BSEED, Special Land Use Hearings (missed first 35 minutes)
4:04PM Jan 10, 2024
Speakers:
Keywords:
building
site
planning
project
property
school
working
community
sidewalk
space
screen
proposed
public
subject
residential
development
chippewa
residents
street
elevation
That encroached. Okay. And that's really all I have at this time. Okay. For that survey, we do have get that record edit, how do I get to record it guys know you would have need to hire a land surveyor
or a bounty to do a boundary survey or to ask for a boundary survey or a topo survey property survey
okay
so that's it thank you. Thank you. At this time we want to hear from anyone that wants to speak in support of this proposal. You can raise your hand on zoom by pressing Alt plus y, if you're on a PC option plus y if you're on a Mac or star nine if you're on the phone to speak in support of this proposal.
And any is there anyone that wants to speak in opposition? Once again, you can raise your hand on zoom by pressing Alt plus why if you're on a PC option plus why if you're on a Mac or star nine if you're on the phone, to speak in opposition or this case on living the ones is a Tiffany vision. Are you speaking live in noise? Are you Yes? Yes. Yes.
Can you hear me? I'm sorry. Just making sure you can hear. Hi, I'm an esthetician. I actually just graduated from high school. And I just wanted to let you guys know that I had a graduation event there like maybe a year ago and it was pretty awesome. It was really nice. I mean in regards to like the decor and everything it was really limit. I mean, you know when she reached out to me and I think it's Jennifer when Jennifer reached out to me everything was just really nice.
Overall, but I just wanted to
Okay, thank you. Is there anyone else that wants to speak in support or opposition? Seeing any we are going to wait on a recommendation from planning development once we receive that recommendation. We will email you a decision the director of this department makes the final decision so I want to thank you all for coming here today and we'll take this matter under advisement. Thank you. Thank you
recording stopped
visitors
recording in progress.
Okay, our 9:30am Hearing case number so you 2023 days 00 to 19 located as 7515 instead of five to five with McNichols. This is to construct a 3090 square foot bank building with Drive Thru facilities on an existing parking lot in a b two TMS so local business and residential within a traditional Main Street overlay zoning district. My name is Jada Filson. I'm going to be the hearing officer for today. If you wish to speak in this hearing, can you please raise your right hand to be sworn in?
Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony given in today's hearing is the truth and the whole truth?
You walk into a mute yourself to say yes,
yes.
Thank you. Yes. Candidate Development team please introduce themselves and tell me your relationship to this proposal.
My name is Scott Clark come with first Merchants Bank, the Director of Facilities
Good morning, I'm Jamie with Nicky with a calm Project Manager for this project.
Okay, thank you. I want to place on record that we mailed out notices to residents and business owners within 300 feet of the subject property. And we also placed this in the legal news for publishing on December 19 2023. We also did a zoning cleaners check for these parcels, and they came back clean, so no violations, no fees owed to this department. I'm not sure if Mr. Clark or miss Nikki wants to speak. But if you could just give us a synopsis of what you're trying to do at this location, please.
Yeah, I'd be more happy to try to share my screen here and show you a few slides. So let me know to see that. Yes. Okay. So again, it's first Parkins bank, and this is located there at the corner. It's at 7525 West McNichols drive there in the corner lilac, and Westman Nichols. And we're proposing to build a 3000 square foot bank,
retail bank banking
center there at that location, I was privileged to notice I believe it was 3090. So it's 3000 square foot branch. And this is a rendering look in there in the front of the building off of the Westman Nichols another rendering here, right at the front of the building. And then this will be a location here on lilac. And you can see that that we have the barrier there in the back that divides the alleyway. From that and then down here, we will get into the simple drawings. And it shows the parking the flow of the traffic it does have the drive through two lanes in the back of the building that meets the requirement there from the TMO so district and then down here at the end it shows some of our landscaping and green space and things like that the shrubbery and things so this is what we're proposing to do in this district. It's I know it's a growing area and something that we feel is needed in that community. So we've done a lot of research and a lot of development in that area as far as you know where to go and I think that this is the location that we want to look at
thank you very much for that presentation. At this time we are going to hear a staff report is a specter Romero or Williams that will be given this report I don't know
yes, I'll be presenting this.
Okay, thank you
can see my screen? Yes, this is a spectrum levels with the seats. This is for SL ups 23 Dash 00 to 19 also coinciding with September new case slightly three dash 00062. The site is at 7515 and 7525. Westbrook Nichols wrote the date of inspection was on the fourth of January. The request is to construct a 3090 square foot bank building with Drive Thru facilities on existing parking lot. The two DMSO local business and residential zoning district within the traditional mainstream overlay our contact person for this case was Michael veiny from a comp and this is the subject sites outlined in red subject zone lots of approximately 50,346 square feet as a combined parcel if the northern boundary at Western Nichols wrote the southern boundaries alley, the western boundary of that lilac Street and Eastern boundaries at the Sanborn drive. abutting property parking lot. And speaking at the southeast livanova Western liberals traditional Main Street overlays outlet, Western North Road, frontage of the property restrictions and
other zoning districts and proximity seen here are single family residential, as well as two family residential knowledge and they are two darker shade with vacant commercial buildings across the frontage of Westbrook Nichols road to the north and other businesses at Jason's including barber school institution
H back skilled trades want to start northwest of the property line counterclockwise here at the top of the inspection I noticed a commercial vehicle was parked
here in Seattle North pass corner of the property line the condition of the sidewalk is across the street skilled trades facility condition a sidewalk here need to breathe in excess growth vegetation here might be dead in the water season. However, this site has been loaded for illegal dumping actually just a couple of days prior to my inspection silent seconds as well as in the past year September as well across the street here in the west side of the property line residential vacant parking lots as well. The Alley the south side of the property line I believe this may have been the public notice I'm not sure but I did notice that some of this barbed wires hanging off the fence. Again the upper section because the dashboard team has 381 this barbed wire should be facing inwards, about six feet all over this is across the alley residential parking lot on site construction there the stuff is on the property line
the fencing condition on the surface pavement This is facing south to the north end of the property line.
This column here the existing sidewalk six seven upgraded across the street these are vacant businesses be to this is the DMSO overlay however the condition of the surface pavement property moving west across the street looking back to the property the condition of the current ingress egress which will actually be replaced
as the current condition of the elevation I can see this falling over there.
Other requests again as to the fact that 3000 square foot building here with Drive Thru facilities existing parking lot to be to to so local business and residential zoning districts traditionally school districts the applicant proximity to Marygrove college district mercy be seen as jurisdiction over this case. VO 50 Dash three dash two for one to two for conditional uses.
Currently, Pa DD has jurisdiction over this case as this is a team that so districts the applicant is proposing new construction or separate permits for signage for required view Review Approval for PMDD partitions and the building permits per section 50 Dash 14 F 341 Right of Way screening all proposed screening in the parking lot surface area public right of way fulfill the appropriate screening requirements. approval by PMDD prior to submission will produce these proposed improvements long problems public right of way a new vehicle or ingress and egress and sidewalks approved by the Department of Public Works traffic engineering division Of course, the provisions in coverage if the argument for partial revision for both parcels associated with the development under one address shall be submitted by the applicant to the city assessor's office and per section 50 Dash 14 National for 18. If flights are installed on site, all reasonable measures shall be taken by the applicant to ensure that the off sites glimmer of light and NYCLU from business or minimize to the greatest extent possible. As well as there should be no open storage generated by its operation. And the owner shall maintain and remove trash directly to the center lower than the base rate includes dumpster weights on certain property that gives full stack movement
Thank you, Specter. To the applicant, was this report accurate to your knowledge?
Yes, it was.
Thank you. At this time, we're going to hear from other city departments. Helen
just was on time for veers off and keeps
falling sharply planning and development. The master plan designation for this location is c n or neighborhood commercial. This is within the harmony Village neighborhood or I'm sorry sub sector of the master plan and is within the Fitzgerald Marygrove neighborhood. And it's been mentioned it's also within the living in Northwest McNichols traditional Main Street overlay and it's subject to additional design standards. The design review team reviewed this project back in May 2023. And provided an approval with changes noted. The changes noted included that the four stacking spaces be provided. I saw on one of the one of the site plans that was up previously. That the mechanical, the screen mechanical equipment on the side of the screen. And then also there was a note that there were trees proposed in the right away that they address any encroachments with Department of Public Works.
But as I said since they obtained the Design Review Approval, we we just wanted to ensure that all of the I think at the time there was also no dumpster shown but I saw that in the previous. I see that in the current site plan. It's up now. But I didn't have any further questions or comments because it's already been through a design review. So that concludes my report. Thank you.
Thank you, Rick kale. Good morning, Raquel Winton, BC Environmental Affairs. Have you guys conducted any environmental data services at this property?
Say that again.
Have you conducted any environmental site assessments at this property?
We have? Okay,
which ones?
We did a phase one.
Okay. And it didn't show that you had any recognized environmental contaminants? No. Okay, good. I asked because I saw through Eagles viral mapper, that there's a site of contamination across the street. So that's good to hear. We don't have any other further questions or comments at this time. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm the health department had to leave but I don't think they would have any questions or concerns about this site. Pamela?
Yes. Good morning. Mrs. Pamela, let me with the city of Detroit department Public Works city engineering division. So just a couple comments that only about the site plan is one. I noticed that for the approach in the the drive approach that is on my lap in the alley is showing ADA ramps are detectable tiles, the city does not. Install ramps are definitely not the typical tiles and driveways and alley returns. So, in quarters with the city's detail, the drive approach ramps up to the sidewalk and opposed to the ramps, the sidewalk ramping down to the driveway. So your lows then should be constructed in accordance with the city's standards. The I didn't notice that you referenced it in the details in the details, but however, I noticed the detail also showed six inch concrete for the better approach but per city standard. The commercial driving approach must be minimum agents that concrete also for the work. Make Nichols the city we constructed and read out those sidewalks, be usable as part of the mcnicholl streetscape. We can provide you with copies of our drawings and our details for the work. Allow McNichols so that you can match the details and then the better on them because I see that you're planning to relocate one of the bean tree pits from where the existing productions since you're moving into the other side so we can provide you with those details. Keep in mind that the road is a has a concrete base. So that concrete base must be reconstructed in accordance and that pavement should be restored in accordance with our 2018 utility, trench pavement restoration detailed. All of that detail. It's available through our website. And like I said if somebody gets in contact with me, I can provide you with the details for the sidewalks and curbs curb and the pavement on Lake Nichols. My email address is P le I'm sorry, le mm EP at Detroit mi.gov.
And any other questions, any questions for me? If not, then the good practice project.
Thank you Pamela who will get in touch with you.
Thank you. At this time we want to hear from anyone that wants to speak in support of this proposal. You can raise your hand on zoom by pressing off plus y if you're on a PC option plus y if you're on a Mac or star nine if you're on the phone to speak in support
not seeing any is there anyone that wants to speak in opposition to this proposal. And once again you can press Alt plus why if you're on a PC option plus why if you're on a Mac or star nine if you're on the phone to speak in opposition
also not seeing any so we will wait on a recommendation from plan development. Once we receive that recommendation, the director of this department will make his final decision. It usually happens within 30 days and we will email you to decision so I want to thank you all for coming here today and we'll take this matter under advisement.
Thank you Jada
thank you you will have a good day
recording stopped
we are going to wait a few minutes because it's three minutes till the 10 o'clock case and we cannot start it until 10 o'clock
a good
how are you? What's going on? Everybody is writing again Easter's online go I'm sorry oh yes okay I think oh
let's repeat that
have you guys you guys Mr. Downey better yeah how's everything
been for it to be great yeah they last saw about about certainly about a week no I did see that now so there's this new feature and I thought that was beautiful but the virus is a treasure and he wants to spend it on whatever so we have
to talk to
those who are available today's session yesterday is they're picking up they paid for it shows like transport to the airport without powering up
right we're talking about the machine that we were
just talking about your cultural projects here
so we'll try
to do is it's gonna be is number one
how is your recording in progress?
Good morning, everyone. We are going to start our 10am case. Case number so you 2023 days 00251 located at 20119, Wisconsin. This is to convert a former school building to adaptive reuse and to a 36,431 square foot 40 unit multifamily dwelling complex in a our three h low density residential historic zoning district. My name is Jada Filson. I'm going to be the hearing officer for today. If you wish to speak in this hearing, can you please raise your right hand to be sworn in?
Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony given in today's hearing is the truth and the whole? Oh, yeah, I do.
Thank you.
Can the development team please introduce themselves and tell me your relationship to this proposal?
Morning my name is Adam Martinez. I'm the director of real estate for URJ development. We're the primary developer on this project. And with us, we have our architect like
I am Blake Killam with Macintosh reports, architects, and I'm the product manager for the project.
And we have Mr. Heffernan from the US don't feel
good morning everyone. Kevin Heffernan stone field engineering, we are the civil engineers for the project.
And thank you. I do want to place on record that we mailed out notices to residents and business owners within 300 feet of the subject property. We also placed this in the legal newspaper publishing on December 19 2023. Did you already see the zoning clearance check from Mr. Bruce Evans?
I received it yesterday afternoon and I circulated a team little little bit later so yeah, well yesterday.
Um, do do you know when your client purchased this property?
I'd have to defer to You add him on that. And you know, so it's a strange
man we're still in, finished up the purchase agreement with the city of Detroit.
Okay, thank you for
information related to
our no known so you never got back to me if you could
tell us exactly. I think we get the idea but can you tell us give us a synopsis of what you're trying to do at this location?
Sure, so thrilled to be here and kind of share with you another rehab rehabilitation project. What we're looking to do is kind of spark life into this vacant Higginbotham school, and present an immediate benefit to this the surrounding community here. So we're here today seeking both site plan approval and special land use approval. The building include or the project includes a complete renovation, repurposing and beautification of the historic school building, into multifamily residences with a neighborhood community aspect. The former school bill will be supplemented by two new three storey multifamily resident residential buildings that kind of frame the building along both Chippewa in Indiana. This will also include a variety of areas for short, shared community space, such as two small playgrounds, from space will work as a pedestrian gathering space for both residences, residents and any patrons of the community space. And then we've kind of reimagined an integral courtyard and added some outdoor grilling areas and other shared spaces for future residents. All in all, our sole intent here is to provide a development that both breeds a sense of community within our little residential campus here, as well as with our surrounding existing neighbors. So starting with the vacant two storey building will be gutting the existing interior and reconstructing the layout for 40 new apartment building or apartment units, the southern auditorium and stage will remain as an open shared space, with the possibility being used for a variety of events, performances, use for our use for the residents. The dilapidated exterior here, as you I don't know if you've driven by or if you've been familiar with the building as of late, but the front end just kind of seen its wear and tear, what we're looking to do is to repair and repaint the existing school building, and then supplement that Central School building. With those two new apartment complexes, I don't know if I can share my screen but maybe a rendering here,
then you are allowed to. Okay,
perfect just so everyone can kind of get a glimpse of the frontage here. There we go. So this is kind of what we're looking at. This is from the southeast corner looking at the site. So there you'll see the existing school building what we're looking to do repaint refinish that outside kind of sparked new life into it. And then the two multifamily buildings that kind of kind of add to this, the frontage and Chippewa, Indiana Street intersection. So with the three buildings, the kind of screening a central parking lot to the rear, which has a total of 105 spaces that are proposed on site. There by code there's 108 spaces however, it has been highlighted in the provided review letter from the planning staff that the planning board has the ability to waive the requirement for the shared auditorium space, which would bring it the requirement I believe down to about 75 from one away, and it's a waiver of 33 spaces. So therefore, we'd have about 105 parking spaces on site for the residences, 100 units and 75 parking spaces required by code. So the parking area will be gated, there is an entry let me flip to the proposed site plan. So this is the school building here. The two new apartment buildings, the parking lot that is kind of screened by all three buildings. And the entrance to the lot will be gated it's up in the far northwest corner. That gated entry kind of extends around to the site's perimeter with a six foot decorative metal fencing that provide security for the residences. Lastly, as briefly mentioned earlier, There are two small playground areas that are proposed. One in the far southeast corner and then one that is a little bit more, I guess integral to the site between the Northwest apartment building and the interior parking lot. Addition being tired entire flip to the screen the entire site will be supplemented with about 40 gets 42 shade trees throughout and over 140 shrubs that are mixing that mixed around and designed in such a manner to maintain some that open space for residences and also to shade the parking lot shade some of these walkways and kind of add to the the brand new what we think is beautiful frontage to this, this building. So in terms of outside jurisdictional approvals, we've received a certificate of appropriateness from the historic development commission last fall, and we are seeking a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a minimum residential building buffering, as you can see that variance will be for the Northwest building to the adaptive reuse of the school building. And the only reason that we are requesting this variance is to more meet the intent of this list development and the zoning code what what the zoning code wants is about 50 feet between buildings, we are proposing somewhere around 20. So we could slide the building to the north. But that would further separate the uses and kind of stray away from the intent of providing one big shared community space. So we can get more into that later or at future CBA meetings and whatnot, but just wanted to preface it. And then, in addition, we are looking forward to working with the city's engineering departments DWSD and eagle on some of our utility improvements here. So that kind of inclined to reiterate that our sole intent here is to provide a residential development centered on providing a shared community space not only with these three buildings in our small little residential campus here, but also with our surrounding neighbors. We look forward to bringing this project to the city working with you guys on re beautifying this historical site Higinbotham school and enhance this corner of Detroit. So with that, kind of turn it back to you. Were here if you guys have any questions.
Thank you all Will these be market rate or affordable?
Once I saw the affordable,
okay. At one point I heard that they were geared towards seniors. Is that still the case? Oh,
it's open for anyone. So when we looked at the adaptive reuse of the building, as well as the new building, we wanted to make them as invisible as possible. So we we've exceeded the requirements for ADA and visibility. So we wanted to make sure that anyone that would qualify would be able to lease these apartments.
Thank you.
At this time, we're going to hear a staff report from inspector Williams.
Yes, good morning. When he doesn't expect to hear the money inspection from them as Friday
the fifth of January locations that tune 0119
Pretty soon you should see a
screen. Yes. Okay. Thank you.
So would you see the area shaded in yellow triangle shooting in yellow circumscribing the red that is the subject site which is as Mr. Cameron evidence indicated with the old study. Later it was changed to another school shooting to be the voice February Preparatory Academy. As you can see, it's in a residential three district district has been designated historic city council, historic commission. And as you can see, to the, to the right to the east, sorry, to the north and to the east and the subject site. We have the Joe Lewis playfield and Johnson Recreation Center, directly west and directly Sunday. The subject site is all residential woody As you can see yourself, single family dwellings there is one driveway off approach. And as a long Indiana street public right away, currently as you can see here, except for the North West area, which is asphalt that still forming parking area, which already have a lot is dirt and grass, and also have some walkways, concrete walkways directly here to the east of the subject site. There are utility poles, it does appear that the building that he's building it would be built there and appears that it will either encroach within that area, or those two utility poles may have to be removed. So as a result, you will have to submit a permit DTE during the time when the permit inspection is when it's time we're going to go in to get the elevations that are building starting with the North elevation which is the rear. end As Mr. Heffernan also mentioned, this property is still under under the ownership of Detroit planning development wreck, right real estate division. As you can see, there was a posting that was Chippewa. North elevation, since these elevation and as I mentioned, you see the light poles at
the poles there.
Very they're there, there was some damage to the building. So you can see here you have missing gutters, damage. I mean, sorry, damaged gutters missing downspouts. Also here in this area here. I don't know if you can see my cursor or not. But here in Syria, there is a hole within the clay tile roof. And you'll see that in the next slide coming up. So there's the hole. So this is this is South East elevation on the southwest elevation of the building. We'll be looking at the west elevation here. That is telling the parent from his bone Chippewa on a grocery street. So again, as you mentioned, those are the light poles that's at the East areas a lot. So we paid him for his bowel chip a while in the hearing we looking at the south elevation of the building. And you can see that this enclosed within changing fencing. This is the condition of the sidewalk along Chippewa continuing our path. So we continue on this is our path. Just southbound Indiana Street and here we are looking at the west elevation of the building. You can see some of the buildings boarded up and that's current condition. Someone flagged the sidewalk along Indiana street announced target area that I was mentioning that North West area a lot. So in painting from West mountain Chippewa, this is everything across the street from the subject site as I mentioned areas and single family dwellings just south and Western subjects. And then can see as a church here as well. This is one know about Indiana directly across the street from the west elevation and the building. Again can see two houses single family dwellings. So just to give her just to give a recap. As was mentioned, what is zoning appeals hearing is going to be required due to division efficient setback. As letter indicated, the building is approximately 18 feet nine inches away from the current building as they are now because it's efficient by 31 feet three inches and it would have to go to the orders one appeals hearing as Mr. Heffernan indicated they are in the process of love that procedure, because you are because this is a historic designation. You will have to have a certificate of appropriateness, appropriateness and that must be submitted during the time of the permit. During the permit process prior to getting that permit. We advise our talking requirements for outdoor recreation facilities are subject to review from the planning development department. Submit the applicable environmental reports. We probably there shouldn't be appropriate landscape and screen for article 14. Division Two such division see of the zoning ordinance. For example, 405 parking spaces, you will require 20 310 square feet of interior and landscape of the adviser proposed improvements to the egress and ingress in a public right away and subject to review and approval of the Department of Public Works. So, the city engineering division will be doing prior to the issuance of the permit. The owner shall maintain strict complaints to the storage or garbageman site. If utility poles are interfered with or removed, permits must be obtained from DTE, we mentioned that earlier, the replacement or creation of 21,780 square feet of impervious surface or more is subject to review and approval, Department of Water and Sewer branch in the issuance of a building permit. And be advised that you have to load an irrigation plan what a maintenance planning materials for landscaping, be advised that this project is approved for following must be done prior to reading the business, you have to make an appointment to pick up when conditions were reinforced seven, we have had those conditions recorded with Wayne County Register of Deeds, I believe we can do it on either the sixth or seventh floor at 400. Monroe making employment to have the required inspections. And prior to occupying the building, you have to have a certificate of occupancy can't miss Wilson. That concludes the report at this time, we're going to bring up the site.
Thank you, Dr. Williams, to the applicant with that report. Accurate to your knowledge.
Yep. And I think my report and I kind of talked about how a lot of the site is dilapidated. We are looking to do significant amount of work on the existing building. Basically keep those bones but sparking your life into it. Re beautify the frontage, and we're looking to do a full scale remodeling of the interior as well. So all of these things have been noted. And they have been we've already gotten a jump on some of our engineering and building plans to address these concerns. Any or I guess in addition, we did mention that the Eastern apartment building, it does conflict with the existing pole locations, we have that being taken care of as well. What we're looking to do is remove some of these polls as they are no longer in service, they only service the on site buildings, so we're going to remove them back towards that chip off front edge will probably keep one pole to provide power to the site. But the other pole should not be of any, any issue.
To just add a little more about the building renovation of the school itself. We are seeking historic tax credits for the project. We have received our certificate of appropriateness from hdc. And the school in the intent with the school is to pretty much replace everything in kind new windows replaced the masonry repair and replace the clay tile roof. So it should look brand new Once Once we're through with it. Thank you.
At this time we're going to hear from other city departments. I'm Helen
Hello Helen sharply planning and develop. The master plan designation for this location is institutional. This is the Pembroke sub sector of the master plan. And this is also known as the garden homes neighborhood. And this is also the William E Higinbotham. School Historic District. As it's been previously mentioned, the applicant obtained a certificate of appropriateness and in October of 2023 for the rehabilitation of the school building and through the multifamily buildings. There was also a design review performed by the planning and development design review team in August I'm sorry July of 2023. And the outcome of that was an approval with changes noted some of the items that were noted were completely screen screening the parking areas and some screening was provided for that I believe that the handicap accessible area those parking spaces require full screening from any residential properties that the parking spaces are visible from. So and then also that the that the the surface of that area is look like it was a different surface from then submit that it'd be an approved or an approvable material.
There was also a concern with the there was adequate space on the sidewalks that are adjacent to the parking spaces, that there'll be provided wheel stops provided or a six inch curb so that the cars don't pull into the five foot sidewalk. So they suggested wheel stops are increasing the width of the sidewalks for pedestrian safety.
Let's see. I did have a couple questions about the long term maintenance of the building is there has that been budgeted into the three hab and the overall private?
Yes, it has. We're working with our property management team to make sure that everything is maintained that we have an appropriate budget to ensure that only the exterior maintenance but interior maintenance remains intact.
And the you mentioned is it will then be an on site property meaning
we're still working through the logistics of that the intention is yes, they would have a we would have an onsite manager. We're not exactly sure how many hours a week as of yet, because we were kind of sharing that position with some other properties that we own also, but the majority of the time that we spend there
how many employees would be good?
As of right now we're budgeted, I believe, one full time manager and then two part time maintenance. And then we would set up contract all of the grounds and other extra maintenance, snow and ice management irrigation in the landscaping and maintenance of the exterior.
Oh, are you working with any other organizations for programming or activities at the site? Alright, now
we have been in communication with a couple of the local residents in the area that we're going to provide community space for meetings and access. In addition, I believe there's a nonprofit theater group that it was looking for a home to use as basically a a small, I think they call it a black box theater where they can do their performances and practicing. So we've been in communication with them to kind of figure out what the the needs and wants of the public space would be that would help meet their goals. So we're still looking, nothing's been finalized or formalized. Been we're still kind of getting through the schematic phase of this. But as we get through the more details phase, we can have a lengthier conversation with the community about the space and how are we used and kind of how are we managed?
Think Another item that maybe hasn't been touched on yet is that we are planning for a portion of the project to be to include some public art, especially in the front kind of yard of the project. In this plan, you see these two kind of gray circles along Chippewa there. So we're looking we're working with the naughty Art Center to help find what's best kind of used on the site. So there will be like a public art kind of component to the to the project as well.
So that's going to be physical art. It's not going to be are you going to have any like murals or anything? We
don't have any murals planned right now but right now it's more kind of sculptural based.
And then for the the surrounding community, I guess they might want to know what what the hours would be for these non residential activities.
You should know absolute Absolutely. So we'll make sure that we communicate with the community. We have a community curator that's been reaching out to the local residents to ensure that we're communicating our plan And we want to be good neighbors. And we will certainly make sure that we have certain hours of operations. So that can be maintained and managed properly.
And did you do any community engagement? Yes,
so we use Xavi an app, I can never pronounce his last name nonveg. We've been reaching out to a lot of local residents. We there has been virtual community meetings, we've gone in person to several community meetings. So we've been actively engaged, ensure that everyone is aware of the progress we're making. As of right now, because of where we're at in the process, there's been a bit of pause in the communication because there's really nothing to report. As we move forward, we will continue community engagement, ensuring that the local residents are aware of not only the opportunities that are available to the community residents to use the space, but also our construction schedule, to make sure that everyone's aware that people are becoming going. We've actually had a lot of entities reach out to our project manager to let them know, oh, there's a recording of kids coming in or someone broke in or something like that. So we've been, we've had a really good communication with the local residents.
Those are all the questions, and I have that concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you. rocaille.
Good morning, Raquel with NBC Environmental Affairs. Have you guys could update any environmental sites that site assessments done at the property yet?
When you want to answer
Yeah, I believe we've done a part one environmental assessment in the building and a limited asbestos testing as well.
Okay, do you have a phase one? I mean, the phase two plan.
So like, right now we only have the Phase One on file. Is that correct?
Yes. But, Adam, I think you've been in touch with, I think there's been some talks about a phase two happening. I just don't know where that's
correct. So we're working with the state of Michigan Office and there are requiring a phase two. And once we're kind of in that we're at a time because we applied for city funding where we can't really touch anything at this point. So we're working with the city and the state to get there. Phase two, as we move forward, it will be a requirement for our tax credit project. So once we get a copy of that, we'll make sure that the city gets a copy also.
Okay. And then do you anticipate, I believe earlier in the hearing, you guys said that you are in the process of purchasing the property to the city? Do you believe that you will have the purchase complete before the phase two, or you will need the phase two done before the purchase?
It's my understanding that we'll need the phase two to complete the purchase. And it does have to happen all simultaneously, in order for us to get the final tax credit project. Credits allocation. So I mean, we're moving forward, it's just a matter of the paperwork catching up.
Okay. In that case, you will need a right of entry permit through me, luckily. So if you want to give me your email address, I can send you the information now. So you can be ahead of the game, because it does take quite a while to get a permit from us.
So this is Rod we've had an ROV property
for
over a year now. So you know, the Phase One was sufficient. We don't believe the project requires the phase two but is part of the mission process for everything you must do. But we've had our OB for quite a while already.
And you know, when when does it expire? back and check
if that information to you. Okay,
well, if you guys are familiar with the process, then that's good. I do want to say as soon as you find out when you need to the phase two apply immediately because it does take us about a month to get those permits done. Is there any demolition happening to the current school building?
So do you ever hear about it? I'm not sure I understand like the exterior interior, either. really nothing to the next year because it's historic preservation project, the interior has a scope based on what is allowable through
our
historic Tax Credit Allocation. To address that a little bit more. Yeah,
yeah. So it's, it's, there has been like just general cleanup inside the building just we've done a complete 3d Point Cloud scan of the building to kind of base our design off of and work off of, but yet to, to kind of make the building into, you know, for the apartments who use residential use, there will be some demo involved.
Okay. And then you said you had an asbestos survey. What about lead?
I'm not 100% on that that question did come up so I can get back to you on that. Yeah,
you've more than likely they're done at the same time. So
I think there was like a lead plan in the some of the documents that were provided in the city. So I'm guessing there was because it was a school. And I can follow up with you on that. Okay.
I don't have any other questions or comments at this time. Thank you. Thank you, Pamela.
Early pioneers of St. Thomas.
Good morning, Pamela. Let me city of Detroit Department of Public Works city engineering. Questions regarding? Do you intend to vacate that outright? I do see that you're planning to at least move some of the utilities like the overhead lines in the water? But are you going to vacate it out? Right.
So we're in the process of one vacating the existing easement on the right side of the site for utilities. And then we are also simultaneously working on rerouting the Water Infrastructure water main that runs through there between the buildings, so we'll be vacating and then introducing a new easement over top.
Okay, so you are in touch with our maps and records division and working with them through that process? That's correct. Okay. Secondly, the, by on your plans, you show that there's a loading zone, or you're Trent, you're modifying the curb line, Indiana, you will need to get approval from our traffic engineering division from that, I don't know if you've reached out to them in order to do that. And also, in the end, because of that, you are pushing the public sidewalk onto the onto private property which would require then a public access easement, which again, you would process through our maps and records division or that or that public access is
understood, we worked with the planning department on the locational loading zone, which is how it worked out with I guess, two for one working for the community space and for residents. And then we have been told and we understand that we need to work with the traffic engineering department to make sure that the location design is all up to snuff so
many times you know, they you know, even though you may have a loading zone, they're there whether or not you actually need to have the modified the curbline in order to do that is at questions so make sure that they're okay with modifying the curb line. And then again, with that compromise, we need to do the public access easement for the public sidewalk. And then make sure that the board does include repair the damaged sidewalk that is adjacent to the property and include the city's standard details for curb sidewalk. The driver approaches you know, any thing that anywhere all work that will be done in the right of way and include those standard details on your plans.
Thank you. At this time, we want to hear from anyone that wants to speak in support of this proposal. You can raise your hand on zoom by pressing Alt plus y if you're on a PC, Option plus y if you're on a Mac or star are nine if you're on the phone, this is for anyone that wants to speak in support of this proposal. Hazel's iPhone, can you please unmute yourself?
Good morning.
Can you please state your name and your email address?
Yes. My name is Faisal flood. The last name is spelled F L U DD. My email address is garden homes. This G ARD in homdsco@yahoo.com. Thank you go right ahead. Okay, I kind of prove that. I'm currently the president of garden Homes community organization, which covers the area we're speaking about this morning. And looking at what they have presented looks like it looks different than what was presented to us when we had our community meetings. This especially as the second building, we've had several meetings with the community. And one of the biggest concerns with residents especially went to Indiana, and took a walk was the traffic that this would bring because of all with UT Jay, you know, Johnson rec center and the track they already bring, that was one of the concerns. I just hope as a moving forward, they reach out more to the communities ones that definitely gonna be impacted on Indiana and Chippewa, they definitely will be impacted because the second buildings different than what we had was shown before our meeting, when we're dealing with earth development, Rog Ron Harmon group. So I just hope they just continue reaching out our community group, we're on recess, we don't start back to March 13. And we meet at the Johns Hopkins rec center at six o'clock on Wednesday, the second Wednesday is in March, that they could send me that information so I can let the residents that's right there know what's going on, because I'm looking at who's on this call. And I don't recognize anybody, you know, from that area. And also the other community group that's involved with this, that went to that school back in the day is a merged community group by Teresa moon. So I just want them to please reach out to the people that's right there that's going to be impacted by this development, which is great. Because it's been closed for decades. That's all I have to say.
And thank you, is there anyone else that wants to speak in support of this proposal? Anyone want to speak in support? That CNA Is there anyone that wants to speak in opposition, you can raise your hand on zoom by pressing Alt plus y if you're on a PC, Option plus y if you're on a Mac, or star nine if you're on the phone to speak in opposition.
not seen any. Okay. So we will wait on a recommendation from planning and development, please. If you can, between his time still get in touch with the neighborhood and the residents about any concerns that they may have. Once we receive that recommendation from planning development, the director of this department will make his final decision. If he does approve it, you still would have to go to the board of zoning appeals which would be another public hearing to get the waiver from that body. So I do want to thank you for coming here today and we will take this matter under advisement.
Great, thank you so much. We appreciate your time. And we will certainly make sure we reach out to the community again. Now that we have a little bit more forward plans. With a little bit more landscape detail. I'll certainly make sure that we have a one on one. So you're going to hear Have a good one. Thanks. Thank you all as well. recording
