Planning Commission Minutes
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, February 7, 2005
Bloomfield Township Hall
I. ATTENDANCE:
PRESENT: Mintz, Swoboda, Stefanes, Reisinger, Salz, Goldberg
ABSENT: Wittbold
Staff Present: Patricia McCullough, Planning and Building Director and Robin
Carley, Planning Secretary
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion was made Salz and was unanimously supported to approve the Commission
minutes of January 19, 2005.
III. CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Introduce Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance re: Liquor License
Ms. McCullough introduced this item to the Commission regarding revising the
current liquor license requirements within the B-2 and B-3 zone districts. This
topic was being discussed at the request of the Supervisor’s Office, responding
to questions from restaurant owners, realtors, and residents regarding locations
for existing and proposed restaurants allowed to obtain liquor licenses. The
existing criteria and standards were reviewed, along with the zoning
classifications permitted for liquor licenses, noting that some existing
restaurants with liquor licenses were currently not meeting some of the existing
criteria. A map was submitted for the Commission’s review, showing the permitted
locations within the existing B-2 and B-3 zone districts. The proposed language
for the ordinance amendment was also provided to the Commissioners for their
review. Ms. McCullough noted that the Township Board had reviewed this proposal
and forwarded it on to the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing for the
purpose of amending the zoning ordinance, with proper advertisement within the
local newspaper. She stated that any proposed restaurant use must still meet all
the ordinance requirements, including the parking requirements. Ms. McCullough
commented on the interest of the
Township to provide quality restaurants with a greater menu and drink
selection so that Township residents would not need to go outside the Township
for this type of restaurant.
Mr. Salz questioned why parking requirements were greater for a restaurant
use as opposed to retail use.
Ms. McCullough commented that generally the requirements refer to the
expected turnover due to seating capacity, and that the operations of each were
very different. Ms. McCullough stated that different parking requirements for
different restaurant uses would be addressed during discussion of the parking
requirements currently before the Planning Commission as a discussion item.
Ms. Reisigner commented on the times of expected use, or hours of operation,
for restaurant uses vs. commercial uses.
Dr. Goldberg questioned if the current restaurants with liquor licenses would
be allowed to continue, even if they did not meet the proposed criteria.
Ms. McCullough commented that they would be considered an existing
non-conforming use.
Ms. Reisinger commented that the liquor license did not run with the land,
but with the business, using as an example the former Chi’Chi’s site which is
being developed as a senior assisted living facility.
Ms. McCullough stated that the Township has the ability to have 28 Class C
liquor licenses, based on the population, with only 15 licenses being used. She
stated that she did not feel the Township would be inundated by requests but
that this amendment may allow for a couple of opportunities.
Possible locations for future liquor licenses were discussed. Ms. McCullough
noted that several of the existing shopping centers were very limited or
deficient in parking and would thus not be allowed additional restaurant uses.
Mr. Mintz questioned if this amendment would impact the current parking
requirements discussion before the Commission.
Ms. McCullough stated that the proposed amendments would not conflict but
would be blended together. She commented that parking was only one component
that would be addressed with this proposed liquor license amendment. She did not
feel that the liquor license amendment should be held up pending the parking
study review.
Mr. Mintz commented on the proposed amendment, Section 701, 1a, referring to
the requirement of an affidavit from the licensee stating the percentage of
gross income during the prior 12 month period. He questioned compliance with
this statement if it was a new business with no previous record.
Ms. McCullough stated that she would pursue his comments with the Township’s
attorney.
Dr. Goldberg questioned what sites might be available for future Class C
applicants.
Ms. McCullough cited as examples the following: Fuddruckers, The Gallery,
Steve’s Deli, and perhaps a future location at the Bloomfield Town Square
shopping center, due to their abundance of parking spaces.
Mr. Salz questioned if the Township had resort licenses available.
Ms. McCullough stated she did not believe the Township has resort licenses,
but that they did have package sales within the Township.
Requirements for application and transfer of licenses were discussed. It was
noted that the LCC was the regulative body for the State of Michigan and that
the Township Board of Trustees was the regulative for the Township that would be
responsible for reviewing and approving the licenses.
Mr. Salz questioned the required width of the road right-of-way, commenting
that the 150-foot width might be too restrictive.
Ms. Stefanes commented that Beau Jacks’ location on Maple Road would not meet
the 150-foot right-of-way requirement.
Mr. Salz commented that perhaps the requirement should be more concerned with
the volume of the thoroughfare and not just the width. He commented that
relaxing the requirements for liquor licenses might attract more quality
restaurants.
Ms. Stefanes questioned if Fuddruckers would meet the requirements of this
amendment.
Ms. McCullough stated that it was an existing restaurant and that the parking
requirements were met when the restaurant was approved for the shopping center.
Motion was made by Stefanes, seconded by Salz and was unanimously supported
to hold a public hearing with responses to the questions and concerns presented
at this meeting to be addressed by staff at the public hearing to be held on
Monday, March 7, 2005.
YEAS: Mintz, Swoboda, Stefanes, Reisinger, Salz, Goldberg
NAYS: None
IV. GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Commission Meeting Date
The next Planning Commission Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February
23, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
B. Election of Officers
Ms. McCullough noted that the Planning Commission had previously adopted
by-laws and that the document called for a yearly election of officers.
Mr. Mintz opened the floor for nominations:
Ms. Stefanes nominated Mr. Mintz to continue as Chairman of the Planning
Commission.
Mr. Swoboda nominated Mr. Salz as the new Vice-Chairman of the Planning
Commission, replacing Mr. Swoboda.
Mr. Mintz nominated Ms. Stefanes to continue as Secretary of the Planning
Commission.
Mr. Mintz asked for a consensus vote of the Commission.
All were in favor of the nominated positions.
C. Planning Commission By-Laws
Ms. McCullough commented that the by-laws were previously adopted and would
stand as written unless amended by the Commission.
Motion was made by Stefanes, seconded by Reisinger and was unanimously
supported to ratify the previous adoption of the Planning Commission By-Laws, to
remain as written.
YEAS: Mintz, Swoboda, Stefanes, Reisinger, Salz, Goldberg
NAYS: None
Ms. McCullough commented on the scheduled meeting for Monday, October 3,
2005, noting it was the start of Rosh Hashanah.
The Commission agreed to cancel the first meeting of October and hold only
one meeting on the third Monday of October. It was noted that if there were
scheduling issues, the Commission would consider rescheduling the first meeting
of October.
V. ADJOURNMENT.
The Planning Commission Meeting of Monday, February 7, 2005 was adjourned at
7:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia McCullough, Director
Planning and Building
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