Public Hearing 5-22-2006

SWANTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING THE PROPOSED OVERLAY OF U.S. 20A
Z33-C125
MAY 22, 2006

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Sandy Komisarek, Ed Snyder, Dave Smithers, Ron Grant, Joe Zielinski

VISITORS PRESENT:

14 people signed: Cindy Irmen, Jim Irmen, Molly Maguire, Bonnie Bauman, Julie Tippie, Peggy Michael, Jeff Michael, Elizabeth Kantner, Al Mackey, Mike Uhl, Kenneth Goodenday, Jim Nowak, Gary Heinemann, Richard Giddens

The hearing was opened by Chairperson Sandy Komisarek at 7:15 P.M. to continue the Public Hearing from April 10, 2006.

Sandy Komisarek asked if the Zoning Board was going to change what they had decided every time someone objects. Dave Smithers expressed his concern that the Overlay verbage was taken from the Airport Highway Overlay and he did not think they are the same because of the differences of the two roads involved. He went on to say that if commercial growth is restricted on 20A then all that will exist on that road is the Airport owned property. Ron Grant stated that an overlay keeps out what isn’t wanted and maybe the board needs to revisit the excluded uses to see if they need to be amended. Ed Snyder spoke to the fact that a nice new car/truck lot might force the other car lots to improve their area also. Mr. Al Mackey agreed that it needs to look orderly and feels he has set an example with the Air Ride property.

Molly Maquire said the LCPC did not want to act on the proposal as they felt that Al Mackey has put a great deal of money into the township and the proposal would put him at an undo financial burden. Mr. Richard Giddens, owner and operator of Oak Park, said he believes it is a matter of trust and that Mr. Mackey has proven himself with the Air Ride property. He went on to say that a business puts money into the township. Several of the residents present voiced their agreement regarding the increased income from taxes.

Township resident, Elizabeth Kantner, again expressed her concern regarding possible pollution but has no objection to a used car lot on the property. Resident, Jim Nowak felt the board should approach this cautiously and said he does not want a used car lot there.

Motion was made by Ed Snyder to amend the 20A Overlay District as detailed below. Seconded by Ron Grant. The vote was: Sandy Komisarek - Yes, Ed Snyder - Yes, Ron Grant - Yes, Dave Smithers - Yes, Joe Zielinski - Yes. Motion Carried.

REF: Z33-C125 EXHIBIT “A”

5.A.1.3 sentence 3 “Predominate (at least 65%) of exterior…”

5.A.1.4 “Section 5.A.1.5.”

5.A.1.5 change “with automobile/truck sales/leasing when not within an M-1 zoned parcel in the Overlay District.”

5.A.1.5 “new excluded use M-1 or M-2 east of State Route 295 in the Overlay District.”

5.A.1.5 “Motor vehicle body shop when not with in an M-1 zoned parcel in the Overlay District”

5.A.1.16 #7 “All loading areas shall be screened from view off premises.”

5.A.1.17 #4 “ As part of the site plan…landscape material is installed for three (3) years.”

A motion was made by Ed Snyder to close the Public Hearing and reopen the regular meeting at 8:35 P.M., seconded by Dave Smithers. The vote was: Sandy Komisarek - Yes, Ed Snyder - Yes, Ron Grant - Yes, Dave Smithers - Yes, Joe Zielinski - Yes. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Smithers, Zoning Secretary

cc: Swanton Township Trustees, Swanton Township Clerk, Swanton Township Zoning Inspector, Swanton Township Zoning Commission members, Swanton Township Zoning Appeals members & Swanton Township secretary, file/Public Hearing 5/22/2006