[1:26] Mr. Myers, are you and your team ready to go? They are ready. Okay, let's do [1:30] this. Secretary, please call the roll for [1:33] 7:35. Mrs. Hall-Rayford? Here. Mr. Stokes? [1:38] Here. Mrs. Moody? Here. Ms. Naylor? Here. [1:43] This is no public hearing. You have 3 minutes to have no public hearing. You [1:46] have 3 minutes to speak on whatever you want to speak on. It is [1:49] Please write your name on the sheet of speak on whatever you want to speak on. [1:52] It is Please write your name on the sheet of [1:54] paper up there. Paper up there. Hopefully it's up there. [1:58] And you have 3 minutes. Jennifer Nicholas, East Point resident. [2:03] Um I wanted to go back to Jennifer [2:05] Nicholas, East Point resident. Um I wanted to go back to a couple of to a [2:10] couple of planning commission meetings last year, October 2nd planning planning [2:16] commission meetings last year, October 2nd planning commission. You were doing [2:21] zoning ordinance changes regarding uh [2:26] garage setbacks. At that time, Mr. Myers had stated that if a garage were [2:31] destroyed during a fire, including language that would in effect including [2:35] language that would in effect grandfather existing garages to allow [2:41] the original setbacks if the garage needed to be rebuilt needed to be [2:45] rebuilt. Mr. Myers stated that section 11. Mr. Myers stated that section 11.07 [2:53] part D part 1 already covers this in the event of a fire natural disasters, so no [3:00] additional language would need to be added to this motion. [3:03] The way I read this Excuse me, the the The way I read this section 11.7, I [3:10] don't see that it guarantees that a homeowner can rebuild [3:13] um north of Stevens, east of Kelly. There's nine streets in that [3:18] neighborhood. Approximately 80 houses on each street, so say about 700 homes. I [3:26] would say every single one of those homes, the garages are 2 ft away from [3:29] the fence for the side setbacks. [3:33] So, all of these structures are now non-conforming. [3:37] And if something were to happen, they would have to be built [3:41] differently. They would have to be moved or possibly downsized. [3:46] Um Definitely have problems on my block [3:50] with renters. There is a particular rental house that there's no certificate [3:56] of occupancy that has been current. The last inspection goes back to 2024. [4:04] It looks like it's owing maybe about $950. [4:11] These tenants are beyond horrible. Um they don't pay the water bill's dead. [4:18] And you know, the city definitely needs to do more about these rentals that [4:24] they're not being inspected. They're not keeping up on the property. It looks [4:29] disgusting. Uh you know, the whole city is just like [4:33] littered with trash. I invite anyone to walk from city hall and go [4:39] from here, go down Semrau all the way down to Kelly and see all the trash all [4:46] over. And then go down all the other side streets, too. Trash all over the [4:51] place. It's not just limited to 8 and Gratiot. [4:54] I mean, this will know whether you can attend or not. I don't know, but if you [4:59] can, great. If not, please provide the Thank you. [5:03] Mr. Woodson, if you would be so kind to give her some regions information, maybe [5:07] contact her tomorrow this home, please. [5:14] Moving on to the approval of the minutes for the [5:18] February 5th, 2026 meeting. Chairman DeHaan. Um the minutes [5:23] from that meeting need to be amended, though. [5:26] It be corrected without within the minutes. [5:30] We have a motion. Do we have support? I'll support that. We have motion and [5:34] support. Secretary, please call the roll. [5:39] Mr. Sassak? Yes. Mrs. Hall-Rayford? Yes. Mr. Stokes? Yes. Mrs. Moody? [5:48] Ms. Naylor? Yes. [5:51] Ms. Zielinski? Yes. Chairman DeHaan? Abstain. [5:57] We have no public hearing, so we'll move on to new It spans the public alley and [6:01] also incorporates the applicant's The applicant owns the triangular parcels to [6:06] the north. So, this site sort of incorporates both [6:10] of their parcels and the public alley. Um the applicant also [6:15] just for reference owns this parcel here as well. [6:22] Um >> [clears throat] [6:23] » this is the site plan you received in your packets. [6:26] You might have noticed on the drawings that there are a few revision clouds. [6:31] We did the staff did iterate this um reviewed the the initial submission. [6:37] The applicant provided a revision in response to the staff's original [6:41] comments. Um but as I was mentioning the um [6:48] This is a 2,800 ft building to consist of offices and storage. Um there are [6:55] electric vehicle chargers chargers proposed here with four spots dedicated [7:00] for that purpose. Um landscaping as required by the [7:04] ordinance. And then on that northern parcel, a [7:08] dumpster enclosure and a electrical transformer. [7:12] My understanding is that it's to facilitate the vehicle charging are [7:16] proposed on that northern parcel. [7:20] Um These are the elevations of the [7:22] building. Since the land is zoned MU1 uh and this is a new development that is [7:30] seeking site plan approval. It is responsible to the architectural [7:34] standards and the building material standards that are in the ordinance. Um [7:38] There are a couple There are a couple [7:42] It It meets most of them. There are a couple items in which this proposal does [7:46] not meet the standards. Um I will talk about those in a minute. [7:50] The items in which it doesn't meet, the applicant is requesting a waiver from [7:54] you and the planning commission can decide [7:56] whether to grant that waiver. Um the building is composed of composite wood [8:01] siding. This lower left elevation is the proposed 8 Mile elevation. [8:08] The entrance is proposed to be off the parking lot on the east. [8:12] Um all of the elevations are essentially treated the same and at the same quality [8:17] of design. Um Which is I think appropriate and [8:21] required by the ordinance. The uh [8:26] So, as I said, there This has been through [8:29] um two submissions already. Um there are a couple of things a few [8:34] things that remain unresolved. Um One of them is that the [8:40] uh for the for the project to proceed exactly as it [8:44] was presented to you, um [8:46] the public alley must be vacated because the applicant is proposing to pave the [8:50] public alley. Um It is rezoned. The zoning map is [8:54] amended. It is rezoned. The zoning map is amended to a [8:57] MU1. Um there were some engineering comments [9:00] that are still outstanding. I think those are appropriate to be addressed at [9:03] the engine page. [9:06] I think the most significant one that um [9:09] is not a matter of more information or might require redesign is the item of [9:15] impervious surface. Facade glazing must be 40%. Um it's currently at 37.2%. [9:24] I think the uh just [9:28] Our opinion about those waivers, the if They're sort of dependent on each other, [9:33] I guess. The um I I would grant that as it currently [9:37] stands, 8 Mile. It's unlikely that someone's going to walk to this building [9:40] from 8 Mile. Um but the ordinance is trying to move development in the city [9:46] in a direction where it that is more pedestrian friendly than it has been in [9:50] the past. Um but I I think there's an argument to be [9:53] made about the side entrance. Um The [9:57] uh glazing if there if there should be a door there [10:02] by ordinance standards and to accept pedestrians [10:06] from the M I L frontage if there is not a door there then I [10:10] think the windows it's attractively composed it's [10:14] the waiver request is only about 2 and 1/2% and that might be reasonable but I [10:17] think that's sort of dependent on what you think about the [10:22] the entrance. [10:25] With that I'm happy to answer any questions. [10:32] But as it's drawn it doesn't meet it. All of this land is um [10:38] outside of where the frontage landscaping is in this strip along the [10:42] property line and then around this triangular piece. [10:47] The rest of it is pavement and the um [10:51] from an ordinance perspective this building is over parked. It would only [10:55] need three three parking spaces for its employees. Um my understanding is that [11:00] the applicant because the EV spaces are um intended to be [11:07] retail charging. >> Walkable communities. [11:10] If you keep making variance we're going to never get there. That's one thing. [11:15] Like I said I've seen places there seem to be plenty space on the front of that [11:17] building to accommodate the lighting and the door and they still could have a [11:21] side interest. Which is at some point in time have to just move in the direction [11:27] of where we say we're want to go. Or either we don't want to go there one [11:30] of the two but I think that should be um a consideration that we should be you [11:36] know asking for a compliance because it's it's a new construction it can uh [11:40] combine the parcels together if they're not contiguous. [11:45] Okay. Um the [11:49] I did talk to the assessor about um and and we've had some conversation with [11:56] the applicant as well about um whether or not the dumpster enclosure is [11:59] necessary. I believe I think the applicant can clarify but I believe that [12:03] they would like to use that parcel at least for the electrical transformer. Um [12:07] there might be a scenario if if it's not necessary for vehicular access [12:12] um that the plan could be revised to not [12:17] use the parcel for dumpster access. There are there are also overhead wires [12:21] underneath the location of the dumpster as it's currently drawn. [12:24] Um and then in that case I think the the [12:29] city's position would be that um there would need to be access agreements. [12:34] Perhaps the vacation wouldn't be necessary but there have to be um [12:38] easements recorded easements so that um the parcels are functional together even [12:43] if with a transfer of ownership. [12:47] Utilizing nine spots but four of those spots [12:50] were for the EV and that's not [12:55] in compliance with the ordinance either correct? [13:00] The um the number of parking spots [13:04] the the um it's a small business the [13:08] occupancy is less than 50 people so the zoning ordinance only requires that it [13:12] parks their employees. So um as it's drawn it is compliant. [13:19] Um I I [snorts] was suggesting that um from an ordinance perspective [13:25] » [snorts] >> there's more parking than there needs to [13:27] be and that seems like a low hanging fruit for achieving the [13:32] impervious surface coverage maximum. [13:37] But the the revised So why are we rezoning the rear [13:42] of the building? I'm asking is it just to put a dumpster back there we're going [13:45] to pave the alley just for a dumpster or there's no space on the side that the [13:50] rezoning isn't necessary? I'm asking the question. [13:53] » Um well I I think there are alternatives. [13:56] Um I think that the the I guess the comment about combining is [14:03] for this um if that and that [14:08] triangular parcel would have to be rezoned so it's not um split zoned [14:12] because if it's just sitting there and not being [14:17] used then it can still be zoned residential and it's like nothing [14:20] happens but um [14:24] Some stuff I don't understand still. So we're taking the parcel yes it's [14:28] residential it's a small triangle and I'm asking the use of that triangle [14:32] would be for rezoning it for a dumpster. And we talked and we talked about you [14:39] know zoning areas that we've already have designated. [14:42] And we're we're combining parcels and we're going to rezone it combining [14:47] parcels and we're going to rezone it. You know how many other spaces are going [14:51] to say well it's you know how many other spaces are going to say well it's next [14:53] door is adjacent is across the alley can I just rezone next door is adjacent is [14:57] across the alley can I just rezone that? We can get into this spot rezoning zone [15:01] that we can get into this spot rezoning endlessly and we keep setting you know [15:06] patterns endlessly and we keep setting you know [15:09] patterns for that. I'm just trying to understand it with the amount of land [15:12] that it seems that's held do we really need [15:17] do we really need to go down that pathway? And if we do need to go down [15:22] that pathway and if we do keep doing this I think we'll keep doing this I [15:27] think we'll just keep doing this. Miss closing it off and vacating that [15:33] and then what we do with it. So those are the two issues I have. The property [15:37] has the ability to put another dumpster or small supply unit of [15:42] waste management on it. But we're we're willing to listen to what the the owner [15:48] of the property wants to do. Sir if you wouldn't mind just put your [15:53] name on the piece of paper please. [16:00] Put my name on the Should be a piece of paper up there. [16:04] Yeah if there's a pen just put your name on it please. Residential zoning is my [16:08] understanding. Um and it was put back there on purpose. [16:12] The in a perfect world we would vacate the [16:15] alley but if you look and um Paul maybe you can point out [16:21] there's a a residential corner um [16:25] on the upper left there. When you vacate the alley um [16:29] each side of the alley is entitled to the to half of the alley vacation. [16:36] So we kind of drew this up so the alley [16:39] would not need to be vacated because we would risk [16:43] not being able to use a corner of the alley. [16:46] Um it could technically be fenced off. Now um [16:51] uh city the city planner and I have talked [16:55] electrical lines running along this alley which we've met with DTE about [17:01] where to put this transformer and they said they said well this is the bottom [17:06] of the pole this is like the most ideal place. Um and most economical and it's [17:10] kind of for us it's out of the way in the back. Um [17:15] to get away with not having to rezone that back parcel and vacate the [17:20] alley you know [17:23] that transformer could move across the alley to be behind the building if [17:27] absolutely needed but from our use perspective it makes sense to [17:32] have it in the back. Um [17:35] so that's kind of what our thinking was with this. [17:39] Real real estate company with three employees. There'd be a couple offices [17:43] in the front. The door would not be used. We don't have people [17:47] we're not retail we don't have people walking in off the street. [17:50] The only real access to this the is from the parking lot. People park and [17:55] they walk in whether we have clients or guests or it's just us coming in and [17:58] out. So we we request to move the door to the side [18:03] because of that. We don't have anybody just walking in and you know [18:08] to buy something or to to do anything like that. [18:11] So that was the reason behind it. We could still put a door there. It's it's [18:14] a much more expensive concrete it's it's a much more expensive concrete. We were [18:17] hoping to prefer not to have to do that and spend [18:20] the extra money but if if we want we have to meet the city's requirements. Um [18:25] additionally um in the back of the building so the [18:29] top of the drawing I mean if if we weren't able to pave the [18:33] alley or that back parcel all that would stay grass. [18:38] And so there would be more um perviousness on the on the parcel [18:44] on the on the plan. It could comply with what [18:48] those requirements are that we're asking that we should probably try and keep [18:53] moving forward in the way that we want to bring the city. [18:57] And so if a door can be installed on the front [19:01] I would my question be why why wouldn't it be? [19:05] And that would put you without having to do you know the waivers etc. [19:09] So I I would at first I was in agreement [19:14] there and have a picnic. Um I but I I have no problem at first I had [19:21] a problem with no door in the front but I really don't have a problem with that [19:24] now and I think about all of those commercial businesses fronting Vernier. [19:30] I I I don't have an issue with that. [19:36] We also have other established businesses throughout the city [19:40] that have doorways off of their parking lots but not necessarily [19:44] » ments and then we're removing ments and then we're removing them. I understand [19:49] if it was a need or use um but this is just a you know, [19:54] but this is just a building that's being erected for office and storage. [20:00] And so therefore we said it doesn't need to comply. That's how it translates to [20:03] me. Then what are we going to do with the rest of the zones? [20:07] But that's just my point. I'll get off my soapbox. [20:10] Mr. Myers, your thoughts? [20:22] But that's what we have to think through, but if he's willing to move [20:25] that triangle situation over and leave it green, that saves his previous issue, [20:30] keeps his parking space, and then the only last piece you have to address is [20:35] whether you want a front door or not. And then I think he's got a [20:39] compliance for us. [20:44] So what what you're saying, John, that will alleviate the rezoning? Yes. Abs- [20:50] Okay. And the and the freezing of the the vacating of the alley. [20:54] Okay. >> Which he has 40. [20:56] So, the intention is as I had mentioned is have offices in [21:00] the front. It'll likely be a drop ceiling, which would have [21:03] glass above. I'm sorry. So there'd be nothing [21:08] in that above section. Mhm. Um, so [21:13] you this is the other thing we were asking for, Lenny. I don't mean to like [21:16] flip-flop with because I know we were moving on these other things, but this [21:19] is the other thing that we were asking for a waiver on. Um, [21:22] it was on the glass requirement. Um, [21:27] so yeah. So Mr. Chair, if I can clarify and form in the math for everybody at [21:32] the table, you're asking for a waiver from 37 and 1/2 to 40, which is about 2 [21:38] and 1/2 per- I gave you two options because I was not [21:44] I I don't think you can approve it conditionally if there's a redesign that [21:49] still needs to happen. So how about we table this discussion and we tackle it [21:54] next month? Is that [21:58] Is that would that be better to give you a month and come back with a revised [22:02] site plan with all the changes? If that's what you wish, then yes, it would [22:05] be much cleaner. >> Commission, how do you feel? [22:08] Let's table it. All right, there we go. Can I get a motion to table this [22:12] discussion until the What is April? Losing track of time. [22:17] Plan review approval can begin for the building of the of the of the structure [22:21] while we're waiting for special land use approval of the variables that we've [22:27] just discussed for him to create in drawings. [22:30] That could be the conditional approval. Is that would that work better for you? [22:35] » it. Yeah. [22:44] Mhm. And they you you all can still work on [22:48] what you just mentioned, too, even but is is irrelevant. I I'm [22:52] going to have it. If it had been 2.9, you were out of luck. [22:56] Um, but 2.8, I'm fine. I well I you know, I I concede uh, Commissioner [23:02] Naylor's point on the front door. Uh, she is right, but I'm also looking [23:08] at the front doors that are going along Vernier right now and other businesses, [23:13] and it is an office. It's not a retail establishment, and the family owns ch- [23:18] changing of the zoning, and number three, it would give him more room for [23:22] previous property. [23:26] So those three those are the So the door and that back triangular piece are the [23:30] big pieces that you have to wait for him to draw and and give [23:35] recommendations of what your the the council is thinking. [23:40] The commission is thinking. [23:46] Brings it up to 40%. Um, I guess my own personal feeling [23:53] is that the the window like the facade is designed, [snorts] [23:58] there's not a lot of more window to be had there. Since it's an office [24:01] building, I think the percentage of glass is a reasonable waiver. [24:04] Um, but I I also think there should be a [24:07] door there. So, um, I I think it would improve it, but I I [24:11] don't know. Um, it's we would be okay with the 2.8%. [24:16] And you would not touch the square. I mean the the triangle, which would not [24:21] require any rezoning, right? So that would put us all on the same [24:25] page. So [24:29] need to see that next month. Call [24:33] Call the roll. Dang. [24:37] Secretary, please be secretary. I second that. [24:42] We have motion, we have support. Please call the roll. [24:46] » [laughter] [25:11] » Mr. Sassick. No, Miss Chairman, we have a nom- we [25:15] have a nomination. I make a nomination that Mr. Sassick [25:20] remain in his position as co-chair. Vice chair. [25:25] Support. I make a nomination for nomination for Mr. Stokes. [25:32] For Mr. Stokes. [25:40] All right. I We've never had that before. We've never had that before. [25:46] What do we think? You. Mrs. Moody. You. Mrs. Moody. Yes. Mrs. Hall-Rayford. [25:52] Yes. Miss Naylor, you were thinking about [25:55] taking that back, weren't you? >> [laughter] [25:59] » Um, Mr. Stokes. Yes. Mr. Zelinski. Yes. Um, Chairman DeHunt. [26:06] Yes. And Mr. Sassick, do you accept? >> Yeah. [26:09] The new news is as of last month we have a live active construction appeals board [26:15] ready to be addressing the technology and the issues coming into our five-year [26:19] master plan and a lot of our construction issues that we've been [26:23] struggling with. They've been appealing based on codes, based on violence, and [26:27] they don't agree that I'm there, but now we have an account- with the [26:31] understanding that [26:34] existing buildings would be grandfathered, protected under this [26:39] section 11.07, and then I was very surprised to hear at [26:45] the City Council meeting February 17th, very clearly our city manager, Mr. Ryan [26:50] Madden, instructor to be aware, to give you a heads-up that [26:54] if something happens, you cannot build it in the same spot that it is now. [26:59] Um, I you know, again as a homeowner, I would be very upset if [27:04] for any reason, whether it's a tornado, a fire, or if I simply want to rebuild [27:10] my 70-year-old garage, and we all had 2 ft between the garage [27:17] and and the fences, and somehow they managed to take care of their [27:22] property. Um, so to say we're changing an ordinance to try and change [27:30] irresponsibly property in my neighborhood that I can leave it where [27:35] it is. So just something to consider in the future. I understand for new builds [27:39] we want new builds to be this way, and I agree with that, but I don't think we [27:44] should penalize thousands of residents um that now have non-conforming [27:48] structures sitting in their backyards. Thank you very much, and again I [27:52] appreciate all of you. to address the five-year mas- to address [27:56] the five-year master plan. And I'm excited what I heard from all of you [28:00] tonight. master plan. And I'm excited what I heard from all of you tonight. It [28:05] was about It was about addressing the future of [28:08] this city, and I realize addressing the future of this city, and I realize there [28:15] always will be somebody that won't like what happens, but we can't only take [28:20] care of only take care of and we must take care of the elder [28:24] relations to and we must take care of the elder relations to [28:30] garage garage roofs that are in in deplorable [28:34] conditions, all the ways to roofs that are in in deplorable conditions, all the [28:39] ways that we know exactly what the details are so that we can calculate [28:44] what kind of clean up we're really going to take they're going to take in the [28:47] next five-year master plan. Thank you for your hard work that you're going to [28:51] have to in the next five-year master plan. Thank you for your hard work that [28:54] you're going to have to do [28:57] We're now working to restructure and rebuild the neighborhood block block [29:02] watch program with the fire and police department, so they will become in the [29:06] internal sections of each of our districts [29:09] a part of our team, not to be whistleblowers, but paying attention to [29:14] things that happen and give our staff uh, the ability and 1,200 more to be [29:20] registered above that list. So every time we go into a rental property, we [29:25] have the property rights to walk through that backyard and do blight on the [29:29] exterior based on the new IPMC 2021. Soon as I'm in that backyard, [29:36] I get to see down the backyards, and I can I can take a photograph from [29:40] that. So if we give them more time to be clerks and answering conversations about [29:45] every address, then we won't have time for them to be on the field. We've gone [29:49] to a digital ticketing system so they don't have to be in the office writing [29:53] them by hand. So, as they are in the field, if you need a specific cut up the [29:57] concrete and put a smaller garage on. That seems very common sense for someone [30:02] who's had already a disaster, but that's my thoughts. Other than that, [30:06] let's just get ready for a great year. Keep focusing on our master plan. I know [30:10] it's tough questions and people come before us. [30:13] Um but that's the point of us having our administrative part so we can guide the [30:18] build out. And the commission was quick not to [30:23] and the commission was quick not to allow him to do that, which was fine. [30:28] And I mean, I understand. But then tonight we was almost at the point of [30:32] allowing this person to to make some changes to [30:36] that would affect the rezoning. So, I think we just have to have clarity [30:40] there and be more consistent in the things that we're going to do. And [30:45] also have say, have a wonderful evening. [31:03] God bless you. [31:07] God bless you. [31:11] Uh I have nothing to say other than [31:15] uh I have nothing to say other than don't [31:18] forget to lose don't forget to lose your hour of sleep this weekend. [31:25] I want to thank everybody. I enjoy working with all of you. [31:30] I think we have really good discussions and some of the decisions we wind up [31:35] making maybe aren't always right, but we're doing the best we can. And I also [31:41] want to congratulate Commissioner Stokes on his uh [31:45] um that family has been spectacular [31:48] supporters of the city of East Point. When so many businesses closed and moved [31:53] away, they stayed [31:57] and continued to put out a quality product that people will come from miles [32:01] around because that's what they did with their grandma 50 years [32:06] I got the gavel. I got the gavel. [32:11] With that said, can I get a motion to close the meeting? [32:13] So, motion. Support. With motion. Support. We have a motion by [32:18] » [laughter] >> Ms. Moody and support by Ms. A motion by [32:22] Ms. Moody and support by Ms. Ulinski. Secretary, please call the roll. Ms. [32:27] Moody. Yes. Ms. Ulinski. Yes. Ms. Rayford Hall Rayford. [32:31] » Yes. Mr. Stokes. [32:33] » Yes. Ms. Naylor. Yes. Mr. Sassek. Yes. Chairman DeHaan. Yes.