Proposed development draws much criticism

By Andrew Atwal – Sept. 30, 2010

 

OKEMOS, Mich. – A proposed $6 million development project on Hagadorn and Mt. Hope Rds in Okemos drew its share of criticism at a Meridian Township Planning Commission meeting on Monday night, but also had a few residents in support of the development.

The proposed site would feature a 9,000 square foot office building along with a 41-unit apartment complex. The development would be located on about 4.5 acres of land with access drives on both Mt Hope and Hagadorn Roads. The complex would also feature a gathering area with picnic tables in between the office and apartment buildings.

Allan Russell, who represented DTN, the real estate company that proposed the project, said, “We have been as asset to the community and are looking for a core concept with DTN-owned Berrytree, Glenwood and The Hamptons apartments in the immediate area.” He also said that their goal was to heavily landscape the area, meaning having a lot of green space, should the Planning Commission approve the project.

One resident who showed up at the meeting was originally against the project, but has grown to support it. “As long as development ends up like The Hamptons, I would support it,” Chateau Condominium resident Laura Cottrell said. “I have lived here for 14 years and it has been quiet and clean and I do not want that to change.”

However, there were many more residents who are against the proposal.

Dawn and Dave McCune, who are also Chateau Condominium residents, voiced their concern over the potential development. “The proposed plan will only complicate and burden the traffic situation and will overload an already overused drainage system,” Dawn McCune said.

One resident, who lives just feet away from the site on Briarcliff Drive, shared his opinion on the project. “I am opposed to the 10 foot setback (to Briarcliff Dr), but I could support the proposal if there is increased setback,” Mike Peters said. “If the setback is not increased, I would feel as if cars are pulling into my driveway when they pull into the potential office building.”

Members of the planning commission also had concerns over the project, primarily ranging from lack of “green space” and the drainage issue that is currently a problem on the property and at the Chateau complex.

Many commissioners thought that if some of the parking spaces were cut out it would allow for more green space. The commissioners also said that if the setbacks onto Briarcliff and Chateau were increased, they would be more in favor of the project. Some of the commissioners were also underwhelmed with the number of amenities proposed.

Although residents are in agreement that this proposal is better than the previous, many are still against the development. The planning commission will meet again to discuss the project at its next meeting on October 11 at the Meridian Township offices on Marsh Road in Okemos.

Map of Proposed Area: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=103006236496373527067.0004915b2f09a981623a2&ll=42.712186,-84.46055&spn=0.002759,0.00456&z=17&source=embed

 

Pictures of the site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7MJ7gW-E9I&feature=player_embedded

 

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