MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MIDLAND CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY,

NOVEMBER 13, 2012, 7:00 P.M.,

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

1. Roll Call

PRESENT: Hanna, Heying, McLaughlin, Mead, Pnacek, Senesac, Stewart, Tanzini and Young

ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Kaye, Director of Planning and Community Development, Debbie Marquardt, Technical Secretary, and 4 others.

2. Approval of Minutes

Moved by Hanna, seconded by Young, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 23, 2012 as amended. Motion passed unanimously.

Moved by Hanna, seconded by Young, to approve the minutes of the special meeting of October 23, 2012 as amended. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Public Hearings

None

4. Old Business

a. Conditional Use Permit No. 43 – initiated by DeShano Construction Company for a 49 unit residential senior apartment building, located at 300 Joseph Drive on 2.97 acres.

Mr. Pnacek excused himself from the discussion of this petition.

Mr. Kaye reviewed some minor changes. The building itself has been downsized. The applicant has changed the mix and size of the floor plan. These changes continue to comply with the standards of the Zoning Ordinance.

The petitioner submitted a revised plan in response to staff and commission comments. There is now a privacy fence. They have added an atrium in the rear yard. They have expanded the sidewalk and pathway system around the apartments. They have also expanded the carports. The most significant change is the drive is officially going to connect to the Joseph Run Apartments.

There are eight discretionary standards and the basis to approve or deny the petition. There have been no comments received. The staff recommendation is for approval

Mr. Heying asked if the public services were already there. There is an existing water line that runs through the Josephs Run Apartment site. The proposed water line will connect to and loop this water line.

Mr. Senesac asked if there was a comment from the fire department in regards to the atrium. Mr. Kaye advised that the Fire Department has now reviewed the revised site plan and that they have no concerns.

Mr. Senesac expressed some concern in regards to handicapped parking spaces. Mr. Ledy did take a look at that and they thought they could add more to the site plan. Three meets the ADA requirements and the Zoning Ordinance. It is a senior residence but it is not assisted living. Mr. Senesac does not think three parking spaces would be enough. Mr. Ledy stated that they could add two more spaces.

Mr. Senesac asked about the number of apartments. The original size of the one bedroom apartments was at 662 square feet and decreased to 648 square feet and a two bedroom apartment was 883 to 1,101 square feet and they are now 864 square feet. If he takes the numbers, it seems they are reducing the non apartment space in the building by almost one floor. Mr. Ledy stated that the second and third floors are primary residences. They revised the floor plan and building size. There is a large community room on the first floor and also a game and fitness room and the atrium. The atrium has an enclosed walkway and is heated.

Mr. Mead stated that it sounds like the project is a work in progress but that the final number of units is going to be 49. Mr. Ledy stated that they thought it would be a better mix to have more two bedroom apartments. They might move some partitions around but generally this is the layout.

Motion by Senesac, seconded by Young, to recommend to City Council the approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 43 initiated by DeShano Construction Company for a 49 unit residential senior apartment building, located at 300 Joseph Drive on 2.97 acres with the following contingencies:

1. The easterly access drive connecting with the adjacent Joseph Run Apartments development shall be secured through easement documents satisfactory to the City Attorney.

2. A looped watermain system shall be provided by connecting to the existing public watermain within the adjacent Joseph Run Apartments development. Easement documents acceptable to the City Attorney shall be provided.

3. The storm water management methods are designed and constructed in accordance with the City of Midland Engineering Department specifications.

4. All landscaping shall comply with Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance.

5. All exterior lighting shall comply with Section 3.12 of the Zoning Ordinance.

6. All exterior signage shall comply with Article 8 of the Zoning Ordinance.

7. A soil and sedimentation control plan must be approved.

8. All required public easements shall be secured and provided to the City of Midland, to the satisfaction of the City Engineering, Water and Planning Departments.

9. The sidewalk shall be moved to the west side of the property.

10. The number of handicapped parking spaces shall be increased by a minimum of two spaces.

Mr. Heying drove out to that part of the city and looked at the property and is of the opinion that this is a good location for this use. It is near the mall and restaurants and in an area with a lot less traffic. It has a lot going for it.

Ms. Hanna said that the safety for the site is much better and also feels it is a good fit.

Mr. McLaughlin agreed that it is a good fit in a growing area and a good location.

Mr. Mead agrees this is a good fit and this is a perfect blend of the two.

Vote:

YEAS: Hanna, Heying, McLaughlin, Mead, Pnacek, Senesac, Stewart, Tanzini and Young

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: Pnacek

5. Public Comments

None

6. New Business

None

7. Communications

None

8. Report of the Chairperson

None

9. Report of the Planning Director

There were six items on the City Council agenda on Monday, November 12, 2012. The Center City Authority TIF plan was one of the primary issues and has been on going since 2009. The TIF plan just went through a 60 day opt out period. That was adopted and approved last night.

The Conditional Use Permit for Midland Rental Property was withdrawn and the application is closed and completed.

The City Council also dealt with the DNO sign standards. They appreciated the time the Planning Commission put into the text amendment and supported the recommended ordinance language.

The three annexation properties all went through without comment and were recommended for approval.

The City has started the recruiting process for the 2013 Citizen Academy. It is a 10 week series and will be held on Wednesday evenings from January 16, 2013 through March 20, 2013. One session will be devoted to Midland County government and the collaborative relationship between the County and City of Midland. The deadline to apply is December 14, 2012.

10. Items for Next Agenda – November 27, 2012

a. Conditional Use Permit No. 44 – K-Berger III, LLC for a Culvers restaurant with a drive-thru, located at 7300 Eastman Avenue – public hearing.

11. Adjourn

Motion by Heying second by Hanna to adjourn at 7:35. .

Respectfully submitted,

C. Bradley Kaye, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

MINUTES ARE NOT FINAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION