Flushing City Planning Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2008
A Regular Meeting of the Flushing City Planning Commission was called to order on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Kevin J. Keane, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: C. Neil Blackmore
Daniel D. Borgerding
Dennis Bueche
John C. Gault
Kevin J. Keane
Karianne M. Martus
Robert Matsko
John C. Olson
Absent: Jack N. Owens
Others Present: Dennis J. Bow, City Manager
Approval of Minutes – Motion by Gault, seconded by Blackmore, to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2008 Regular Meeting, as written.
Yea: 8
Nay: 0
Motion Carried.
MEETING
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Elva Cook, 1459 Flushing Road, addressed the Planning Commission relative to the scheduled Public Hearing and her opportunity to speak during the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Public Hearing – 104˝ E. Main Street (55-27-580-067) – City Manager Dennis Bow presented the request by Andrew and Lora Popovich as it relates to the Special Use Permit for 104˝ E. Main Street.
The Chairperson opened the public hearing to the audience.
Elva Cook, 1459 Flushing Road, commented as to concerns of manufacturing taking place at this site, and that a change would have to be made if someone came into the building and wanted to run a manufacturing business there.
Andrew Popovich, 3075 Beechtree, commented on the vacant buildings located in the city and that he is trying to get a head start. He continued by stating that this is a property that faces the parking lot and is out of the way.
Flushing City Planning
Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2008
Page Two
The apartment, he feels, would be well within the ordinances.
He went on to state that he is a small businessperson and would like to put the space to use and rent an apartment as well. He has no problem with a time limit and would be the first one to rent for more if the economy turns around.
The Chairperson closed this portion of the public hearing.
Discussion:
Borgerding - stated that this request is to allow a dwelling in a CBD zoning, and it needs to be specific as to only allowing an apartment at the rear of the building. He continued by stating that apartments in the CBD district should not face Main Street.
Bow – You could modify your motion to stipulate that the space would not face Main Street.
At this point, Olson withdrew his second to the motion.
Yea: 8
Nay: 0
Motion Carried.
Request for Ordinance Amendment – Mr. Donald Drumm – City Manager Bow gave an overview of Mr. Drumm’s request to consider modifying the zoning ordinance and Table of Uses in the Office District zoning to allow joint residential/office uses. The language would be reviewed by Mr. Doug Piggott (Rowe Incorporated) and get back to the Planning Commission at a future meeting.
Flushing City Planning
Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2008
Page Three
The City Council received the letter from Mr. Drumm and forwarded it to the Planning Commission. We can come back with some language if requested by this commission, or the commission can determine if this is not what they wish to do at this time. Bow continued with options that are available for the commission to consider with regard to this request, or it can be dropped at this point.
Discussion:
Borgerding – Personal opinion is that I would like to see what could be done for the Office District zoning in the city.
Keane – We have apartment complex, realtor, and there’s residential use interspersed right now. Would you like to look at some language at a future meeting?
Gault- Concern is with mixed uses.
Olson – I have empathy for the owner with a building and nothing to do with it. I am willing to look at some language and keep our people in town.
Borgerding – It could bring more people into the city.
Bow – We can attempt to hold a Public Hearing and bring language in for review at the November meeting. It would then have to go to the City Council for adoption.
Yea: 8
Nay: 0
Motion Carried.
Delehanty Pontiac – Special Use Permit Amendment – Chairman Keane gave an overview of this matter, which went before the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission had forwarded it to the Zoning Board of Appeals who determined that it is a separate premise.
Flushing City Planning
Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2008
Page Four
Discussion:
Borgerding – inquired as to whether the sign would be a similar size as what is currently at the site.
Bow – stated that they want to remove the existing and replace with the same dimensions.
Keane- It was recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals that the Planning Commission amend the Special Use Permit rather than obtain a variance. They recommended that the Planning Commission hold to the Sign Ordinance, in that any changes must be brought up to the new Sign Ordinance standards.
General discussion followed with regard to the changes to be made.
Gault – We approve this Special Use Permit as long as it meets the existing area of the sign.
Delehanty Pontiac – Special Use Permit Amendment - It was moved by Gault, and seconded by Bueche, to amend the Special Use Permit, subject to the proposed sign meeting the area of the existing sign.
Yea: 8
Nay: 0
Motion Carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
None to report.
GENERAL
DISCUSSION:
The City Manager advised the Planning Commission that he is in receipt of a new site plan for the old bank next to Rite Aid (Pierson and Elms).
Chairman Keane reminded the members that they received an invitation in their packets to the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission’s 4th Annual “Planning Prosperity Together”, on Saturday, October 18, 2008, which he asked anyone with the time to attend to please R.S.V.P. accordingly.
Flushing City Planning
Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2008
Page Five
The City Manager informed the members that the MTA held a Public Hearing in the Flushing Township Hall, as they are looking to establish a bus turnaround spot at the former Patsy Lou Williamson dealership.
It was reported that the Painters’ Union was looking at using a portion of the site as well.
John Olson stated that Mott had been working with the union for a site to do specialized training in the State for bids at the State and Federal level for specialized painting.
Adjournment - Motion by Olson, seconded by Gault, to adjourn.
Yea: 8
Nay: 0
Motion Carried.
Adjourn: 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne P. Black
Recording Secretary