposal.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any other questions from the board.
Mr. Kollmorgen stated that since Mr. Crane needs 5 affirmative votes out of the 6
commissioners present, he suggests a motion to postpone.
Mr. Crane stated that he would like to cover just a few more points that were brought up by
the public audience, the first being the generator. It wouldn’t be exercised everyday but would
be during the daytime hours for about 20 minutes and with the landscaping, he counted the
trees and there were 26 trees, with one being dead. He is willing to work with any other
landscaping issues. Mr. Crane would like to work with Mr. Mende on the issues and would like
to postpone.
Motion by Kollmorgen, supported by Miller, in the case number PPCM-1143 – Verizon Wireless/
Jonathon Crane, CW Consultants, to postpone the request for a Special Approval Land Use for a
Cellular Tower in a C-1 (Local Convenience Business) district until the June 11, 2015 meeting.
Mr. Norgrove stated that he hopes that the petitioner gets with Mr. Mende to rectify all
problems discussed.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any questions on the motion. None.
Ayes: Kollmorgen, Miller, Norgrove, Ancona, Militello, Reinowski
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe Motion carried.
Mr. Mende stated that he wanted the audience to know that since this is a postponement to a
certain date that no new post card mailings will go out.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 5
Mr. Norgrove asked that if there were any more correspondence with this case if they could be
forwarded to them prior to the next meeting.
Mr. Mende stated that any correspondence received prior to the meeting with be included with
the packet or will be provided at that meeting.
Mr. Ancona would like to bring up the condition of the property and would like to be able to
talk about this issue.
Mr. Mende stated that he has taken note on that issue and will get with the Code Enforcement
Office regarding the landscaping, trash, and debris.
CASE PPCM-1144 – Ryan Road, LLC
Requesting approval of a Planned Unit Development conceptual plan – West side of Ryan Road
between 19 Mile Road and Lake Forest Drive in Section 16.
Property Address: 43311 – 43431 Ryan Road.
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. Mende to provide background on the case.
Mr. Mende stated that the petitioner is requesting approval of a Residential Planned Unit
Development (PUD). The development consists of three vacant parcels that dimension 133’ x
568’ each. The combined frontage on Ryan Road totals 399’ with a combined area of 5.2 acres.
The Villa Mara single-family residential development lies immediately to the west of this
proposal. To the east, across Ryan Road, are the Vineyards single-family and condominium
developments. Two of the three parcels are owned by the City (Lot 2 and Lot 3 per the drawing
presented). Those properties were acquired as part of the Ryan Road widening and
reconstruction project that was done a number of years ago and have remained as excess
parcels after that project was completed. At the regular City Council meeting of April 21, 2015,
City Council approved the sale of these two lots to the petitioner so that they may proceed with
the processing of development plans for this proposal. As part of the Purchase Agreement,
approved by the City Council and distributed to the Board members, there were a number of
conditions that were agreed upon between the two parties, the City Council and the Petitioner.
1. By means of a Declaration of Easements, Covenants and Restrictions, Ryan Road LLC will
be obligated to construct Lisa Marie Gardens as an eleven (11) lot single-family
development.
2. The eleven lots are large, with the smallest over a quarter-acre in size.
3. The new residential development will have a cul-de-sac with access from the existing
stub street (Lisa Marie Drive) in the Villa Mara Subdivision. There will be no access to
Ryan Road, so cut-through traffic is limited.
4. The developer/builder is obligated to construct single-family residential homes
commensurate with elevations submitted as part of the proposal. The first level of any
residential construction shall be all brick. The square footage of the three models
ranges from 1,985 up to 3,690 square feet. Side entrance garages are mandatory, and
all construction access, while this development is being constructed for the road and for
the home sites, will take access off of Ryan Road so the existing subdivision will not be
impacted.
Mr. Mende stated that the intent of the PUD provisions of the Zoning Ordinance is to allow
more efficient use of land consistent with the requirements of the city’s Master Land Use Plan.
This PUD option in the ordinance was recently approved by City Council and this is the first
Residential Plan being proposal under this new ordinance. The approval of the conceptual plan
is completely in character with the surrounding neighborhood by way of the lot sizes, square
footage, design, landscaping as well as density. It also allows for a combination of the two city
surplus parcels with an adjoining vacant parcel to improve the size and aesthetics of the
residential development and complies with all standards of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Mende
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Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 6
stated that since this is a planned unit development, this is a recommendation by the Planning
Commission that will go on to City Council. Mr. Mende concluded that they have no objections
to the approval of the plan.
Mr. Reinowski requested the petition to come forward for his presentation.
Mr. Fazal Khan, Petitioner, stated he has the option to purchase the parcels and is proposing 11
lots which will all be similar with the surrounding lots and housing.
Mr. Militelllo asked Mr. Khan if he would be building himself or selling the lots.
Mr. Khan stated that he will be hiring a builder and has been talking with a few builders already.
Mr. Reinowski asked if any other questions from the Commissioners. None
Mr. Reinowski opened the public hearing for questions and comments from the public.
Mr. Gregory Thomas, 43248 Gina Drive, Lot 29, Sterling Heights, stated his home/subdivision
backs up to the proposed lot. This subdivision pays association dues and would like to know if
this new development will have to pay association dues, because it states in his building
association manual that “any future buildings would have to join the association and pay dues”.
He is, however, in favor of the proposal.
Mr. Brian McMichael, 43266 Gina Drive, Sterling Heights, indicated he is not opposed to the
proposal but he does live directly behind one of the lots and his concern is with the maintaining
of the 50 feet behind his property. He has currently been maintaining this area for the past 20
years and has planted trees. His other concern is with the construction traffic.
Mr. Jason Lagerould, 43471 Ryan Road. He is wondering if there is a drainage plan for this
development.
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. Mende if he could answer any of the public questions.
Mr. Mende stated that concerning the construction traffic, the petitioner has indicated and is
agreeable that all construction traffic will take access off of Ryan Road. Mr. Mende also stated
that this will be a site condominium subdivision and as a result, will have their own association.
There is landscaping proposed for the Ryan Road frontage and they will be responsible for that
area.
Mr. Militello asked Mr. Mende if there is a separate drainage line.
Mr. Khan stated that there will be rear yard drainage.
Mr. Gregory Thomas again came forth to the Board with the association manual reading its
content on having to join the association and pay dues which is signed by the City.
Mr. Clark Andrews, Assistant City Attorney, stated that he believes that what the condominium
documents essentially say is that the person that developed the Villa Mara Subdivision had the
option to include additional land in the subdivision and this is not that situation here. This is an
independent person that owns the property that has chosen to develop it as a site
condominium and that a site condominium, by law, is required to have a separate
condominium association. This provision appears to be that if in fact that the developer of Villa
Mara Subdivision had decided to increase the size by adding additional property to the
subdivision, that they would be agreeing they would be subject to the same restrictions listed
in the manual. Mr. Andrew believes that this provision does not apply to this new
development.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 7
Mr. Brian McMichael, 43266 Gina Drive, Sterling Heights, came forth again stating that he feels
the same association fee should apply because of the fact that Gina Drive will be used as the
one-way into the subdivision.
Mr. Andrews stated that Gina Drive is a public drive and neither association is responsible for
the maintenance of the road and he also stated that anyone that wants to develop land has an
option to do it either as a site condominium project or as a single-family subdivision and the
site condominium process is shorter than for subdivisions. Under the Condominium Act, a site
condominium has to have a separate condominium association for their development. And
since this is being done as an independent development, and not an addition to the existing
subdivision, then there is no legal requirement that that be done.
Mr. Militello asked Mr. Khan that in his bylaws for his site condominium, that if the condo
association will be taking care of the landscaping.
Mr. Khan stated that the owners will be maintaining their own lots and the association will take
care of the common areas.
Mr. Norgrove just wanted to clarify that the Board does not have the authority to make people
join an association. He also added just a suggestion for Mr. Brian McMichaels that he may want
to get with the developer on leaving the trees that he has planted.
Mr. Reinowski called for a motion.
Motion by Militello, supported by Kollmorgen, in the Case Number PPCM-1144 – Ryan Road
LLC, to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the request of a Planned Unit
Development conceptual plan based upon the facts presented and depending upon additional
findings presented at the public hearing, and due to the fact that:
1. The proposed plan meets all applicable provisions of Section 22.03, and provides for an
efficient and aesthetic use of vacant property;
2. The proposed plan is in keeping with the physical character of the city and the area
surrounding the development.
Mr. Andrews asked if the Planning Commission thinks that the construction traffic issue is
important, that they should put in a recommendation to the City Council that a condition be
added that the Master Deed of that project include a provision requiring that the construction
traffic use Ryan Road.
Motion by Militello, supported by Kollmorgen, to amend the approval with the add condition
relating to construction traffic.
Ayes: Militello, Kollmorgen, Miller, Norgrove, Reinowski, Ancona
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe
Motion carried.
PZ15-1135 – PLANNING COMMISSION / CITY COUNCIL
Proposed text amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 amending Article 24 Environmental
Provisions, Article 29 Administration and Enforcement, Article 31 Definitions, and any other
technical corrections related to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 (adopted September 13, 1989, as
amended).
Mr. Reinowski called for Mr. Mende to discuss the case.
Mr. Mende stated that this is a proposed text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that
addresses and updates the City’s single-family residential landscape regulations. The City’s
ordinances do not currently define any minimum front and side yard minimum landscaping
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 8
expectations for single-family zoned lots. This deficiency has led some homeowners and
occupants to eliminate landscaping altogether or, instead, simply install lawn and grass all the
way to the edge of the home on the site. Aesthetically, a lack of a defined landscaped area
diminishes the character of the yard and detracts from the enhancements established in
neighboring yards. Beyond aesthetic concerns, a lack of landscaping can lead to water flow, soil
erosion, and similar concerns. The proposed ordinance would amend and establish certain
regulations which include the following:
Definitions – Residential Landscaped Area.
Residential Landscaped Area will be inserted into the Zoning Ordinance and defined as the
surface area immediately adjacent to a residential home. The Residential Landscaped Area will
only be required for one-family residential home sites (new and existing) and will be required to
extend at least 3 feet outward from the home but limited to no more than 10% of the total
natural ground cover area in the front yard, excluding right-of-way (and side yards for corner
lots). It may be interrupted by other design features on the site, including but not limited to
porches, driveways, and sidewalks.
Plant Material.
The Residential Landscaped Area must consist of 70% living plant material, including but not
limited to bushes, shrubs, and flowers. Plant material to not exceed 4 feet in height and shrubs
must be at least 18 inches wide. The remaining exposed ground must be covered with natural
or artificial ground cover.
Administrative and Enforcement.
The requirements of the Residential Landscaped Area will be set forth in the Zoning Ordinance
and adopted by reference in the Property Maintenance Code, with enforcement through the
Code Enforcement and the Ordinance Board of Appeals process. Code Enforcement will create
and maintain a minimum landscaping plan that will be used as a guide, which has been
provided as backup for the board as a sample plot plan. Just as the ordinance now gives new
construction 1 year for installing lawn, this ordinance will have the same time limit.
Mr. Mende stated that as a related amendment, the City Council will be considering changes to
the Code of Ordinances (Property Maintenance), which will enhance the City’s firewood storage
regulations to eliminate multiple piles and non-uniform storage as well as cross reference the
proposed residential landscaping regulations of the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Mende also stated that the City works hard to stay up with the neighborhoods and
property values with spring clean-up events and is organizing a city wide clean-up day that will
be hosted by the Department of Public Works and Waste Management. Minimum landscape
standards currently exist for other zoning districts and adding this new language for single-
family will create increased neighborhood aesthetics, uniformity to other relevant sections of
the zoning and property maintenance ordinance, and a strengthened regulatory process. Since
this is a zoning text amendment, this is a recommendation by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any questions from the Board.
Mr. Kollmorgen stated he had a suggestion that OBA (Ordinance Board of Appeals) that it be
referred to as Board of Ordinance Appeals.
Mr. Mende stated the OBA or Board of Ordinance Appeals would be the body to hear any
violation to this ordinance. There is also in place, found in the Property Maintenance Code, an
Administrative Appeals process, which is an administrative review process with city
administration to make it quick and simple for the homeowners that are exceeding our
minimum standards but obviously meeting the intended standards.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 9
Mr. Kollmorgen stated that then the Administrative Appeals could be overruled by the OBA.
Mr. Mende stated that this is correct if someone appealed the Administrative Appeals decision.
Mr. Norgrove asked Mr. Mende if the issue of people painting their driveways will be addressed
or is that addressed in the ordinance as it sits now.
Mr. Mende stated that he would need to check with the building official. This would come
under the Concrete Ordinance not under this ordinance.
Mr. Miller asked Mr. Mende if the city has adopted the Property Maintenance Code and all
portions of it.
Mr. Mende stated yes it has adopted the Property Maintenance Code.
Mr. Andrews stated the Property Maintenance Code has been adopted and may be time to
adopt the next cycle. We are currently working under the 2009 version and it was adopted
with some administrative changes.
Mr. Reinowski asked if any more questions from the Board. There were none.
Mr. Reinowski opened the public hearing for questions or comments from the public. There
were none.
Motion by Militello, supported by Norgrove, in the Case Number PZ15-1135 – Planning
Commission / City Council to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve
amending Articles 24, 29, and 31, and any other technical revisions to Zoning Ordinance #278.
Ayes: Militello, Norgrove, Reinowski, Ancona, Kollmorgen, Miller
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe
Motion carried.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Militello, supported by Ancona, to approve the minutes of April 09, 2015.
Ayes: Militello, Ancona, Kollmorgen, Miller, Norgrove, Reinowski
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe
Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Reinowski stated for the record that everyone received copies of a letter from Susan
Strohower dated May 13th regarding the cell tower and another message from Paula Sellers
dated May 13th along with a letter with a number individuals who signed a petition opposing
the cell phone tower. David and Kathy Walters also submitted a letter dated May 12th.
Mr. Norgrove asked if Mr. Ancona wanted to address the condition of the property that was
mentioned earlier.
Mr. Ancona stated that Mr. Mende had and he is good.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of May 14, 2015
Page 10
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS – MASTER LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Mende stated that Mr. Nick Lomako, representing Wade Trim & Associates, is present and
if the Planning Commission recalls back in February, it was discussed at the Planning
Commission that they were undertaking a new Master Land Use Plan amendment and looking
at the city’s recreation plan that has to be updated in order to qualify for any grant funding
from the State of Michigan as well as a non-motorized transportation plan. The State of
Michigan requires the Master Land Use Plan be updated every five years. Mr. Mende stated
that Mr. Lomako is here to give a brief overview of his company and his team.
Mr. Lomako stated he is privileged to introduce himself and his team that will be working with
the Planning Commission on the update of the Master Plan and the schedule. Mr. Lomako
stated that Wade Trim is a national consulting firm and headquartered in Detroit. Along with
this team, they have asked other firms to join them such as livingLAB , a firm who specialize in
non-motorized transportation and recreation planning, Archive D.S. who specialize in design
and place making, and Randy Book from Colliers International, an international real estate
advisory firm, to make this a market driven plan. Mr. Lomako stated that also in the material is
an Organizational Chart which is a work plan divided up showing the specific tasks at hand with
the task leaders, a project profile information sheet, a program schedule, and a master plan
evaluation checklist. This checklist would help them understand what the expected outcome of
the project is and he would like for the commissioners to complete the checklist and forward
back to Mr. Mende.
Mr. Kollmorgen asked Mr. Mende if they were still at 95% developed or what is it now?
Mr. Mende stated they still like to say they are 95% developed but with the update of the
Master Plan and this analysis of the existing land use, more definite numbers will be produced.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Norgrove stated the Planning Commission bylaws have not been updated since 2008 and
would like to revisit this in the future for any updates.
Mr. Mende stated that he could provide everyone a copy of the bylaws and then everyone can
review and discuss at an upcoming meeting.
Mr. Reinowski stated that a copy of the bylaws along with any suggestions would be a good
start.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion by Militello, supported by Miller, to adjourn.
Ayes: Militello, Miller, Norgrove, Reinowski, Ancona, Kollmorgen
Nays: None
Absent: Jaboro, Kopp, Rowe
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Benjamin Ancona, Secretary
Planning Commission
Agenda
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA FOR MAY 14, 2015
REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD AT
STERLING HEIGHTS CITY HALL
40555 UTICA ROAD
7:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Considerations
1. PPCM-1143 – Verizon Wireless/Jonathan Crane, CW Consultants
Request for Special Approval Land Use for a Cellular Tower in a C-1 (Local
Convenience Business) district – North side of 19 Mile Road between Schoenherr
Road and Freeport Drive in Section 1.
Property address: 13901 19 Mile Road
2. PPCM-1144 – Ryan Road, LLC
Requesting approval of a Planned Unit Development conceptual plan – West side of Ryan
Road between 19 Mile Road and Lake Forest Drive in Section 6.
Property address: 43311 – 43431 Ryan Road
3. PZ15-1135 – Planning Commission/City Council
Proposed text amendments to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 amending Article 24
Environmental Provisions, Article 29 Administration and Enforcement, Article 31
Definitions, and any other technical corrections related to Zoning Ordinance No. 278
(adopted September 13, 1989, as amended).
6. Citizen Participation
7. Approval of Minutes
April 9, 2015 – Regular Meeting
8. Correspondence
9. Old Business
10. New Business
Master Land Use Plan Update
11. Adjournment
Benjamin Ancona, Secretary
Planning Commission
ANY INTERESTED PERSON MAY APPEAR AND COMMENT IN PERSON OR BY AGENT OR
ATTORNEY UPON A SCHEDULED AGENDA ITEM DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD AT
THE DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION ABOVE. WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE
OFFICE OF PLANNING, 40555 UTICA ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48311-8009 UP TO
THE MEETING TIME.
COPIES OF THE APPLICATION AND RELATED DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO ANY REQUEST ON
THE AGENDA ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE OFFICE OF PLANNING DURING
REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS AND AT THE PUBLIC HEARING. ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE
ABOVE ITEMS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF PLANNING – 586-446-2360.
THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY REASONABLE AUXILIARY AIDS
AND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE MEETING UPON SEVEN DAYS
NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE AT 586-446-2470.
Published: Sterling Heights Source April 26, 2015.
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