Oshtemo Township Planning Commission - May 8, 2025 Oshtemo Township Planning Commission

Updated about 12 hours ago

The Commission reviews the site plan review for a proposed Talsma Furniture Store to be located on West Main Street. The commission discussed the site design, which includes a deviation to allow a larger building on a lot with challenging topography. The site plan incorporates rain gardens and other low impact development techniques to manage stormwater. Despite some concerns about the impact of the building size and stormwater management, the plan was approved with conditions, including future coordination for shared stormwater solutions. The commissioners appreciated the applicant's willingness to work with the township on access and stormwater issues.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:14)
The meeting of the planning commission is called to order.

The planning commission meeting was called to order shortly after the start of the recording.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:18)
Attendees are asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:42)
The agenda is approved with no changes.

The agenda for the meeting was reviewed. No changes were proposed, and it was approved as published.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:00:56)
Opportunity for public comment on items not on the agenda.

Members of the public were invited to comment on any items not already on the agenda. There were no comments from the public.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:05)
Minutes of the previous meeting are reviewed and approved.

The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. There was a discussion about a potential error on page eight, but it was cleared up, and the minutes were approved.
Site Plan Review (00:02:39)
Staff presents a site plan review for a proposed Talls man furniture store.

The applicant requests site plan approval for a Talls man furniture store on a four-acre site. The staff report included an analysis of zoning compliance, design standards, and public infrastructure considerations.
Staff Report and Recommendations (00:04:04)
Staff presents findings and recommendations for the site plan approval.

The staff report detailed the analysis against zoning ordinances, site design standards, and special use criteria. It recommended that the planning commission review the proposal and consider the staff's conditions for approval.
Commissioner Questions and Discussion (00:20:45)
Commissioners ask questions about the site plan and staff report.

Commissioners asked questions about shared sewer lines, driveway access, and stormwater management. They discussed the implications of the proposed design and infrastructure.
Applicant Presentation (00:34:53)
The applicant's representative presents their case for the site plan approval.

Tim Alma from Alma Furniture presents the rationale for the proposed site plan, discussing the planning and revisions that have occurred over the past year.
Discussion on Engineering Plans for Site Development (00:35:28)
Discussion on engineering strategies and site utilization for proposed development project, focusing on efficient use of space and low impact development techniques.

The discussion centered around the engineering and design strategies for a development project. Key points included the challenges and solutions related to site topography, such as utilizing sloped areas for storage and loading docks. The speakers emphasized the use of low impact development techniques, considering various options like rain gardens to manage stormwater effectively. The discussion highlighted the importance of smart site utilization to make the project feasible and environmentally considerate.
Presentation on Storm Water Management (00:39:02)
An engineer presents the stormwater management plan, detailing the use of rain gardens and infiltration techniques to handle stormwater on-site.

Paul Schram, an engineer, presented the stormwater management plan for the site. The plan includes the use of rain gardens instead of conventional storm inlets, which allows rainwater to infiltrate the soil rather than being directed to a pond. The design aims to handle stormwater efficiently while maintaining natural aesthetics. The presentation covered the technical aspects of the plan, including the use of sand for better infiltration and the strategic placement of rain gardens to manage runoff.
Board Discussion and Approval Process (01:05:02)
Board members discuss the project, reviewing criteria for approval and addressing any concerns related to site development and environmental impact.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion on the project, evaluating it against the required criteria for approval. Members considered the impact of removing natural features, the adequacy of low impact development techniques, and the alignment with community standards. The conversation included a review of the site's topography and the measures taken to preserve natural elements as much as possible. The board also discussed the potential for future traffic management and the developer's commitment to working with the community.
Architectural and Site Design Considerations (01:05:04)
Architects discuss design changes and site layout, including removal of driveways and incorporation of rain gardens for sustainability.

Joe Grotowski from Omega Architects discussed the architectural and site design considerations, highlighting changes made to the original plan. The removal of a wrap-around driveway allowed for the inclusion of rain gardens, which contribute to the site's sustainability. The design changes aim to minimize environmental impact while optimizing the functionality and aesthetics of the site. The discussion included the strategic relocation of the building to better utilize the available space and natural resources.
Motion to Approve Site Plan (01:05:30)
The board makes a motion to approve the site plan, highlighting the developer's efforts to meet criteria and community standards.

After a thorough discussion and review of the site plan against the required criteria, a board member made a motion to approve the site plan. The motion was supported by another member, and a vote was conducted. The board expressed satisfaction with the developer's efforts to incorporate community feedback and adhere to environmental standards. The motion to approve was carried, marking a significant step forward for the development project.
Adjournment and Closing Remarks (01:07:18)
Meeting adjourned with closing remarks thanking the developers for their investment in the community and no further business.

The meeting was adjourned after closing remarks from the board, thanking the developers for choosing the community for their project and for their collaborative approach. The board expressed optimism for the future partnership and development. With no further business or public comments, the meeting was officially adjourned.

Oshtemo Charter Township (34 Episodes)

Updated about 12 hours ago

Gavel to Gavel coverage of the Board meetings for Oshtemo Charter Township