Reference Desk
Planning Commission
Minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Call to Order – Chair
Meeting was called to order at 5:40 pm by
Chair Mr. Rodney Patrick.
Roll Call – Yvette Robinson, Exec.
Secretary
Present: Rodney Patrick,
Cindy Dilena, Frank Ross,
Collette Ramsey, Barbara Willis,
Yvette Robinson, Cleophus Pye
Absent: Theodore Waterhouse,
Sam Billington
Approval of February 13, 2008 Commission
Minutes
Motion: Mr. Patrick made a
motion to accept the minutes as
written. Ms. Willis 2nd. The
motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
A. Update on Studio 33 – Zoning
Application
Ms. Robinson reported that Studio
33 is still operating a business.
She stated that Mr. Blackwell and
Mr. McConico have given the business
two (2) weeks as of March 7, 2008 to
get into compliance; as of today the
City has not heard from them. If
they do not get into compliance an
order to Cease & Desist (violation)
will be written and issued.
Discussion ensued regarding the
safety of tower and operations of
Studio 33 and the need to enforce
policies.
B. Update of McGregor Library
Ms. Robinson reported that she’s
finally at the point to set up
committees. Citizens in the City
will make up the advisory council
for fundraising projects.
The goal for the first phase is
to have the library opened by the
end of the year. The installation of
the fence is in progress. The roof
has been fixed and the grounds are
being secured. The 1st floor will be
a traditional library/children’s
library. 2nd floor will be used to
generate revenue. The auditorium
will be restored for different
community events. Possible
collaboration with the University of
Detroit Mercy School of Architecture
is in the works.
Discussion ensued about the
possible features of the library.
C. Community Development Update
Mr. Ross spoke about Wayne
County’s new Façade Improvement
Program which will provide matching
grants up to $10,000 for distress
areas in 6 areas. The program is
open-ended with no deadlines. This
program will assign an architect to
work with businesses.
Discussion followed about the
program.
Action: Mr. Ross will
email the complete
application to each
Commissioner.
Ms. Robinson stated that she
would like to see the shopping
center across from the Model T Plaza
improved.
New Business
A. Kentucky Fried Chicken Closure
Ms. Robinson stated that KFC is
currently closed. Marcus Fitzgerald
went to see if they had permits to
do the work. The City was told that
the State ok’d the work to be done.
We are currently awaiting an answer
from the Stated regarding this
issue.
B. NEZ Between Tennyson & Davison
Streets
Ms. Robinson stated that at this
time she does not have an answer to
this issue. She would look into it.
Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)
No public comments were made.
Announcements/Adjournment
Ms. Robinson spoke about the DTOG project
and the three stops that would be in
Highland Park. Mrs. Dilena stated that HP
Devco preparing to place 8-10 trash cans
along Woodward. Mr. Ross revealed that a
dock for cruise ships may be built at the
end of Woodward Avenue. Ms. Robinson talked
about the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
regarding residential housing development
projects. As well as an RFQ for a new City
of Highland Park website which should be
completely updated in the next 30-45 days.
Ms. Robinson also spoke about the permit
process being moved in-house. She finished
by giving an overview of the City’s
relationship with the Michigan Suburbs
Alliance.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 pm by
Mr. Patrick.
Respectfully submitted this 26th day of
March 2008.
_______________________________________________
Yvette L. Robinson, Executive Secretary
|
