APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE KENTWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
MARCH 22, 2011, 7:30 P.M.
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
A. Chair Holtrop called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Groce.
C. Roll Call:
Members Present: Maurice Groce, John Helder, Dan Holtrop, Ed Kape, Laurie Sheldon, Ed Swanson, Frank Vander Hoff, Don Yokom and Johngerlyn Young
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer, Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder, Planner Joe Pung, Staff Secretary Monique Collier, and one resident.
D. Approval of the Minutes and Findings of Fact
Motion by Commissioner supported by Commissioner to approve the Minutes of February 22, 2011 and the Findings of Fact for: Case #4-11 Midwest Geothermal - Special Land Use for a Contractor’s Yard- Located at; 3585 32nd Street SE; Case #5-11- Rapid Kentwood Station – Site Plan Review for a Regional Commercial Transit Center in a C3 Zone – Located at 3301 28th Street SE
- Motion Carried (9-0) –
E. Approval of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Swanson, supported by Commissioner VanderHoff, to approve the agenda for the March 22, 2011 meeting.
- Motion Carried (9-0) –
F. Acknowledge visitors wishing to speak to non-agenda items.
There was no Public Comment.
G. Old Business
There was no Old Business.
H. Public Hearing
There were no Public Hearings
I. Work Session
Case # 6-11 Structures and Improvement Plan (SIP)
Golder stated prior to the meeting the SIP Sub Committee met. She stated the SIP is similar to what has been reviewed in the past with the exception of new categories relating to water and sanitary sewer as well as drains and storm water. She stated the committee has a number of questions they would like answered. Golder stated the SIP is divided into Building and Site Improvements, Parks, Streets, Sidewalks and Non- Motorized Trails, Water and Sanitary Sewer and Drains and Storm Water.
Holtrop stated this is only a plan and is subject to change. He stated the City is in the midst of difficult economic times and if there is no money to spend they won’t spend it. He stated we would like to keep things moving, improving, upgrading and changing in Kentwood, as there are funds available they will go ahead with projects.
VanderHoff stated he is glad to see that the Driving Range got eliminated.
Holtrop stated to feel free to email Golder during the week. He stated we should have 1 or 2 representatives from the City at the next meeting to answer questions and clarify the issues that the committee raised.
J. New Business
Motion by Commissioner Sheldon, supported by Commissioner VanderHoff, to set a public hearing date of April 26, 2011, for: Case #7-11 – Interstate Batteries – Special Land Use and Site Plan Review for a Warehouse Selling Retail located at 41 44th Street SE
- Motion Carried (9-0) –
K. Other Business
1. Commissioners’ Comments
The commissioners offered no comment.
2. Staff’s Comments
Schweitzer stated prior to the meeting there were about 15-20 people present for the Master Plan discussion. He stated one of the first comments they received was people didn’t know about the workshops that took place last November-January. Schweitzer stated in terms of the comments this evening concept A was the one that Lighthouse felt was the most representative. Comments from the feedback are:
-owner occupied properties were desired
-no apartments owner occupied, townhouses ok if done top quality
-small grocer ok, but don’t waste time with a huge one
- keep the fire station
-plaza or park a must with walking areas
-ease of traffic flow and accessibility
Schweitzer stated the aspects of concept C they liked:
-water basin
-greenspace
-retail with living above
-walking areas
-internal street but keep safe for walkers
-parking spread out
-introducing senior housing
Concerned with all the new townhouses/rowhouses
-limit density and make travel easy
-good concept to benefit accessibility to seniors
Schweitzer stated there were also comments on 52nd & Kalamazoo:
-like the live work areas
-green areas
-concern with the adequacy of parking in the row house areas
-demo existing apartments at NE corner
-parking behind the buildings is considered to be desirable
Schweitzer stated another comment is that the buildings at 52nd and Eastern worn out and they feel the reinvestment in the area in combination with the grocer would be best accomplished by razing the existing building rather than remodeling.
Golder stated after meeting Centro; the properties owners stated there seems to be an interest in getting a grocery store and filling the buildings. Golder stated she didn’t get the sense that they are abandoning the site. She stated she gave them a contact with Lighthouse because they stated Duthlers Foods may be interested in some type of small store.
Pastor Dan of Kelloggsville church was present. He stated the comments are similar to the ones they have heard. He stated the only thing he encourages to keep in mind is that the crosswalk access 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue must be planned with neighborhood residents and young high school students in mind.
Schweitzer stated he thinks a narrative to accompany the land use mapping would be important to bring through we are looking at homeownership and there is a concern that you have a good quality of house that goes in.
Swanson stated he wouldn’t like to put anything in that would restrict it to single family homes or restricts to where it currently exists. He stated he would like the Masterplan narrative to outline the general development principles that are considered desirable. Swanson stated he doesn’t want anyone to turn down a good project because it doesn’t fit precisely with the concept plans. He stated when you have a redevelopment we need to remain as flexible.
VanderHoff stated we should be flexible and if someone comes forth with a plan we would just have to look at it and see what we think.
Helder stated he thinks it is premature to set specific land use or property use limitations. We don’t want to discourage anybody.
Golder asked if the commissioners were in favor of specifying land use types for particular portions of the plans versus assigning a mixed land use designation across the overall study area.
Commissioners agreed to put some portions of the site as a mixed use and have a narrative that would call out guiding principles for the redevelopment.
Swanson stated the only major negative he heard was the fear of rental housing. He stated a narrative would enable the City to talk about what is being sought.
L. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner VanderHoff, supported by Commissioner Sheldon, to adjourn the meeting.
- Motion Carried (9-0) –
Meeting adjourned at 8:15p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Yokom, Secretary
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The 2013 Kentwood Summer Concert Series at the Kentwood Library Amphitheatre
sponsored by DTE Energy will feature five talented acts
Thanks Meadow Brook Elementary! | 5/22/2013
Thanks to Meadow Brook Elementary for their hospitality in hosting our City Commission Meeting this week. It was great to engage our northeast citizens as well as get to know Principal Shaw and and his staff. Such great things happening at Meadow Brook Elementary!
--- Mayor Clanton
May 21st City Commission Meeting | 5/17/2013
The Kentwood City Commission will hold its May 21st 7p meeting at Meadow Brook Elementary at 1450 Forest Hills SE. We are excited to “take our show on the road” and engage our northerly residents!
--- Mayor Clanton