Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - February 12, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 18 hours ago

The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission reviews a revised proposal for a mixed-use development featuring a new Kroger grocery store and gas station. The proposal, presented by the developer Ferlito Group, seeks to replace previously planned duplexes with single-family homes and introduce a Kroger store with a gas station. Community members express significant opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic, safety, and the impact on local neighborhoods. The public comments also highlight an existing abundance of grocery stores in the area. The Planning Commission ultimately decides that the revised proposal does not align with the township's mixed-use development standards and vision. The decision reflects the board's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the mixed-use district as originally planned.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:21)
The planning commission meeting was called to order.

The planning commission meeting was called to order by the presiding officer at six o'clock.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:28)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by attendees.

The meeting participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:52)
The agenda was reviewed and approved with modifications.

The agenda was reviewed, and a request was made to add public comment on non-agenda items after the approval of the agenda. A motion was made to approve the agenda as modified, which was supported and carried.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:30)
Members of the public expressed concerns about proposed battery storage plants and environmental safety.

Several members of the public commented on the potential environmental and safety hazards of proposed battery storage plants, citing examples of past incidents and expressing concern about the impact on local property and health.
Election of Officers (00:13:00)
Al Smith was elected as Chair and Deb Evan as Vice Chair for the upcoming year.

The commission held elections for officers. Al Smith was nominated and elected as Chair, and Deb Evan was nominated and elected as Vice Chair. The nominations were supported, a motion was made and carried, and the new officers were congratulated.
Approval of Minutes (00:23:01)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved after a correction.

The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. A correction was noted regarding the meeting date. A motion was made to approve the minutes as corrected, which was supported and approved.
Public Hearing on Conceptual Review of West Main Villages Mixed Use District (00:23:52)
A public hearing was held to review proposed changes to the West Main Villages Mixed Use District.

The commission conducted a public hearing to discuss proposed revisions to the West Main Villages Mixed Use District. Changes include the introduction of a Kroger store with a drive-up pharmacy and fueling station, adjustments to the layout including the removal of certain retail buildings, and modifications to the number of multi-family units. The proposal requires further approval for certain aspects like the fueling station.
Comprehensive Planning and Rezoning Discussion (00:34:34)
Discussion on the comprehensive planning, zoning, project review, and the potential rezoning of Kroger acreage to commercial.

The meeting discussed comprehensive planning, zoning, building design, site layout, and project review. There was a focus on integrated uses on larger parcels of land, and whether the Kroger acreage should remain in the mixed use district or be rezoned to commercial. Concerns were raised about fitting the mixed use district and setting a precedent. The possibility of removing Kroger from the site and rezoning it to commercial was considered. The future place types map and draft comprehensive plan were referenced to support rezoning. The importance of thoughtful planning and the potential for regional corridors to evolve was emphasized.
Public Comments and Concerns (01:06:08)
Public comments raised concerns about the necessity of another grocery store and potential impacts of the Kroger development.

During the public comment period, residents expressed concerns about the development, particularly the introduction of a new Kroger grocery store. Comments indicated that there are already sufficient grocery stores in the area, and that the new development could increase traffic and reduce safety in neighborhoods. Concerns were raised about the impact on existing stores and the potential for bait-and-switch tactics by developers. Residents requested careful consideration of the community's needs and the impact of increased traffic and commercial activity.
Public Comments on Proposed Development (01:07:14)
Residents expressed concerns about the proposed development, citing increased traffic, crime, and the lack of need for additional grocery stores.

Numerous residents spoke against the proposed connection of neighborhoods and the development that includes a new Kroger. Concerns included an increase in traffic, crime, and pollution, as well as the redundancy of another big-box grocery store when there are already several in the area. Residents emphasized the desire to maintain the current neighborhood character and opposed the idea of turning the area into a high-traffic commercial zone.
Discussion on Traffic and Safety Implications (01:13:00)
Residents highlighted traffic and safety issues, advocating for better pedestrian-friendly features and questioning the necessity of a large parking lot.

Rob Morrison and others discussed the traffic and safety issues that the proposed development could exacerbate. They pointed out that the streets are not designed for pedestrian safety or lower speeds and that large parking lots would encourage more driving, leading to increased pollution and heat. The discussion also questioned the innovative nature of the development, arguing that big-box stores are not aligned with the community's future vision.
Concerns Over Environmental and Community Impact (01:21:00)
Speakers emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and responsible planning, opposing the deforestation for the new development.

Katie Schneider and other residents voiced concerns about the environmental and community impacts of the proposed development. They stressed the need to preserve green spaces and questioned the necessity of another large grocery store. The speakers advocated for more single-family homes and a focus on community-oriented development rather than commercial expansion.
Commissioners' Discussion and Questions (01:25:00)
Commissioners raised issues about the development's alignment with community plans, affordability, and traffic impacts, expressing skepticism about the project's benefits.

Commissioners discussed various aspects of the proposed development, including its alignment with the community's mixed-use plans, the affordability of housing options, and the potential traffic impacts. They expressed concerns that the development does not fit the intended mixed-use vision and questioned the financial motivations behind the project. There was a call for more thoughtful planning that considers public input and the community's long-term goals.