Comstock Township - Planning Commission - March 26, 2026 Comstock Township Planning Commission

Updated 2 days ago

At the Comstock Township Planning Commission, various zoning matters and resident concerns are addressed. The agenda includes approval of rezoning requests, particularly for parcels on Lee Avenue, and addressing a formal complaint about social media conduct by a commissioner. Soil Friends, a local business, submits requests to revise conditions of their special land use permit, including annual reviews and operational hours. The commission also considers potential amendments to mobile vendor ordinances, reflecting ongoing community and business needs. Citizen comments include concerns about a local daycare and historical context about Soil Friends' zoning issues. The meeting highlights the commission's efforts to balance development, community interests, and regulatory compliance.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:08)
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a board member, reaffirming commitment to the nation's values.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees, led by a member of the board. This is a customary start to the meeting, fostering unity and reaffirming dedication to the principles of justice and liberty in the United States.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:31)
The agenda was reviewed, and additions were made under new business, including a chair email, a formal complaint discussion, and soil friends discussion.

The board reviewed the agenda for the evening. Additions were made under new business, which included adding an email for the chair of the planning commission, a discussion on a formal complaint, and a discussion about soil friends. These items were agreed to be discussed after the rezoning topic, and the amended agenda was approved by motion.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:52)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without any changes after a motion was made and supported.

The minutes from the previous meeting were presented for approval. No changes or comments were made. A motion was made by Treasurer Bloomfield and supported by Commissioner Weintraub to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was passed unanimously.
Citizen Comments (00:03:32)
Citizens expressed concerns about rezoning issues, transparency, and accountability of the board members, urging action on community matters.

During the citizen comment period, Tammy Keeler and Sean Trolley expressed concerns over recent actions and decisions, particularly regarding rezoning and development issues. Keeler criticized the board for lack of transparency and accountability, mentioning specific individuals and decisions related to a battery plant and local developments. Trolley suggested the need for ordinances for snow removal on sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility in downtown areas, especially during winter.
New Business (00:08:28)
The board discussed new business items including a rezoning request, email for the chair, and a formal complaint.

Under new business, several items were discussed. First, a rezoning request on Lee Avenue was presented by Khayci, outlining the split zoning issue and the need for correction to align with the master plan. A public hearing was held, and the board agreed to rezone the parcel to P-3 general business district. Discussion also included setting up a Township email for the chair to improve communication and transparency. Finally, a formal complaint was discussed, leading to considerations for adding guidelines on social media conduct to the bylaws.
Public Hearing on Rezoning Request (00:08:44)
A public hearing was conducted regarding a rezoning request for parcels on Lee Avenue to correct a zoning error.

The public hearing on the rezoning request for parcels on Lee Avenue was opened. Khayci explained the history and current zoning issues with the parcels, and the board considered factors such as compatibility with the master plan and impact on public services. Citizens were invited to comment, and the board discussed potential impacts and benefits of changing the zoning to P-3 general business district. After reviewing findings of fact, the board voted to approve the rezoning request.
Discussion on Email for Chair (00:20:31)
The board discussed setting up an official email for the chair to improve communication and transparency with citizens and builders.

Treasurer Bloomfield raised the issue of receiving emails meant for the chair of the planning commission. The board discussed the need for setting up an official email address for the chair to streamline communication and improve transparency. It was suggested that all board members should have Township email addresses to separate official correspondence from personal emails, and the board moved to request this setup from the IT department.
Discussion on Formal Complaint and Social Media Conduct (00:25:32)
A formal complaint regarding social media conduct was discussed, with plans to address it by updating the bylaws to include guidelines.

The board received a formal complaint concerning the social media conduct of a commissioner. The attorney reiterated the importance of avoiding public commentary on matters before the board to maintain impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest. The board agreed to draft an addition to the bylaws that would clearly outline the restrictions on social media and public comments for board members to prevent future issues of misfeasance.
Discussion on Soil Friends Special Land Use (00:34:18)
The board discussed a letter from Soil Friends requesting changes to their special land use conditions, including removing the annual review, changing license requirements, and addressing access and hours of operation.

The board reviewed an email from Soil Friends regarding their special land use conditions. Soil Friends requested the removal of their annual review, changes in licensing requirements, and increased access and operation hours. The board discussed mutual agreements, public hearing requirements, and state law conflicts. A motion was passed for the chair to write a letter confirming Soil Friends' good standing, pending verification of no violations.
New Business - Tim Kearney Text Amendment Request (01:00:03)
Tim Kearney requested text amendments to add protective services to business service descriptions and amend mobile vendor ordinances for permanent food truck options.

Tim Kearney, representing DHS, requested amendments to the business service establishment description to include protective services, potentially allowing temporary housing for children during emergencies. A second request involved amending the mobile vendor ordinance to allow permanent or seasonal food truck options without requiring a site plan or multiple permits. The board discussed the need for further information and guidelines from DHS before proceeding with the text amendments.
Discussion on Mobile Vendor Ordinance Amendment (01:04:01)
The board discussed the need to amend the mobile vendor ordinance to add a new license classification and set fees, considering site plan requirements and annual versus permanent licenses.

The discussion focused on the mobile vendor ordinance, highlighting the need to amend it to include a new classification of vendor license. The board considered whether to make the license seasonal or annual, and discussed the implications of allowing mobile vendors to park permanently, which would require a site plan. Concerns were raised about the need for clarity in the language of the ordinance, and the possibility of holding a public hearing on the matter was mentioned. The board aimed to resolve the issue quickly due to the upcoming season.
Citizen Comments (01:17:00)
Citizens raised concerns about a daycare operating in a former party store and the second driveway of a farm. Questions about legitimacy and compliance were brought up.

During the citizen comment period, a resident questioned the operation of a daycare in a location previously known as Reed's Party Store, noting the absence of children and suspecting it might be a scam. Another citizen commented on the second driveway of a farm on East Main, mentioning past meetings and conflicts of interest with neighbors. The board took note of the comments for further consideration.
Updates from Other Boards (01:19:50)
An update was provided about a recent board meeting where a variance was approved for rebuilding a house demolished by a storm on Moral Street.

The board discussed updates from other boards, specifically mentioning a variance granted for a property on Moral Street where a house was demolished by a storm. The update included details about using the same foundation and garage for reconstruction. This variance was necessary due to lot coverage requirements.
Training and Informational Updates (01:21:20)
Information was shared about ordinance samples for solar and wind energy, a data center guidebook, and a housing study grant requirement.

The board received training and informational updates, which included samples of ordinances for solar and wind energy from various townships, and a guidebook on data centers. There was also a discussion about a housing study and the requirement to integrate its findings into the master plan as per a grant's conditions. The board considered future presentations on these topics and discussed the need to understand grant terms for the housing study.
Administrative Site Plan Review (01:26:31)
An administrative site plan review was approved for RW Lapine for an office building, with construction expected in the spring.

The board was informed about an administrative site plan review approval for RW Lapine, which is planning to construct a small office building. This review was handled administratively as the building is for office use only and is smaller than their other buildings. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring.
Planning Commissioner Comments (01:27:00)
Commissioners shared final remarks, appreciating the resources provided and cautioning against government overreach in local businesses.

During the planning commissioner comment period, members expressed gratitude for the resources and information provided ahead of meetings to facilitate preparedness. There was also a reminder about being cautious of government overreach in business operations within the township. The meeting concluded with positive reflections on the discussions held.