A regular meeting of the Charter Township of Oxford Planning Commission held Thursday, July 27, 2006, at the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center.

 

Members Present:      Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

 

Members Absent:      None

 

Also Present:             Village Planning Commissioners (Schultz, Cervenak, Spharel), Village Manager Young, Township Planner Lopatin, Township Engineer Sharpe, Planning & Zoning Coordinator Walkaus, CATV Camerman, approximately 3 visitors

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Silvester at 7:32 pm.

 

RESPECTS TO THE FLAG

 

NOTING OF ROLL CALL

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve the July 27, 2006 Agenda as presented.

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0           Absent:  0               Motion Carried

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Ordinance Review Sub Committee Meeting – July 10, 2006

Black moved, Curtis seconded to approve the Ordinance Review Sub Committee Meeting of July 10, 2006 as presented.

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0           Absent:  0               Motion Carried

 

Planning Commission Regular Meeting – July 13, 2006

Black moved, Curtis seconded to approve the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2006 as presented.

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0           Absent:  0               Motion Carried

 

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING OR ON AGENDA

No Citizen’s Comments on items not on the Agenda were given.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS, INFORMATION FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND COORDINATOR

Commissioners’ Comments:  None

 

PC and ZBA Coordinator Comments:  Recycling packet CDs, please return any that have been downloaded to laptop computers  and no longer needed.  Ms. Walkaus noted she has a Master Right-of-Way Plan for County roads where road easements have been color coded.  Educational material in mailboxes.

 

Zoning Administrator Comments:  On behalf of Zoning Administrator Darling, Ms. Walkaus had no comments.

 

Recording Secretary Comments:  None

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S) - None

 

OLD BUSINESS

Jointly with the Village of Oxford Planning Commission

PRELIMINARY PUD PLAN (2) – Lakeshore Village – Attached Village Homes in CAD District (VMF) – Parcels”  TWP 04-23-301-003, VILLAGE 04-23-351-001, 04-23-351-002.  Applicant:  143 Development Company, 101 W. Long Lake Bloomfield Hills, MI  48304 (Mark E. Hubbard).  Joint Discussion with Village of Oxford Planning Commission

Jim Eppink of J. Eppink Partners was present and handed out hard copies of a power point presentation which included a “Further Revised Site Plan”.  He is seeking the Township to grant Preliminary PUD approval of this plan so the project can move forward to address more technical issues and then simultaneously submitted to the Village and Township for Final PUD approval.  He reiterated that garbage and snow removal would be contracted by the homeowners association and there would be one central location for mail.  The Further Revised Site Plan shows:

-       Density has been reduced from 85 units to 83 in response to comments about spreading the buildings out more.  As part of this reduction, buildings have been moved further inward and further away from the Polly Ann Trail.

-       Open space has been increased to 28% overall for the entire PUD which consists of an inner-connected park in the middle and 3 overlook parks (one being an extension of the Polly Ann Trail inviting the public into the community).

-       The roads were realigned to a “horseshoe” type system so that buildings front the road more squarely and to provide greater open space. 

-       The inclusion of 5 foot sidewalks with 10 ½ foot wide street yards and trees.

-       A 5 foot safety path has been added along Oxford Road (will increase to 8 foot if required).  Mr. Eppink noted they still do not entirely agree with this and reiterated they would rather contribute funds to enhance Polly Ann Trail trailheads, trees, and/or signage. 

-       Improvements to building architecture.  On end units, doors have been rotated to the front of the building and given a more porch like appearance with an extended roof and spindle railings.  Mr. Eppink commented that they did extensive research but were not able to find a building design with rear loading garages that would appeal to their target cliental of 55+ age group.  To enhance appearance they incorporated more decorative design work on the garage doors with different finishes, hinging, and window configurations.  He also mentioned that they still believe the front doors on buildings along Oxford Road (including the end units) should face the road and have included heavy landscaping in that area.

 

Both the Township and Village Commissioners were concerned with the size of the garages (18 feet) and the space in between them.  It was commented it would be tight to open car doors inside the garage and backing out could be difficult if there are cars parked in neighboring driveways.

There was concern regarding the third drive onto north Oxford Road and Oakland County Road Commission’s approval of that.

Village Commissioner Schultz asked if Unit 3 could be turned so that occupants of Unit 4 would not be looking into the garage.  Mr. Eppink responded that they placed the unit that way to have an optimal view of the lake.  He also asked if things could be moved around to give more space between units 13, 12, 11, and 10.  Currently there is about 25 to 27 feet between sidewalls.  Mr. Eppink said, no, not without reducing density and that they have to take utility easements into consideration.

Trees were discussed, were there any worth saving?  Mr. Eppink replied he didn’t believe so although they do intend to maintain the 25 foot buffer along the water’s edge.  Retaining walls were mentioned and at this point, have not been determined.  Doing a tree survey was suggested by a Village Commissioner.  Mr. Eppink commented that those are costly and would rather use that money for healthy, guaranteed landscaping.

There was concern expressed about the appearance of the project from the main road, would it be feasible to rotate the 6 units on Oxford Road 45 degrees and making the garages side entries?  Mr. Eppink said that they are 4 unit buildings and would not be able to do what was suggested.  He said they will provide color drawings of the plan so the Commissioners can get a better picture of the development.

Mr. Hubbard commented that they do not plan to provide public lake access at the Polly Ann Trail overlook.  They will do landscaping to create a barrier and is open for suggestions as to what type of amenities to put there -- benches, bike rack, etc.

Open space was discussed and how they were going to make it useable.  There was concern on the actual size of the “circle” park after subtracting the right-of-way.  It was clarified that they would still meet open space requirements even with that reduction.

Storm water management was discussed.  The system was explained and Mr. Hubbard replied that it will be the homeowners association’s responsibility to maintain it and it will be written in the bylaws along with fertilizer restrictions.

 

Planner’s review dated 6/30/06 – Item #1, a plan will be prepared for review by the Planning Commission.  #2, it was determined that an aerial photo provided by the developer could be used to evaluate existing trees and if there is concern, a tree survey may be required.  #5, there will be no docks or motorized boats.  #6, Mr. Hubbard agreed to revisit this issue with the builder and architect.  Items 7, 8, & 9 will be demonstrated more on the Final PUD plan.  #10 will be discussed more during the Engineer’s review.  #11, it was noted that if the Road Commission has a problem with the entrances, the process would have to start over.  #12, this was discussed at length.  A decision made on a development in 1998 was referenced in regards to the safety path only being required on the west side of Oxford Road.  Chairman Silvester commented that Ordinance 117 was since adopted and has to be complied with.  There was discussion that if the safety path was not put in, whether payment be made in lieu of to the Safety Path fund or contributed to enhance the Polly Ann Trail.  Mr. Hubbard wanted it noted that he feels it unsafe to put the path in ending at the property line where people would then cross the road at the crest of the hill.  He suggested, and it was agreed, that the architect and the planner meet to see what alternatives they can come up with.  Items 13 & 14 will be complied with and #15, it was the consensus of the Township Commissioners that the plan meets all PUD eligibility criteria.

 

Sheriff’s review dated 6/30/06 – There was no issues with Stop signs or Fire Lane signs.

 

Rowe Engineering review dated 6/30/06.- Items 1 & 2 were discussed above.  Items 3, 4, & 5 need further clarification.  #7, as long as buildings are outside of the easement, it should be adequate.  Items 6, 8, & 9 will be complied with.

 

Attorney’s review dated 6/30/06– Planner Lopatin highlighted the main points.  It was recommended in the review, and he agreed, that a new PUD specific application form and submittal checklist be developed.  At the bottom of page 2, it explains that even though a recommendation to approve a Preliminary PUD essentially constitutes the approval of the layout, open space, density, road alignment; it is understood that details of the design are worked out during the Final PUD and when making a motion it be contingent upon the approval of the Final PUD plan and the condominium component (legal documents, etc.).  Item 13 on page 4, either the Engineer or the Road Commission will have to make a determination.  Finally, it is recommended that a memo or listing of PUD agreement items be prepared so that when a motion is made it can be referred to.

 

Parks & Rec review dated 5/30/06 –Commended the developer on it’s efforts to reduce density allowing for additional open space and to rid the community of an unsightly, unused industrial building.

 

Chairman Silvester asked for any other Village concerns before a Township motion was made.  They reiterated the concern about space between buildings, garage size, and how the development faces north Oxford Road.  It was noted that the Village process does not include a Preliminary PUD approval, only a Final approval.

 

Commissioner Roesner asked if they approve the Preliminary plan and substantial changes are made in terms of garages, are they locked into their decision?  Planner Lopatin replied that they have the ability to revisit issues that were addressed during the Preliminary PUD.  If changes are made by the Village that are put on the site plan it would then come back to the Township Planning Commission.

 

Berger moved, Fitchena seconded to approve the Preliminary PUD Plan of Lakeshore Village, attached village homes in the CAD district, Township portion of the proposed development, parcel #04-23-301-003, that due to the findings of fact that the requirements of Ordinance 3402 have been complied with and condition upon final approval of other agencies such as the driveway approaches for ingress and egress from the Oakland County Road Commission and that the concerns of the Village of Oxford are complied with to coordinate the efforts of our Preliminary approval concept.

 

Discussion – There was discussion on how to word the fact that PUD eligibility had been demonstrated.

 

Berger amended, Fitchena re-supported the motion to recommend to the Township Board the approval of the Preliminary plan for Lakeshore Village, attached village homes in the CAD district, Township portion of the proposed development, parcel #04-23-301-003, due to the findings of fact that the eligibility criteria of Ordinance 3402 have been complied with and condition upon final approval of other organizations as applicable, the Planning Commission, and Final PUD approval.

 

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0           Absent:  0               Motion Carried

 

End Joint Portion of Meeting

 

NEW BUSINESS - None

 

TOWNSHIP PLANNER’S REPORT – CARLISLE/WORTMAN ASSOCIATES

Planner Lopatin commented that they are finishing the last of the Articles of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Black moved, Roesner seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 pm.

                  Ayes:  8               Nays:  1           Absent:  0               Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________                                        ____________________________

Donald T. Silvester, Chairman                                                               Tom Lepping, Secretary

 

 

Date approved:        08/10/2006

 

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