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Oshtemo Township - June 12, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

Updated about 11 hours ago

The commission reviewed a special exception use request for a home-based golf and softball training business operated by Bill and Jamie Nelson. Public comments were heard both in favor and against the request, citing traffic and neighborhood impact concerns. The commission ultimately voted to deny the request. Additionally, the commission discussed proposed text amendments to the zoning ordinance, including changes to the mixed-use district, adult foster care facilities, and temporary outdoor events. The commission plans to hold a public hearing on these amendments at a future meeting. The meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 26th has been canceled.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:46)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were welcomed to the Oshtemo Township planning commission meeting.

The meeting was officially called to order with a warm welcome extended to all attendees present for the Oshtemo Township planning commission meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:55)
Attendees were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, where all attendees were asked to stand and recite the pledge in unison, honoring the flag of the United States.
Agenda Approval (00:01:19)
The agenda was reviewed with no additions or changes suggested. It was approved as published.

The meeting agenda was presented to the attendees for review. No changes or additions were proposed, and the agenda was approved as it was originally published.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:01:30)
The floor was opened for public comments on items not listed on the agenda. No one came forward.

A segment of the meeting was dedicated to receiving public comments on topics not included in the agenda. However, no attendees came forward to speak, so the meeting proceeded to the next item.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (00:01:50)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved without any corrections or objections.

The minutes from the last meeting were presented for approval. No corrections, comments, or questions were raised, and a motion to approve the minutes was carried unanimously.
Special Exception Use Request (00:02:12)
A special exception use request was discussed regarding a home occupation for golf and softball training.

The planning commission reviewed a special exception use request from Bill and Jamie Nelson to establish a golf and softball operation as a home occupation on their property. The staff report was presented, outlining the criteria for such a use and possible conditions to mitigate impacts on the surrounding area.
Applicant's Comments (00:10:18)
The applicant, Jamie Nelson, addressed the commission, explaining their request and commitment to compliance.

Jamie Nelson, one of the applicants, made a presentation to the planning commission, explaining their request for a zoning exemption to operate a home-based softball and golf training business. She emphasized their commitment to transparency, community respect, and compliance with regulations.
Public Comment on Special Exception Request (00:15:23)
Several residents provided comments opposing the special exception request, citing concerns over zoning and neighborhood impact.

The meeting was opened for public comments regarding the Nelson's special exception use request. Several residents voiced their opposition, raising concerns about traffic, noise, zoning compliance, and the potential precedent it might set.
Public Comments (00:33:39)
Public comments were made regarding a special exemption request for Coach Nelson to continue giving pitching lessons. Supporters highlighted her positive impact on young athletes.

During the public comment period, several community members spoke in support of Coach Nelson's request for a special exemption to allow her to continue giving pitching lessons in her barn. Speakers emphasized the positive influence Coach Nelson has on young athletes, particularly girls, by providing mentorship and a safe space to learn and grow. Concerns about zoning, safety, and the impact on the neighborhood were addressed, with supporters arguing that the benefits of her lessons outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Board Deliberation on Special Exemption Request (00:42:52)
Board members discussed the merits of granting a special exemption for Coach Nelson to conduct pitching lessons. Concerns about monitoring and the impact on the community were raised.

The board deliberated on the request for a special exemption for Coach Nelson to conduct pitching lessons from her property. Members discussed the potential benefits of her work with young athletes, as well as concerns about traffic, noise, and the precedent it might set for other home-based businesses. Some members were inclined to approve the request with conditions to limit the number of students and hours of operation, while others were concerned about the ability to monitor compliance and the broader implications for zoning regulations.
Motion and Vote on Special Exemption (01:04:01)
A motion to deny the special exemption for Coach Nelson's pitching lessons was made and seconded. The board voted 3-2 to deny the request.

Following the deliberation, a motion was made to deny the special exemption request for Coach Nelson to conduct pitching lessons in her barn. The motion was seconded, and a vote was held. The board voted 3-2 in favor of denying the request, citing concerns about monitoring and the impact on the neighborhood. The decision was made despite acknowledgment of the positive role Coach Nelson plays in the community.
Introduction to Text Amendments for Zoning Ordinance (01:04:34)
The board introduced proposed text amendments to the zoning ordinance, including changes related to mixed-use districts and other zoning issues.

The board introduced a series of proposed text amendments to the zoning ordinance. These amendments are intended to address a variety of issues, including changes to the mixed-use district regulations, adult foster care facilities, temporary outdoor events, and non-motorized facilities. The purpose of these amendments is to clarify existing regulations and address new trends in land use. The board will review these proposals in the context of recent zoning requests and community needs.
Discussion on Mixed Use Developments (01:06:23)
Discussion on mixed use developments, challenges with mixed-use buildings, and amendments to zoning language.

The meeting covered the challenges faced in implementing mixed use developments, particularly the difficulty developers face when trying to build mixed-use buildings. There was a discussion about the amendments to the zoning language to accommodate mixed uses without mandating them, as well as the importance of ensuring that uses complement each other to reduce traffic and encourage walkability. Suggestions from the chairman and the new transportation engineer were incorporated to address these challenges.
Traffic Impact and Density Bonus (01:15:15)
Discussion on traffic impact study requirements and the concept of a density bonus for developments.

The focus was on minimizing traffic impact on the surrounding street network and encouraging developments that capture internal trips. The meeting discussed the need for a density bonus concept that allows for additional density in developments that do not negatively impact the transportation network. The discussion also covered the need for a phasing plan from developers and amending PUD agreements.
Public Comments and Suggestions (01:17:59)
Public comments were made about development connections, phasing plans, and the flexibility required in large projects.

During this segment, a member of the public, Kurt, provided comments on the proposed amendments, expressing concerns about forced connections to private properties and the need for flexibility in phasing plans due to the unpredictable nature of large projects. The commission discussed these concerns and considered adjusting the language to address them.
Consideration of Drive-Throughs and Freestanding Buildings (01:22:01)
Discussion on limiting drive-throughs and the role of freestanding buildings, such as banks, in mixed use developments.

The commission discussed the limitations on freestanding drive-throughs in mixed use developments, particularly in regards to fast food restaurants. They considered allowing freestanding buildings for banks and credit unions, as they provide low-volume traffic and desirable design elements. The idea was to differentiate between food service and financial institutions in planning language.
Permitted Uses in Mixed Use Districts (01:26:25)
Re-evaluation of permitted uses in mixed use districts to ensure they align with the goal of walkable neighborhoods.

The discussion focused on revisiting the list of permitted uses in mixed use districts to ensure they are compatible with the vision of a walkable community where residents can live and work. There was talk of removing uses like large hospitals and ensuring appropriate facilities like clinics and microbreweries are included.
Amendments to Adult Foster Care Facility Regulations (01:30:56)
Amendments to regulations regarding adult foster care facilities to align with state requirements and introduce new categories.

The commission reviewed amendments to the regulations for adult foster care facilities, including redefining terms to align with state licensing acts and introducing new categories such as congregate care facilities and unified care facilities. This included discussions on where these facilities should be allowed and under what conditions.
Review of PUD Phasing and Time Limits (01:36:38)
Review of PUD phasing and time limits to ensure projects progress timely and issues are addressed.

The discussion was about tightening the language regarding the phasing and time limits for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) to ensure that projects proceed in a timely manner. Suggestions were made to require resubmission of plans if certain timelines were not met, similar to recent changes in mixed use district regulations.
Discussion on Zoning Districts and Phasing Plans (01:39:10)
Discussion on residential and commercial zoning, phasing plans, and site plan reviews.

The meeting discussed the necessity of completing residential zoning before introducing commercial elements. The need for phasing plans was emphasized, especially for existing projects like the Drake Commercial PUD. The discussion included considerations for resubmission of plans if project phases are delayed or plans change.
Temporary Outdoor Events Approval Process (01:45:15)
Proposal to allow administrative review for three-day temporary outdoor events.

The board discussed the challenges of approving last-minute requests for temporary outdoor events, such as those in church parking lots. To streamline the process, it was proposed to allow administrative reviews for events lasting up to three days, changing the current one-day limit.
Sidewalk Special Assessment Districts (01:46:12)
Discussion on sidewalk construction and special assessment districts for developers.

The board debated the best methods for handling sidewalk construction, suggesting that developers consent to a special assessment district instead of building sidewalks immediately. This approach aligns with new accessibility guidelines and avoids creating disconnected pathways.
Motion to Move Text Amendments to Public Hearing (01:47:35)
Motion to schedule a public hearing for the discussed text amendments.

The members agreed to move the discussed zoning and event text amendments to a public hearing, targeting the second meeting in July for further discussion and approval.
New Business and General Comments (01:49:25)
Discussion on local college housing policies and potential impacts on local housing.

The board discussed Kalamazoo College's new policy requiring juniors and seniors to live on campus, noting potential impacts on local housing markets. The conversation included updates on new dorm construction and its sustainable features.