07/07/1992 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 7/7/92 Planning Commission and the ARB. In addition, in her BZD report she had stated that the committee felt the mansard was an inappropriate size in relation to the adjacent stores. Mr. Solanon felt that he had offered to reduce the mansard; however, none of the BZD Camuttee members r~nbered this offer. Law Director Gareau stated that the BZA had given a variance on the square foot area of the sign that had been over aril above what is allerwed in the Zoning Code. In reading the BZA minutes, it is evident that this issue was contingent upon the approval of the design by the Planing Cc~mission and ARB. Mrs. Saringer agreed. Mrs. Babas said that it was her feeling Planning Commission had objected to the "piecemeal" presentation of the design. She i.s not against the sign; however, she feels that Council as~d the Plarn3,ing Commission are concerned about the architectural design and height of the mansard. Mr. Solanon said that he did not want to cane before Council as an adversary because Habitat wanted a good relationship with the comnnu~i.ty. He was and is willing to compranise on the height of the facade. Law Director Gareau agreed that it would be to everyo~'s advantage to resolve .this problem at this time. M'r. Robert Shepherd, 1640 County Farm, Rowell, Michigan, also spoke o~n behalf of Habitat. Iie s$.d that Mr. Solanan had asked if 5 feet would be more appropriate. After d.acussicm, how- ever, it was decided that the sgnage that was already approved looked better on a 6 foot raised portion of the facade. Mr. Shepherd felt that habitat had made compromises to the ARB ~: B,ZA. The c<xnpany is incurring many elcpenses ckaring this approval process and is anxious to proceed. Mr. McKay askECl Mr. Shepherd if he would have a problem reducing the mansard to 5 feet. Mr. Shepherd said he would not have a problem with that reduction. Mr. McKay moved to reconsider the vote on the Habitat store; second by Mr, Leonard; motion uc~nim~ously. Mr. McKay moved to approve the Habitat renovations with the condition that the mansard be 5 feet; secor~ci by Mr. Leonard. Roll call: McKay, yes; Leonard, yes; Babas, yes; Lind, yes; Musial, yea; Nashar, yes; Saringer, no. The motion was passed with 6 affirmative votes and 1 negative vote. Sharon Lepore, representing the Pheasant's Wa1k~Quail Run Civic Association, thanked the Council Members wlm had taken the walk through of this development in regard to the Crocker-Stearns project. S~ asked if any new information was available concerning the negotiations with the County an this project. Mayor Boyle said there was nothing new, arxi the next basic step would be the acquisi- tion of land. Until the land is purchased, we cannot proceed with discussions on the noise barriers, mounding, foliage, or fencing.. Mrs. Lepore said that the mounding and fencing was very important to the residents. Mayor Boyle stated that the city had contacted Congresswoman Oakar to inquire whether Federal high- way funds could be made available for this. However, the right~-of way must be expanded, or at least the land must be purchased, before we could proceed. Andrew Dufala, 27180 Glouehester Drive, felt that he was being singled out for enforcement of the ordinance prohibiting the storage of recreational vehicles in the front yard. He had previously asked Mr. Boehmer to poll Council abet the possible elimination of the ordinance. Mr. Boehmex informed Mr. Dufala that Council felt the ordinance should be made more stringent. Mayor Boyle explad to Mr. Dufala that the city ordinances were applied equally to all citizens. However, the city does riot have an adequate nurflber of inspectors; we .are in the process of testing and hiring inspectors. It is not possible for city employees to drive around the city looking for violations. When complaints are made, an inspector does investigate and proper procedures are followed. 6