Planning Commission
Regular MeetingSterling Heights, MI · January 11, 2018
Minutes
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL
January 11, 2018
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI
SUBJECT: Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission held January
11, 2018.
Mr. Reinowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members present at roll call: Lori Doughty, Geoff Gariepy, Paul Jaboro, Edward Kopp,
Stefano Militello, Donald Miller, Leonard Reinowski, and
Gerald Rowe
Members absent at roll call: Parmpreet Sarau – Excused
Also in attendance: Chris McLeod, City Planner
Clark Andrews, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Mr. Miller, supported by Mr. Militello, to AMEND the Agenda by moving item
#1 (PPCM-1183) to item #4 (PPCM-1186) and #4 to #1.
Ayes: Miller, Militello, Reinowski, Rowe, Doughty, Jaboro, Kopp
Nays: Gariepy
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
PPCM-1186 – Shorehaven Manor - Trey Brice
Request for a special approval land use for an existing three (3) story building within the
RM-2 Multiple Family Low Rise District (No improvements proposed) - South side of
Lakeside Circle between South Cove Drive and Shoreline Drive in
Section 01.
Current Zoning: RM-2 Multiple Family Low-Rise District
Property Address 14560 Lakeside Circle
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. McLeod for an overview.
Mr. McLeod displayed site plans and gave an overview stating the applicant is
requesting a special approval land use for the existing three-story building with no
additions or modifications being proposed to the site at this time. The applicant is going
through refinancing and because this property is non-conforming, the bank is requesting
a special approval land use so if the building is ever destroyed more than 50 percent, it
could be rebuilt.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any questions from the Commissioners.
Mr. Miller stated the building has been there for approximately 30 years.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any further questions/comments from the
Commissioners. Being none, he asked the petitioner to come forward to the podium.
Trey Brice of Jaffe Raitt Law Firm, 47777 Franklin Rd, Southfield, came to the podium.
He is representing the owner, HPCI, which is in California. The building was built in
1988-1989 and was conforming with the zoning ordinance at that time.
Mr. McLeod stated the special approval land use would actually give the city more
control if any expansions to the site occurred. The city would have the ability to require
conditions and have discretions on future approvals.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any public participation. Being none, he called for a motion.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 2
Motion by Mr. Gariepy, supported by Mr. Jaboro, that the Planning Commission
APPROVE case number PPCM-1186, Shoreline Manor, Trey Brice, 14560 Lakeside
Circle, to grant Special Approval Land Use for the existing Shoreline Manor
development, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the development and operation of the facility shall remain consistent with the
scale and nature of the use as currently developed and operated and as
described in the application, at Public Hearing, and as reflected on the site plan
provided which represents the current conditions on the site;
2. That the petitioner shall maintain and operate the facility in compliance with all
pertinent codes, ordinances and standards of the City of Sterling Heights, County
of Macomb and the State of Michigan.
3. The decision of the Planning Commission shall remain valid and in force only as
long as the facts and information presented to the Commission are found to be
correct and the conditions upon which this motion is based are forever
maintained as presented to the Commission.
4. That the petitioner file a Notice of Approval with the Macomb County Register of
Deeds within sixty (60) days following this action. Failure to file this notice will
serve as grounds to revoke the Special Approval Land Use;
5. That the petitioner files and delivers a Hold Harmless Agreement in favor of the
City in form and substance satisfactory to the City Attorney.
This action is based on the following findings:
1. That the development as currently exists is compatible with neighboring uses,
and will not negatively impact the neighboring uses.
2. The special approval land use is sought to make the existing development
conforming to the current Zoning Ordinance requirements, which will facilitate
financing of transfers of the property and/or refinancing of the development.
3. That the special approval land use has been found to be compliant with the
specific planning standards of Section 6.02(A).
4. That the special approval land use has been found to be compliant with the
general discretionary standards of Section 25.02.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any discussion on the motion. Being none, he asked for a roll
call vote.
Ayes: Gariepy, Jaboro, Kopp, Militello, Miller, Reinowski, Rowe, Doughty
Nays: None
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
PZ17- 0005 – Gallo Properties, LLC
Request for a conditional rezoning from C-3 (General Business District) to RM-3
(Multiple Family Mid and High Rise District) to allow a multiple family apartment
development – East side of Van Dyke, south of Fifteen Mile Road in Section 34.
Current Zoning: C-3 (General Business District).
Property Address: 34618 Van Dyke
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. McLeod for an overview.
Mr. McLeod displayed site plans and gave an overview stating the applicant is
requesting a conditional rezoning to allow for the second phase of an overall
development of a 200-unit apartment complex.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 3
Mr. Reinowski asked if the Commissioners had any questions for Mr. McLeod. Being
none, he asked the petitioner to come forward to the podium.
Phil Ruggeri and Tony Gallo came to the podium. Mr. Ruggeri stated nothing has
changed from the first presentation.
Mr. Gariepy asked if the issue with the parking lot will still be as stated during the first
presentation.
Mr. Ruggeri stated when construction starts, Mr. Gallo has agreed to take control of the
ingress and egress at 15 Mile Rd and also Van Dyke. He will maintain and repair those
entrance ways. He stated in the interim, it is still the responsibility of Angelo’s to make
repairs, which he has done, that are required at this time.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any other questions from the Commissioners. Being none, he
asked for public participation.
Joni Daley, 8404 Hickory Drive, Sterling Heights, came forward to the podium. She
represented her condominium association and read a prepared letter she wrote stating
being displeased the new apartments are going in.
David Newton, 43339 Hilcrest, Sterling Heights, came to the podium. He asked with the
increase of housing, has the increased numbers for schooling been considered and also
the increase of crime that may happen.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any further public participation. Being none, he asked for any
further questions or comments from the Board.
Motion by Mr. Militello, supported by Mr. Gariepy, that the Planning Commission forward
a recommendation to City Council to APPROVE case number PZ17-0005, Gallo
Properties, to conditionally rezone the subject property, 34618 Van Dyke, from C-3
(General Business District to RM-3 Multiple Family Mid and High Rise District), to allow
the development of phase II of a 200 unit apartment complex as shown on the proposed
plans for the following reasons:
1. Approving a conditional rezoning for this parcel based upon the proposed
conditions contained within the development plans will ensure that the
development will be constructed in accordance with a specific mutually agreeable
conditional rezoning agreement between the petitioner and City prepared by the
City Attorney, which will incorporate the conditions offered by petitioner, to the
benefit of surrounding property owners and the City;
2. That the proposed variances have been found to be acceptable based on the
proposed site plan, landscape plan, and review of the overall parcel
configuration, physical limitations and location.
This recommendation for approval is based on the following conditions:
1. That the applicant agrees to obtain site plan approval for the proposed
development on the property within twelve (12) months of the effective date of the
ordinance amendment approving the rezoning or map amendment, to obtain a
building permit for the proposed development within eighteen (18) months of
such effective date, and to complete development of the proposed development
within thirty (30) months of such effective date for the first phase of the
development.
2. That a mutually agreeable conditional rezoning agreement be prepared by the
City Attorney delineating the terms and conditions of the proposed rezoning to be
executed by the property owner, (and facility operator, if different than the owner),
and the City and recorded with the Macomb County Register of Deeds within
sixty (60) days of approval of the conditional rezoning.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 4
3. That revised site plans addressing the proposed site plan comments noted within
the Office of Planning Staff Report be provided and any additional comments that
arise during site plan review.
4. That phase II of the development as shown will not exceed a total of one hundred
and nine units, but may be less depending on the number of bedrooms for each
unit as the market dictates.
Mr. Rowe stated he is opposed to this because he feels the property is going to be
overdeveloped for the small parcel.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any discussion on the motion. Being none, he asked for a roll
call vote.
Ayes: Militello, Gariepy, Miller, Reinowski, Doughty, Jaboro, Kopp
Nays: Rowe
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
PPCM-1185 – Sterling Café - Basim Youkhana
Request for a special approval land use which if granted would allow a coffee shop to be
located in a C-1 (Local Convenience Business District) – East side of Dequindre, north of
Metropolitan Parkway in Section 19.
Current Zoning: C-1 (Local Convenience Business District)
Property address: 37128 Dequindre Road
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. McLeod for an overview.
Mr. McLeod displayed site plans and gave an overview stating the applicant is
proposing to operate a restaurant use within a tenant space located within an interior
space of the existing Crystal Square Shopping Center. At this time, no application has
been made for a liquor license, an outdoor patio space, or accessory banquet or event
use. Any use of the site for any of these would require separate reviews and approvals
at that time. The applicant provided a list of types of food they will serve which included
chicken, kabobs, burgers, salads, soft drinks and coffee. Their hours would be 2 p.m. to
Midnight.
Mr. Gariepy asked Mr. McLeod if all five of the restaurants came in simultaneously and it
had been zoned differently, would the parking be adequate for the square footage
involved. He also asked if they approved for the least amount of capacity for the
restaurant, approximately how many spaces would they be lacking.
Mr. McLeod answered by stating if all the uses came forward at one time, the parking
would not be sufficient. He stated if the strictest capacity was used, they would still be
short about 20-25 spaces.
Mr. Miller asked what is the occupant load proposed.
Mr. McLeod stated on the plans it shows seating for 70 and in their letter, the applicant
stated 40. He also stated he spoke with the owner of the shopping center and he stated
he didn’t feel the parking was going to be an issue for the shopping center overall.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any other questions from the Commissioners. Being
none, he asked the petitioner to come forward to the podium.
Steve Wendt, 2528 Peterboro Rd. West Bloomfield, Property Manager for Crystal
Square, came forward to the podium. He stated the other restaurant uses in the
shopping center are Jet’s Pizza, an Indian restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant.
Because of the make-up of businesses in the center, he does no feel parking will be an
issue.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 5
The contractor came to the podium. He stated there were things not taken into
consideration like the bathroom is not up to code for handicap, there will be coolers, etc.
He stated the occupancy would only fit about 40 maybe 50.
Ms. Doughty stated she is confused regarding the nature of the business. In the letter, it
states a lunch time café but the hours are 2 p.m. to midnight.
Basim Youkhana, owner of the café, came to the podium and stated yes, he wants to
open the café.
Mr. Gariepy asked him to explain why the letter states something different than is being
stated at the meeting.
Members of the Board asked the petitioner if he would like to postpone to get everything
in order regarding site plans, business plans, and waste plans worked out.
Mr. Wendt stated there was a previous issue with a tenant and the dumpster but all has
been rectified.
Mr. McLeod stated if postponed the applicant would have to have plans submitted in two
weeks. The applicant stated that was fine.
Mr. Militello asked Mr. McLeod if the shopping center is in compliance (other than
landscaping) with the city’s ordinances.
Mr. McLeod stated other than the code enforcement issues that seem to be resolved
and the landscaping which they have stated will be updated, there are no other issues.
Ms. Doughty stated in the documents it is suggested that the applicant add another
dumpster. She asked Mr. McLeod if he felt that was still needed.
Mr. McLeod stated with any restaurant use, there will be more garbage generated and
they could handle by adding a dumpster or adding additional pickups from the waste
removal company.
Mr. Reinowski asked the Commissioners for any further questions or comments. Being
none, he asked for public participation. Being none, he called for a motion.
Motion by Mr. Miller, supported by Mr. Gariepy, that the Planning Commission
POSTPONE case number PPCM-1185, Sterling Cafe, 37120 Dequindre Road, request
for approval Special Approval Land Use, until the next meeting on February 8, 2018.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any discussion on the motion.
Mr. Miller asked Mr. McLeod if a letter could be given to the petitioner stating exactly
what they should have for the next meeting. Mr. McLeod stated he could send an email.
Mr. Reinowski asked for a roll call vote.
Ayes: Miller, Gariepy, Reinowski, Rowe, Doughty, Jaboro, Kopp, Militello
Nays: None
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
Mr. Reinowski stated there will not be another public notice mailing, this case will be
heard again on February 8th.
PCM-1183 – Michelle Finateri
Request for a special approval land use which if granted would allow a recreational
facility furnished by a private contractor on a city owned and operated park facility to be
located in a R-70 (One Family Residential District) – Island Park – South of Hall Road,
west of Hayes Road, south of Lakeside Circle in Section 1.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 6
Current Zoning: R-70 One Family Residential District
Property Address: 14700 Shoreline Drive
Mr. Reinowski asked Mr. McLeod for an overview.
Mr. McLeod stated before he gave his overview of the proposal, Luke Bonner, the city’s
Economic Specialist was going to give a presentation.
Luke Bonner, Economic Development Advisor for the city of Sterling Heights, came
forward and gave a presentation on the Lakeside Mall area and how the adventure park
fits into the overall future plans.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any questions from the Commissioners. Being none,
he asked Mr. McLeod for an overview.
Mr. McLeod displayed site plans and gave an overview stating the applicant is
proposing to operate an aerial ropes park on seven acres of the City’s eleven-acre
Island Park that is situated in Lakeside Lake, immediately south of Lakeside Mall.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there were any questions from the Commissioners. Being none,
he asked the petitioner to come forward to the podium.
Michelle Finateri, 9781 Dixie Hwy, Ira, came to the podium. She started with a short
video of what an adventure park is. The adventure park would be open from April until
October from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Beanstock Builders is the builder of choice.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there will be an entrance fee that would impact the residents.
Ms. Finateri stated there would not be a fee for residents using the park, only for those
that choose to participate with the adventure park itself.
Mr. Gariepy asked Ms. Finateri if she has experience running businesses like this.
Ms. Finateri stated her background is a physical trainer, life guard, and is a business
owner for other unrelated businesses.
Mr. Miller asked if bicycles will be allowed to ride on the island.
Ms. Finateri stated it would depend if they are allowed on currently.
Ms. Doughty asked if the internal trail is new. She also asked if residents will be able to
walk on the trails while people are overhead ziplining.
Ms. Finateri stated there is an internal trail now but there will be more added. Residents
will be able to walk on the internal trails.
Mr. Gariepy asked if when someone is walking on the trail, will there be any interference
if people are using the aerial attraction above them.
Ms. Finateri stated the aerial attractions are 10 feet up and there would be no
interference.
Ms. Doughty asked Ms. Finateri to explain what kind of restrooms will they have.
Ms. Finateri stated they are called vault bathrooms. There is a restroom building but the
waste goes into a container in the ground. There is a service that picks up and disposes
of the waste.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any other questions from Commissioners. Being none, he
asked for public participation.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 7
Richard Straughen lives at 14267 Lakeshore Dr., Sterling Heights. He is representing
and speaking on behalf of the residents in the audience (most of the public in
attendance stood). He showed a power point presentation to express their view point of
what Island Park is and what it should be used for. They requested the Board to deny
the special approval land use.
Jeff Vollmer of Wegner & Vollmer Attorneys, 23201 Jefferson St. Clair Shores,
representing Carriage Park Condominiums came to the podium. He explained the
different zoning areas around the island and how residents will be impacted and asked
that the request be denied.
David Newton, 43339 Hilcrest, Sterling Heights, came to the podium. He stated the
park has been utilized by the residents of Lakeside subdivision for about 40 years and
for various other reasons asked the Board to consider voting against this proposal.
Sheri Sepanak, 15231 Walden Court, Macomb, Executive Director for Atria Shorehaven
Senior Living came to the podium. She explained how the adventure park would
adversely affect the residents of the senior community and asked the Board to deny the
proposal.
Mario Ermers, 14231 Lakeshore Dr., Sterling Heights came to the podium. He
expressed concern for trash being taken off the island and possible vandalism and
asked the Board to vote down the proposal.
Jan Geetson resident in Lakeside Subdivision came to the podium. She gave numerous
reasons why she is opposed to the proposal.
Dan Fitzgerald, 43809 Stoney Lane, came to the podium. He addressed the concerns
of noise, the added buildings, and the disruption of wildlife. He is opposed to the
proposal.
Paul Bochenek, 43974 Stoney Lane, came to the podium. He is concerned about what
the city is getting out of the lease and would the city have to maintain anything. He is
also worried about the resident’s property value dropping.
Lisa, 14605 Island Drive, came to the podium. She stated Island Park is not the place
for an adventure park.
Mike Smith, 14291 Lakeshore Dr., came to the podium. He would like to see the Island
stay peaceful and not have all the noise and loss of privacy.
Theresa O’Neil, 43861 Stoney Lane, came to the podium. Her concern is for the
potential of people walking to their neighborhood from the island.
Pat Cox, 43897 Stoney Lane, came to the podium. She stated she is concerned for the
problems that could arise and the island being destroyed. She is opposed to the
proposal.
Mr. Gariepy asked Mr. McLeod about a deed restriction for the island and if there is
wording about improvements.
Mr. Andrews stated there is deed for the island but there are no restrictions for it being
used for what is proposed. There is no verbiage regarding “improvements”.
Mr. Gariepy also asked if you can get under the floating bridge in a canoe. He also
asked if and what monetary means is the city receiving.
Mr. Andrews stated if approved, there will be a licensing agreement between the
operator and the city and the city will derive revenues for that. He explained the city will
receive 2% for the first operating season, 4% for the second, and 6% for the remainder.
He explained there is no restriction for the city to develop the parks in the city. He
stated all the maintenance of the park will be done by the operator of the business.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 8
Mr. Gariepy asked if the city had a projected revenue of what they might get.
Mr. Andrews stated he did not know.
Ms. Doughty asked Mr. McLeod or Mr. Andrews to address the fact of the island being a
wetland.
Mr. Andrews stated the operator must go through the proper steps to obtain permits
needed.
Mr. McLeod stated if the “use” is approved, they would still have to go through site plan
review, engineering review, etc.
Mr. Militello asked if the city was to build the adventure park itself, would any special
permits be needed. Also, if the city was permitted to do so, could they hire a company to
run the recreation.
Mr. McLeod stated the city’s parks are under the city’s control. If the city wanted to build
a recreation amenity, they could do that.
Mr. Andrews stated there are various instances where the city does not use city
employees to carry out a particular purpose and he believes that could apply in this type
of an operation.
Mr. Rowe recognized and thanked the Economic Development staff for the presentation
of the Lakeside Mall area. He stated Lakeside Mall definitely needs to be repurposed.
He read the differences of a neighborhood park and a community park. He summarized
what the city’s recreation plan stated. He then stated he feels this proposal is
inconsistent with the recreation plan and believes this should remain a neighborhood
park with passive recreations.
Ms. Doughty agreed with Mr. Rowe and stated she too does not believe this proposal is
consistent with the neighborhood.
Mr. Miller asked for the noise levels to be addressed.
Mr. McLeod stated the city has a standardized noise ordinance that all uses and
properties have to abide by. The noise ordinance starts at 11 p.m. He went on to
explain the overall plan of the city to improve the whole Lakeside Mall area and stated
there will have to be improvements made and it is up to the Planning Commission to
decide if this proposal is acceptable for Island Park.
Mr. Miller stated the bridge coming across from the Lakeside Mall side, would have to
be redesigned if they were still going to be able to canoe around the island.
Mr. McLeod agreed that yes it would have to be redesigned.
Mr. Miller asked Ms. Finateri if they had any other alternative bridge designs.
Ms. Finateri stated this was the only design that was feasible due to cost.
Mr. Gariepy asked Mr. Langlois to explain how this proposal fits into the overall plan for
the parks and to address some of the questions whether this is an appropriate use for a
“neighborhood park”.
Mr. Langlois stated it was not part of the original plans back in 2015 but he feels it could
be considered an acceptable use for the park. He explained it is something diverse and
unique from what the city has.
Mr. Gariepy asked Mr. Langlois if this proposal is part of the placemaking plan and to
explain.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 9
Mr. Langlois stated yes, it is part of the plan and they do feel there is a desire from
people in the community and the surrounding areas. He stated placemaking is
important and the city is always looking for ways to make the city more attractive so
people will want to come and relocate to the city.
Mr. Rowe stated the Parks and Recreation Plan he was referring to is the 2017-21 plan
which is updated from the 2015 plan Mr. Langlois was referencing.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any further questions from the Commissioners. Being none, he
called for a motion.
Motion by Mr. Gariepy, supported by Mr. Militello, that the Planning Commission
APPROVE case number PPCM-1183, Michelle Finateri, 14700 Shoreline Drive, to grant
Special Approval Land Use for the development of a recreational facility to be furnished
by a private contractor on a city owned and operated park facility, subject to the
following conditions:
1. That the development and operation of the facility shall remain consistent with the
scale and nature of the use as described in the proposal, at Public Hearing, and
as reflected on an amended site plan provided which addresses the requirements
in this Motion;
2. That the petitioner shall develop, maintain and operate the facility in compliance
with all pertinent codes, ordinances and standards of the City of Sterling Heights,
County of Macomb and the State of Michigan.
3. The decision of the Planning Commission shall remain valid and in force only as
long as the facts and information presented to the Commission are found to be
correct and the conditions upon which this motion is based are forever
maintained as presented to the Commission.
4. That the petitioner file a Notice of Approval with the Macomb County Register of
Deeds within sixty (60) days following this action. Failure to file this notice will
serve as grounds to revoke the Special Approval Land Use;
5. That the petitioner files and delivers a Hold Harmless Agreement in favor of the
City in form and substance satisfactory to the City Attorney.
6. That appropriate site plan and engineering plans meeting all other requirements
of the City of Sterling Heights be provided.
7. That the applicant enter into a mutually acceptable license agreement with the
City Council allowing the operation of an aerial ropes park on Island Park.
8. That the applicant keep on file with the City and Fire Department the most recent
copy of the Emergency Action Plan.
9. That the buildings are adjusted as noted in the staff report to fully comply with
setback standards.
This action is based on the following findings:
1. That the special approval land use has been found to be compliant with the
specific planning standards of Section 3.02(G).
2. That the special approval land use has been found to be compliant with the
general discretionary standards of Section 25.02.
3. That the applicant agrees to obtain site plan approval for the proposed
development on the property within twelve (12) months. If site plan approval is
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 10
not granted within twelve (12) months of special approval land use, the special
approval land use shall lapse and be deemed null and void.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any discussion on the motion.
Mr. Rowe stated a summary of his earlier remarks; (1) the proposal is not compatible
with the adjoining residential area, (2) it is not consistent with the 2017-2021 Recreation
Plan, and (3) it needs to remain a neighborhood park with passive uses.
Mr. Jaboro stated he agrees with Mr. Rowe.
Mr. Gariepy stated when reviewing the proposal, at first, he was not in support of it. He
feels there is a big problem and it needs to start being addressed. (1) The park exists
for the benefit of all the residents of the City of Sterling Heights not just the people that
live closest to it, (2) there is no circumstance in which this park is going to remain
unchanged as it currently exists after Lakeside Mall goes through whatever transition it
is going to go through, and (3) this is an innovative concept, an idea that has not been
tried in this region and it is something that we have the opportunity to get ahead of the
potential competition in other cities and he feels that is valuable. He also stated he
wants to remind people that Island Park and the residents around it do not exist in a
vacuum. He went on to say there are very few parks in the city’s park system that are
immediately adjacent to a vast underutilized shopping center that brings with it traffic.
He stated it needs to be realized we are not dealing with a secluded park that is isolated
from the rest of the city that surrounds it. He believes strongly it could be a good idea
and that is why he supported the proposal.
Mr. Rowe agreed with Mr. Gariepy in that it is a city park and is available to all the
residents of Sterling Heights. He stated there are two different types of parks,
neighborhood parks and community parks and there are appropriate uses within those
respective kinds of parks and he feels this is not one of them.
Mr. Militello feels this is a great concept for this location. He referenced the adventure
park in West Bloomfield which is also located by residential and stated it does very well.
He feels even the city could do it on its own and doesn’t feel it’s right to block it going in
at this time. He feels it would be taking a great potential jewel away for the city.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any further discussion on the motion. Being none, he asked for
a roll call vote.
Ayes: Gariepy, Militello, Kopp
Nays: Doughty, Jaboro, Miller, Reinowski, Rowe
Absent: Sarau
Motion failed.
Meeting went in recess.
Mr. Reinowski stated there were no site plans to review.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Ms. Doughty, supported by Mr. Kopp, to APPROVE the minutes of December
14, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting.
Mr. Reinowski asked if there was any discussion on the motion. Being none, he asked
for a roll call vote.
Ayes: Doughty, Kopp, Miller, Reinowski
Nays: None
Absent: Sarau
Abstain: Gariepy, Jaboro, Militello, Rowe
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting of January 11, 2018
Page 11
Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letters regarding zip-line
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Doughty stated the Board approved a restaurant at 18 and Ryan in which they
stated they would not be a banquet facility. When she went by there, the windows are
all blacked out and even though the establishment stated “open” she could not enter the
building as it was locked. She asked what other conditions could be added in the
motions to prevent things like this from happening.
Mr. Jaboro stated he saw the same thing and asked Mr. McLeod what was going on with
that location.
Mr. McLeod stated there is a request for code enforcement to go to the site. The issues
going on there will be further explored. He stated it was noticed by several people
within the city. He will report back when code enforcement knows what is happening at
the site. He also stated this is an evolving issue and as the Board tries to troubleshoot
and be progressive on addressing these issues that arise with café’s and restaurants,
they are trying to write conditions to stop the issues that may arise. He expressed to the
Commissioners if they have any input to let him know.
There was much discussion on what needs to be done regarding conditions on
establishments that are not following the intended uses.
Motion by Mr. Militello, supported by Mr. Jaboro, to POSTPONE election of officers to
the February 8, 2018 meeting.
Mr. Reinowski asked for any discussion on the motion. Being none, he called for a vote.
Ayes: Militello, Jaboro, Miller, Reinowski, Rowe, Doughty, Jaboro, Kopp
Nays: Gariepy
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Motion by Mr. Rowe, supported by Mr. Jaboro, to ADJOURN .
Ayes: Rowe, Jaboro, Doughty, Gariepy, Kopp, Militello, Miller, Reinowski
Nays: None
Absent: Sarau
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stefano Militello, Secretary
Planning Commission
Agenda
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA FOR JANUARY 11, 2018
Leonard Reinowski,
Regular Meeting to be held at
Chairperson Sterling Heights City Hall
Don Miller, Vice Chairperson 40555 Utica Road
Stefano Militello, Secretary 7:00 p.m.
Gerald Rowe
Paul Jaboro
Edward Kopp
Geoffrey P. Gariepy
Parmpreet Sarau
Lori Doughty
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Public Hearings
1. PPCM-1183 – Michelle Finateri
Request for a special approval land use which if granted would allow a recreational
facility furnished by a private contractor on a city owned and operated park facility
to be located in a R-70 (One Family Residential District) – Island Park – South of
Hall Road, west of Hayes Road, south of Lakeside Circle in Section 1.
Current Zoning: R-70 One Family Residential District
Property Address: 14700 Shoreline Drive
2. PZ17- 0005 – Gallo Properties, LLC
Request for a conditional rezoning from C-3 General Business District to RM-3
Multiple Family Mid and High Rise District to allow a multiple family apartment
development – East side of Van Dyke, south of Fifteen Mile Road in Section 34.
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District.
Property Address: 34618 Van Dyke
3. PPCM-1185 – Sterling Café - Basim Youkhana
Request for a special approval land use which if granted would allow a coffee shop
to be located in a C-1 (Local Convenience Business District) – East side of
Dequindre, north of Metropolitan Parkway in Section 19.
Current Zoning: C-1 Local Convenience Business District
Property address: 37128 Dequindre Road
4. PPCM-1186 – Shorehaven Manor - Trey Brice
Request for a special approval land use for an existing three (3) story building
within the RM-2 Multiple Family Low Rise District (No improvements proposed) -
South side of Lakeside Circle between South Cove Drive and Shoreline Drive in
Section 01.
Current Zoning: RM-2 Multiple Family Low-Rise District
Property Address 14560 Lakeside Circle
2. Site Plans
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA FOR JANUARY 11, 2018
1. None
5. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. December 14, 2017 – Regular Meeting
8. CORRESPONDENCE
9. OLD BUSINESS
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officers
11. ADJOURNMENT
Stefano Militello, Secretary
Planning Commission
FOR ALL CONSIDERATION ITEMS, ANY INTERESTED PERSON MAY APPEAR AND COMMENT IN
PERSON OR BY AGENT OR ATTORNEY UPON THE SCHEDULED AGENDA ITEM DURING THE
PUBLIC HEARING BEING HELD ON THE DATE AND TIME, AND AT THE LOCATION NOTED ABOVE.
WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF PLANNING, 40555 UTICA ROAD,
STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48311-8009 OR AT CMCLEOD@STERLING-HEIGHTS.NET 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 MEETING FOR 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 Sentry, December 27, 2017
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