Minutes of the regular meeting of the Georgetown Township Planning Commission, held Wednesday, January 31, 2007

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Honderd at 7:30 p.m.

 

Present:            Honderd, Poskey, DeGood, South, Stasiak, Huizinga

Absent: Pearson

 

#070131-01 - Agenda for January 31, 2007

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by South, to approve the agenda for January 31, 2007, as presented.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070131-02 - Minutes of the January 17, 2007 regular meeting and the

January 24, 2007 joint Planning Commission/Township Board/ZBA meeting

 

Moved by Stasiak, seconded by DeGood, to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2007 regular meeting, as submitted.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Stasiak, to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2007 joint Planning Commission/Township Board/ZBA meeting, as submitted.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070131-03 - Unfinished Business Preliminary Plat of Crosswinds

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Huizinga, to remove the item from the table.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Steve Smit, Focus Engineering, represented the applicant and presented the request.

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows: 

 

REQUEST

 

The request is for tentative preliminary plat approval of Crosswinds.  The site is located at the southeast corner of Baldwin and 48th Ave. and the parcels are zoned LDR.  Water is available to the site; however, sanitary sewer is not available to the site at this time.  The applicant has proposed to install dry sewer which, according to Chapter 24 footnote (d), fulfills the requirement of sewer.  Initially, the Township Board denied their request to install dry sewer due to the fact that development of the site is premature and the specifications for the location of the sewer are unknown at this time.  However, at the January 8, 2007 meeting, the Township Board approved the installation of dry sewer with the following motion:

 

 

 

 

#070108-10 - Installation of Dry Sewer for Crosswinds Plat

 

Moved by Stanley Sterk, seconded by Dale Mohr, to approve the installation of dry sewer for Crosswinds Plat as per the plans dated revised 12/07/06 with the condition that no building occurs on the areas reserved for septic systems and subject to DPW Director approval and subject to Board approval for the preliminary plat layout

 

            Note:                The Water/Sewer Committee recommended approval

 

            MOTION CARRIED.

 

Thirty one lots are proposed.  The first application for approval for the Preliminary Plat of Crosswinds was recommended for denial by the Planning Commission and denied by the Township Board because a connection had not been provided to the property to the east as directed by the Planning Commission.  A revised plat drawing has been submitted as a new application and the plan has subsequently been revised according to direction given by the Planning Commission to provide future access to the east to the campground site, to the south and to the northwest corner property.

 

The item was tabled at the September 6, 2006 meeting and has been left tabled since the Board denied the installation of dry sewer.  The following issues remained from that meeting:

 

·        Fire Dept. issues, including: the 8 inch water main located on the west side of Berens Lane would have to be located on the east side per Township Water Department specifications; fire hydrant placements were designated; the proposed street with the name of Brzezinski Ct. should be renamed because Ottawa County Road Commission specifications state that named roads utilizing the word “Court” are for permanent dead-end roads. 

·        The Planning Commission directed that a stub street be provided to the property at the northwest of the site to provide interior access and limit access on 48th Ave. and Baldwin.

·        A name should be provided for the cul de sac to the northwest.

·        Documentation should be provided requiring all property owners to hook up to sewer at the time it becomes available.

 

SUMMARY

 

The issues have been addressed as follows:

·        The water main has been relocated;

·        Brzezinski Ct. was renamed to Brezezinski Ct.

·        A named cul-de-sac was shown providing access to the northwest of the site and a note was added stating that lots 1, and 31 to 26 have no direct access to Baldwin or 48th Ave.;

·        A note was added regarding the hookup to sewer when it becomes available.

 

The following two items remain as per the attached documentation:

A.                 The temporary cul de sac is shown as 1,800 lineal feet and Sec. 50-51(3)(c.) in the Code of Ordinances allows a maximum length of a cul de sac to be 600 feet.  Sec. 50-52 permits the Planning Commission to recommend a variance and the Board to grant a variance.  The Planning Commission should include in the motion a recommendation for the variance.   

B.                 A condition should be added requiring that a copy of the restrictive covenants be provided at the time of final preliminary plat approval that requires the property owners to hook up to sewer when it becomes available.

 

Following is the documentation showing compliance with Ordinance requirements.

 

I D number

 

 

 

 

Date

1-15-07

 

 

Name

Preliminary Plat of Crosswinds

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use

Single family residential

 

SUP required

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENT

 

 

 

 

 

PROVIDED

 Needs or Comments

Date, north arrow, scale

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of preparer

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of property owner or petitioner

 

 

X

 

Location sketch

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Legal description

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Size in acres of the property

 

 

 

 

X

 

Property lines and required setbacks shown and dimensioned

 

X

 

Location of existing structures, drives, parking areas within 100 ft of boundary

X

 

Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures

 

X

 

Location of existing and proposed drives (dimensions and radii), circulation

 

A.

Sidewalks, non-motorized paths-select streets, accel, decel lanes

 

 

 

 

X

 

Signs, exterior lighting

 

 

 

 

 

NA

 

Curbing, parking areas, dimensions of typical space, number of parking spaces

X

 

Calculations of parking spaces, unloading areas

 

 

 X

 

Location, pavement width, ROW of all abutting roads, easements

 

X

 

Existing zoning, and zoning and use of abutting property

 

 

X

 

Location of existing vegetation-parkway association

 

 

 

 

X

 

Location, type, size of proposed landscaping, streetscape, greenbelt

NA

 

Location, height, type of existing and proposed fences and walls

 

NA

 

Size, location of proposed, existing utilities, connections to water/sewer

X

B.

Location, size of surface water drainage facilities

 

 

X

 

Existing, proposed topo contours, max 5 ft intervals

 

 

X

 

Rec/common areas, floodplain areas

 

 

 

X

 

Special Use Standards, general and specific

 

 

 

 NA

 

Residential development extra requirements-attached garages

 

 X

 

 

Poskey abstained from all discussion and voting.

 

The chairman opened the floor to public comments.  No one was present to make comments.  The chairman closed the floor to public comments.

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Stasiak, to recommend to the Township Board to grant tentative preliminary plat approval of Crosswinds Plat as shown on the drawing dated 12/14/06 on the basis that Township ordinances have been met and the plan reflects the direction given by the Planning Commission, and to recommend that the Township Board grant a variance for the length of the temporary cul de sac as per Sec. 50-51(3)(c) in the Code of Ordinances, and with the condition that a copy of the restrictive covenants be provided at the time of final preliminary plat approval showing that the property owners are required to hook up to sewer when it becomes available.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070131-04 - (PUD0701) Allen Springs Farm LLC, 7683 Cottonwood, is requesting a Planned Unit

Development for uses including detached single family homes, attached single family homes and housing for the elderly and related uses, under Chapter 22, on parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-11-400-018, 70-14-14-200-007, 70-14-11-400-031, and part of 70-14-14-200-050 located at 8037, 8001 and 8075 Cottonwood, Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan.  site plan, utility and grading plan, landscaping plan, colored plan, narrative statement

 

Todd Stuive, Exxel Engineering, represented the applicant and presented the request.

 

Wayne Visbeen, Visbeen Associates, Inc., presented the architectural designs and stated the following.  The idea is to create the style of a European hamlet with a sense of community, with greenspace and clustered housing.  Each unit would have privacy on their own porches.  A structure at the entry would have a sign and would also have the same design.  The garages form a gate to the entrance to a cluster of houses.  Some houses would be two-stories and some would be one-story structures.

 

Ross Luurtsema, Allen Springs LLC, explained that this was a unique project that offered choices.

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows:

 

Request

 

The request is for a 15.7 acre PUD for the use of single-family dwelling units as condos and intermediate-care housing for the elderly.  A total of 41 independent dwelling units are proposed, each with approximately 2,432 square feet in area including a two-stall garage.  Private streets and individual driveways provide access to each residence and they share open spaces with walking paths and other amenities.  In addition, two buildings are proposed for intermediate care for housing for the elderly.  Each one is three-stories with 11,200 square feet consisting of 30 dwelling units for a total of 60 dwelling units for the 2 buildings.  Included with each building are thirteen garages for a total of 26; plus two additional independent garage buildings have a total of 17 garage spaces.  The two buildings for intermediate care are connected in the middle with a two-story 12,446 square foot per floor commons area.  Two parking areas with 24 spaces each are provided in front of each of the two intermediate care buildings. 

 

The plan provides a transition from the MDR use of Oakcrest Manor with assisted living to the east and single family homes in the LDR district to the west. 

 

Amenities such as a playground, swimming pool, bath house, gazebo and walking paths are proposed.  More than 20% open space is provided.  Sidewalks and pedestrian paths are shown, along with a gazebo which provides for the use of the pond as open space.  A deceleration lane on Cottonwood is provided, along with sidewalks on Cottonwood where not already existing.  As per a Township Board motion, sidewalks are not required along the condo development area.  A 20-foot wide lane (15 plus the 5 foot walk) connects to Oakcrest Manor as requested by the Fire Department for emergency access and for interior circulation between the new proposed development and Oakcrest Manor.  Circulation was clarified with signage and islands to make it less confusing by the main entrance to the intermediate care facility.

 

Parking calculations exceed ordinance requirements (even if parking for the intermediate care is calculated at one per bed for each of the 60 units rather than the ordinance calculation for determination of number of dwelling units when divided by 2.5).   For each of the detached single family homes, two garage spaces and parking spaces in front of the garages are provided, in addition to 10 visitor spaces located at the end of the some of the drive accesses.  For the intermediate care facility, 43 garage spaces are available in addition to 48 parking spaces.  Typical parking space dimensions are shown correctly. 

 

The streetscape meets ordinance requirements.  Greenbelts adjacent to the parking lots appear to meet ordinance requirements.  A large amount of additional landscaping is shown throughout the site.  Dumpster enclosure details have been provided and are noted to be the same materials as the main structure. 

 

Lighting locations are shown and a note states that lighting will be downward directed and shielded from adjacent residential districts.  The note also states that fixture details will be provided at the time of final development approval.

 

The PUD is proposed to be constructed in one single phase with construction beginning in the summer of 2007 for the independent units and beginning in the fall of 2007 for the intermediate care.  One care facility building identified as phase one with be constructed first and the second building identified as phase 2 will be constructed second (though the words “phase 1” and “phase 2” are used to identify the buildings, the development will be submitted as one phase as per the narrative). 

 

This development will eliminate the existing non-conforming use of manufacturing on a LDR parcel.  The development includes P.P. # 70-14-11-400-018 (8037 Cottonwood), 70-14-11-400-031 (8075 Cottonwood), 70-14-14-200-007 (8037 Cottonwood) and part of 70-14-14-200-050.

 

SUMMARY

 

A.     Permanent parcel numbers 70-14-11-400-018 (8037 Cottonwood), 70-14-11-400-031 (8075 Cottonwood), and 70-14-14-200-007 (8037 Cottonwood) should be combined so that setbacks are met and parcel lines are not located through buildings.  Plus this eliminates the nonconforming parcels that have no frontage.  However, the small part of 70-14-14-200-050 need not be combined since it was added merely to allow space for the additional garage and the landscaped buffer.  A letter should be submitted to the Township asking the assessor to combine the parcels once they are all titled in the same name.  Even if Ottawa County Property Description and Mapping will not physically combine the property since they are in different sections, the Township will determine that they are one parcel for zoning purposes with the letter from the owners.

B.     A note was added stating that lights will be downward directing and shielded from adjacent residential property.  Types of typical fixtures should be provided at the time of final development approval.  More sign detail should be provided at the time of final development approval including the dimensions showing height, width, square footage and distance from the centerline of Cottonwood (especially if the signs are proposed to be different than what the ordinance allows).

C.     A Storm Water Drain Permit is required at the time a building permit application is submitted.

D.    A DEQ permit is required to build and/or fill in the floodplain. 

E.     Elevations will be provided prior to the meeting.

 

Following is the documentation showing compliance with Ordinance requirements.

I D number

PUD0701

 

 

 

Date

1-11-07

 

 

Name

Allen Farms Preserve

 

 

 

 

 

Address

8037 Cottonwood

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use

Housing for the Elderly

 

SUP required

PUD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENT

 

 

 

 

 

PROVIDED

Needs or Comments

Date, north arrow, scale

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of preparer

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of property owner or petitioner

 

 

X

 

Location sketch

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Legal description

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Size in acres of the property

 

 

 

 

X

 

Property lines and required setbacks shown and dimensioned

 

 

A.

Location of existing structures, drives, parking areas within 100 ft of boundary

X

 

Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures

 

X

 

Location of existing and proposed drives (dimensions and radii), circulation

X

 

Sidewalks, non-motorized paths-select streets, accel, decel lanes

 

 

 

 

X

 

Signs, exterior lighting

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.

Curbing, parking areas, dimensions of typical space, number of parking spaces

X

 

Calculations of parking spaces, unloading areas

 

 

 X

 

Location, pavement width, ROW of all abutting roads, easements

 

X

 

Existing zoning, and zoning and use of abutting property

 

 

X

 

Location of existing vegetation- parkway association

 

 

 

 

X

 

Location, type, size of proposed landscaping, streetscape, greenbelt

X

 

Location, height, type of existing and proposed fences and walls

 

X

 

Size, location of proposed, existing utilities, connections to water/sewer

X

 

Location, size of surface water drainage facilities

 

 

X

 

Existing, proposed topo contours, max 5 ft intervals

 

 

X

 

Rec/common areas, floodplain areas

 

 

 

X

 

Residential development extra requirements-attached garages

 

 X

 

 

Sec. 22.2       QUALIFYING CONDITIONS.. 

Any development that fails to meet the following qualifying conditions, at a minimum, shall not be considered for the PUD District:

 

A.                 Acreage Requirement: The PUD site shall be not less than ten (10) acres of fully contiguous property not separated by a public road, railroad, or other such associated feature or barrier.  If the PUD is to contain a mixture of residential and non-residential uses, the minimum required area shall be twenty (20) acres.  The Planning Commission and Township Board may consider a PUD on lesser acreage if it is clear that the proposed PUD substantially provides for the intent of a PUD as stated in this Chapter.  In addition, the Planning Commission and Township Board may use the same intent section of the Zoning Ordinance when considering a PUD with property that may be separated by a public road, railroad, or other such associated feature or barrier.  It would be up to the applicant to prove why, for example, a physical barrier (road or railroad) separating the acreage would not restrict the applicant’s ability to develop a cohesive PUD.

 

MET.

 

B.                 Utilities:  All PUD’s shall be served by public water and sanitary sewer facilities.  Stormwater must be coordinated with the county drain commission.

 

MET.

 

C.        Land Ownership:  The PUD application must be filed by the landowner, jointly by the

landowners, or by an agent.  If the application is filed by an agent(s) or other interested party,

written approval from the landowner(s) must also be filed.

 

Met.  Two people signed the application, one represents Allen Springs Farms and one represents Oakcrest Homes.

 

D.        Master Plan: The proposed uses of the PUD must be substantially consistent with Georgetown Township’s Master Plan for the subject property. 

 

Appears to be met.  The general concept appears to be substantially consistent with the Master Plan.  The Future Land Use Map designates the subject parcels as LDR with a maximum overall density of three dwelling units per acre.  However, the Future Land Use Map designates the property directly adjacent to the site to the east as MDR with an overall maximum density of 5 units per acre.

 

The text of the Master Plan states: “Based on the issues, goals and policies presented, and on consideration of potential future population growth in the Township, a map depicting the desired future development pattern in the Township was prepared.  It is noted that lines separating land use categories are NOT to be considered to be defined lines and the lines are not necessarily parcel specific.”

 

Therefore, the overall density of 4.7 units per acre appears to be substantially consistent with the Master Plan since LDR is 3 units per acre and the adjacent site is designated MDR with an allowable density of 5 units per acre.  (The density is calculated by adding 41 single family homes to 24 units of intermediate care totaling 65 units.  The 2.5 units of the 60 intermediate-care equals 24 units as per Sec. 20.4Q, then divide by the 13.7 acres, since land in a floodplain cannot be counted toward density.)  However, the Planning Commission will have to determine if the number of dwelling units is acceptable to be consistent with the Master Plan or if the total number should be reduced.

 

Sec. 3.20 states that lands within a floodplain should not be counted when determining density computations and density was calculated excluding floodplain areas.  The plan notes the density as 4.7 units per acre when the 2 acres of floodplain are excluded.  A DEQ Permit is required for all construction or fill placed within a floodplain.

 

E.         Pedestrian:  The PUD must provide for integrated, safe and abundant pedestrian access and movement within the PUD and to adjacent properties.  (In addition, the township has a stand alone ordinance covering certain sidewalk requirements)

 

Met.

 

F.         Architecture: The PUD should provide for coordinated and innovative visually appealing architectural styles, building forms and building relationships.

 

NOT PROVIDED.  TYPICAL ELEVATIONS SHOULD BE PROVIDED AND ARE TO BE PROVIDED PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

 

G.        Traffic: The PUD must provide for safe and efficient vehicular movements within, into and off of the PUD site.  In addition, the PUD should integrate traffic calming techniques, along with suitable parking lot landscape islands and other similar techniques to improve parking lot aesthetics, storm water management, traffic flow and vehicular/pedestrian safety.

 

Appears to be met with the addition of signage and landscaped islands, in addition to a decel lane.

 

C.                 Open Space Requirements:

 

1.                  The PUD development shall contain usable open space in an amount equal to at least twenty (20) percent of the total PUD site.  The Planning Commission may consider a PUD with a lesser amount of open space if it is clear that the proposed PUD substantially provides for the intent of a PUD as stated in this Chapter.  It is noted that open space is a very important element of a PUD and reductions to the open space provision should be granted only as a result of specific, clearly documented reasons (i.e. the PUD may located on a relatively small site in an area where a 20% open space provision would detract from building continuity, historic preservation efforts, etc.)

2.                  Such open space to be considered usable shall not include required yards (required yards need to be individually determined for each PUD project) or buffers, parking areas, drives, rights-of-way, utility or road easements, storm water detention ponds, wetlands (unless determined to be useable by the Planning Commission due to the addition of interpretive boardwalks/walkways, etc. provided in and through the wetland) and structures (Unless the structures are part of the open space i.e. gazebos, etc.). 

3.                  Such open space shall be permanently set aside for the sole benefit, use, and enjoyment of present and future occupants of the PUD through covenant, deed restriction, open space easement, or similar legal instrument acceptable to the Township; or, if agreed to by governmental agency, the open space may be conveyed to a governmental agency for the use of the general public.

 

Appears to be met.

 

An overlay site plan was provided to show the open space to help to determine if this standard is met.

Sec. 22.3       PERMITTED USES.

 

Met.  The use of Housing for the Elderly is permitted in Sec. 3.8(D) in the LDR district with a special use permit.  The special use standards listed in Sec. 20.4(Q) appear to be met.

Sec. 22.4       PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE.

 

            HELD.

 

A.                 Preliminary Plan Application Requirements

 

1.                  A completed application form and ten (10) copies of a preliminary development plan shall be provided to the Zoning Administrator.  The preliminary plan shall contain the following site plan information:

 

A.                 The date, north arrow, and scale.  The scale shall be not less than 1”=20’ for property ten (10) acres and larger and at least 1”=200’ for those 20 acres (20) acres or more.

 

PROVIDED.

 

B.                 The name and address of the firm responsible for the preparation of the site plan.

 

PROVIDED.

 

C.                 The name and address of the property owner(s) and petitioner(s).

 

PROVIDED.

 

D.                 Legal description of the PUD site.

 

PROVIDED.

 

E.                  The size (in acres) of the PUD site.

 

PROVIDED.

 

F.                  Property lines and proposed setbacks, shown and dimensioned.

 

PROVIDED.

 

G.                 A location sketch.

 

PROVIDED.

 

H.                 The location of all existing structures, driveways, and parking areas within 100’ of the PUD site’s boundaries.

 

PROVIDED.

 

I.                    The location and dimensions of all existing structures on the PUD site.

 

PROVIDED.

 

J.                   The location of all proposed structures on the PUD site.  Realizing that this is preliminary, dimensions are not necessary until final approval.

 

PROVIDED.

 

K.                The location and dimension of proposed lots or ownership divisions.

 

PROVIDED.

 

L.                  The location, pavement width and right-of-way width of all abutting roads, streets, alleys or easements.

 

PROVIDED.

 

M.               The existing zoning and use of all properties abutting including the PUD site.

 

PROVIDED.

 

N.                The location of all existing vegetation and the general location of all proposed landscape areas, berms, landscape islands and buffers, including any fence or wall areas.

 

PROVIDED.

 

O.                The size and location of existing utilities, including a short narrative note on the site plan pertaining to the PUD’s proposed utility needs and concepts.

 

PROVIDED.

 

P.                  The proposed location and estimated size(s) of all surface and subsurface water drainage facilities.

 

PROVIDED.  A STORM WATER DRAIN PERMIT IS REQUIRED.

 

Q.                Existing topographic contours at a maximum of five (5) foot intervals.  Conceptual topographic patterns for the PUD site shall also be provided, noting major earth moving and/or removal areas (realizing that each building receiving final PUD approval will be required to show actual topographic contours, both existing and proposed).

 

PROVIDED.

 

R.                 Location, type and size of areas to be dedicated for common open space.

 

PROVIDED. 

 

S.                  Anticipated trash receptacle locations and method of screening.

 

PROVIDED. 

 

T.                  Proposed streets, alleys, curb cuts, acceleration/deceleration lanes, curbed areas, service drives and parking lot locations, including traffic calming concepts, driving surface widths as required by the Ottawa County Road Commission’s standards.

 

A DECEL LANE IS PROVIDED.  CIRCULATION WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE SITE WAS REVISED.

 

U.                 Proposed pedestrian sidewalk movements both within and off the PUD site.  Sidewalks are required along all public roadways.

 

PROVIDED.

 

V.                 Proposed lighting concepts/styles and general location areas.

 

NOT PROVIDED.

 

W.               Proposed architectural style/design concepts that will be incorporated into final approval plans, including both buildings and structures (i.e. – gateways, fence/wall concepts, art work, etc.).

 

NOT PROVIDED.

 

X.                 Proposed setbacks, lot widths, lot areas and building/structure heights.

 

PROVIDED.

 

Y.                 Proposed uses to be included in the PUD project.

 

PROVIDED.

 

Z.                  Floodplain areas. (Revised 6-27-2005)

 

PROVIDED.  NEEDS A DEQ PERMIT.

 

2.                  Fee: Payment of a PUD fee, as established by the Township Board.  Provided.

 

3.                  Narrative Statement:  A narrative statement describing:  Provided.

 

A.                 The objectives of the PUD and how it relates to the Intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1.

B.                 The relationship of the PUD to the qualifying conditions listed in Section 22.2.

C.                 Phases of development and approximate time frames for each phase, including anticipated start and completion dates of construction.

D.                 Proposed deed restrictions, covenants, or similar legal instruments to be used within the PUD.

Sec. 22.10     STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL (both preliminary and final).

A PUD shall be approved only if it complies with each of the following standards:

A.        The proposed PUD complies with all qualifying conditions of Section 22.2.

Appears to be met, but the Planning Commission will make the determination as listed above.

B.                 The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development.

Appears to be met since this would be a good transition between the assisted-living to the east and the single family homes to the west.  Public services are available to the site.

C.                 The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.

Appears to be met since this would be a residential environment, consistent with the surrounding area.  A decel lane was provided on Cottonwood.

D.                 The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.

Appears to be met since this would provide an opportunity for single family homes to be constructed in a smaller than usual neighborhood environment and provide for a transition for a person to live in the same neighborhood while obtaining assistance.

E.                  The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of this Chapter, respective of being either a preliminary or final PUD request (Preliminary PUD’s must meet Section 22.5, A and Final PUD’s must meet Section 22.8, D.)

Appears to be met.

 

DeGood asked if there was a 20 foot lane for the Fire Department and was told yes.  He asked about the parking and was told that more spaces were provided than were required.

 

Todd Stuive detailed the parking that was provided for the independent units, the additional garages and the intermediate care facility.  He said that they did not intend for vehicles to park along the roadway.

 

Honderd said that this was a good layout and the only problems that might occur would be on holidays for visitor parking.  He asked about snow removal and where snow would be stockpiled.  He noted that a sidewalk on the west side ended at a parking lot and would require a pedestrian to walk across the parking lot.

 

Todd Stuive said that they had considered snow removal and had removed garages shown in the previous plan in the parking pods in order to accommodate snow to be pushed off these ends.  He said that there might be times when snow would have to be removed from the site.  He said that they did intend for pedestrians to walk across the parking lot when the sidewalk ended.

 

Honderd said that the plan had nice features and the use would have less of a traffic impact on Cottonwood than a regular residential development.

 

The chairman opened the public hearing.

 

Beth Hendrickson, 997 Village Lane, said that she was concerned with traffic on Cottonwood and there was only one road to Cottonwood for the development.  She said that this would be adding traffic to a busy street where there were already many Grand Valley students driving.  She said that she has trouble getting out in the morning and that a left hand turn lane is needed on Cottonwood.  She asked if there could be another road for this development to use to exit.

 

Honderd said that there was a connection to the Oak Crest Manor.

 

Todd Stuive said that they did not intend for traffic to use that connection unless there was an emergency and that connection would only lead to Cottonwood anyway.

 

South said that Cottonwood is busy but in the past there have not been a lot of problems.  He said that if someone has to wait a little longer to get out, it would be no worse than if the site was to be developed into all houses.

 

Beth Hendrickson said that the Grand Valley kids race on Cottonwood and a light should be installed to stop them.  She said that the Sheriff’s Department set up a sting and issued a lot of tickets.

 

Honderd asked if a traffic study had been done.  The zoning administrator said that the Township did not ask for one.

 

Todd Stuive said that the plan has not been submitted to the Road Commission yet.

 

Wayne Visbeen said that only one-third of the residents who live in Oakcrest Manor have vehicles and produce less traffic than any other development.

 

South said that the Road Commission reacts to demonstrated problems rather than addressing them before they occur.

 

Honderd said that a light along Cottonwood would result in traffic intervals which would make it easier to exit onto the street.

 

The chairman closed the floor to public comments.

 

Todd Stuive said that they had added a right-turn lane at the urging of the Township even though the Road Commission did not require it and it would help with traffic.  He said that the Road Commission is retroactive in addressing traffic issues.

 

Moved by South, seconded by Huizinga, to make the determination that the Qualifying Conditions have been met.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

It was noted that the plan could be tabled if the Planning Commission wanted to see more parking spaces or storage space for snow removal.

 

Wayne Visbeen detailed all the parking that was provided and noted that more parking spaces were provided than were required.

 

South said that there would be more room to maneuver if there were more parking spaces.

 

Honderd said that in the past the Planning Commission had allowed applicants to shown future banks of parking spaces that could be added if needed.  He said that he understands why they don’t want to provide parking spaces along the road because it would be detrimental to the design and they are making a visual statement.

 

Stasiak said that he thinks the parking is adequate and there is ample room for snow removal.  He said that he did not think it was a problem for pedestrians to walk across the parking lot.

 

Moved by Huizinga, seconded by Stasiak, to recommend to the Township Board to approve (PUD0701) Allen Springs Farm LLC, 7683 Cottonwood, for a Planned Unit Development for uses including detached single family homes, attached single family homes and housing for the elderly and related uses, under Chapter 22, on parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-11-400-018, 70-14-14-200-007, 70-14-11-400-031, and part of 70-14-14-200-050 located at 8037, 8001 and 8075 Cottonwood, Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, MI,

As shown on:

1.                  Sheets one (site plan and colored plan), two (utility and grading plan),and three of three (landscaping plan) dated 1-9-07 revised, and

2.                  the narrative statement identified as WPDATA\L061954E, and

3.                  on the elevation plan dated January 29, 2007.

On the basis that the following are met:

1.         Qualifying conditions in Sec. 22.2,

2.         Information as per Sec. 22.5 is provided, and

3.         The plan meets the ordinance requirements of Sec. 22.10

And with the following conditions:

1.         A letter is submitted to the Township asking the assessor to combine P.P. #

70-14-11-400-018 (8037 Cottonwood), 70-14-11-400-031 (8075 Cottonwood), and 70-14-14-200-007 (8037 Cottonwood) so that setbacks are met and parcel lines are not located through buildings.  Plus this eliminates the non-conforming parcels that have no frontage.  (The small part of 70-14-14-200-050 need not be combined since it was added merely to allow space for the additional garage and the landscaped buffer.)

2.         Types of typical light fixtures are provided at the time of final development approval.

3.         More sign detail should be provided at the time of final development approval

including the dimensions showing height, width, square footage and distance from the centerline of Cottonwood (especially if the signs are proposed to be different than what the ordinance allows).

4.                  A Storm Water Drain Permit is required at the time a building permit application is submitted.

5.                  A DEQ permit is required to build and/or fill in the floodplain. 

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070131-05 - Baldwin Street Overlay District

 

Pete Lazdins and John Hartsema, Design Plus, presented proposed plans for the Baldwin Street Overlay District, including an overview of the area and plan A, plan B, plan C.  There was discussion regarding the proposals.

 

#070131-06 – Adjournment

 

The chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.