Comstock Charter Township - November 14, 2024 Comstock Township Planning Commission

Updated about 4 hours ago

The Comstock Township Planning Commission Meeting on November 14, 2024, covered several important zoning and planning issues. The commission reviewed a site plan for a Sherwin-Williams paint store, addressing green strip variances and photometric lighting plans. A rezoning request for a new automotive repair facility is discussed, with implications for the local business landscape. The commission also considers a request to rezone part of a parcel from B2 community business to agricultural residential, reflecting its historical use. These discussions highlight the township's efforts to balance commercial development with community and residential needs.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:28)
The meeting is called to order at nearly seven o'clock for the planning commission.

The planning commission meeting for Comstock Township is called to order for this evening, Thursday.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:40)
The agenda is reviewed for any changes or additions and approved as submitted.

The first item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. The chair asks if there are any changes or additions. A motion is made to approve the agenda as submitted, which is supported and carried.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:12)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved without changes.

The next item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. The chair asks for any changes, corrections, or typos. A motion is made to approve the minutes, which is carried.
New Business: Sherwin-Williams Paint Store Site Plan Review (00:01:35)
Site plan review for a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store, with conditions for approval discussed.

The planning and zoning department presents the site plan review for establishing a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. The commission previously approved rezoning the address to commercial. Recommendations include green strip variances, photometric plan, and other agency comments. The plan meets regulations for yard, lot area, coverage, and parking. Approval is sought subject to conditions.
New Business: Rezoning Request for Automotive Repair Facility (00:13:02)
Rezoning request from B2 to B3 for an automotive repair facility is discussed and supported.

A rezoning request is presented to change a parcel from B2 community business to B3 general business to facilitate developing an automotive repair facility. The area is currently zoned B2, and the change aligns with the township's master plan. The applicant clarifies the nature of the business, emphasizing minimal noise and environmental impact. After discussion and public hearing, the commission supports the rezoning request.
New Business: East Main Rezoning Application (00:28:00)
Rezoning application from B2 to AGR for a parcel to align with surrounding residential areas.

The rezoning application for a parcel on East Main is discussed. The request is to change from B2 community business to AGR agricultural residential. The parcel has split zoning, and this change would align it with surrounding residential areas. The commission hears from the applicants and the public, discussing the property's history and current use. The commission agrees to recommend the rezoning.
Rezoning Request Discussion (00:40:02)
Discussion on recent rezoning requests and motion to recommend a rezoning request to the Township board.

The meeting began with a discussion on recent rezoning requests. A motion was made to recommend a rezoning request to the Township board, which was understood by all present. The motion carried and will move forward to the Township board.
R1-C District Text Amendment Discussion (00:41:23)
Discussion on proposed text amendments to the R1-C district standards, including minimum lot sizes and housing types.

The next agenda item was a discussion on the R1-C District text amendment. Mr. Watts of Watts Development proposed modifications to the R1-C district standards, intending to provide medium residential densities with a variety of housing types. The discussion included reviewing current standards and Mr. Watts's proposed changes, such as minimum lot area and setbacks.
Public Participation and Exit Notice (00:42:00)
Members of the public were informed they could stay or leave during the R1-C discussion.

During the R1-C District discussion, the chair paused to allow members of the public to exit if they wished. They were informed they were welcome to stay and learn more about the proposed R1-C modifications.
Rezoning Impact and Community Comparisons (00:44:33)
Analysis of the impact of proposed rezoning on the community with examples from other townships.

The commission reviewed community comparisons for rezoning, looking at other areas such as Portage and Kalamazoo. These comparisons were used to understand the potential higher density impacts of the proposed R1-C amendments.
Discussion on Housing Affordability (00:50:02)
Consideration of the benefits and challenges of increasing housing density for affordability.

A discussion was held about the benefits of increasing density to make housing more affordable. Mr. Watts explained that more density allows for smaller homes which are cheaper to maintain, potentially aiding in affordability for working-class people.