By: Dean Vaglia | Macomb Chronicle | Published September 6, 2023
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — A proposed conditional rezoning of a plot in the southeastern part of Macomb Township failed to find any support at the Aug. 23 Board of Trustees meeting.
Brought forth by the Smith Arenas Real Estate, LLC, the request sought the rezoning of around 40 acres at the northwest corner of 21 Mile and Fairchild roads from R-1 residential to C-2 commercial for the purposes of building an indoor sports complex, outdoor turf field and several other commercial buildings on the street-facing parts of the property.
But if Smith Arenas expected to build a sportsplex and businesses at the wooded corner, the company found few friends within the township populace. A total of 11 residents came to the meeting to voice opposition to the project, citing traffic concerns, a disruption of privacy that would be caused by the development and environmental concerns, given the wooded property is currently home to local wildlife.
Local officials were also not on board with the plan, as trustees took the Planning Commission’s recommendation and voted to deny the project given issues the commission had with the petitioner’s proposals for the site.
“I’ve seen a lot of recommendations from various planners over the years. I do not think I have seen one with so many red lines as this one,” said resident James Grahek, quoting Planning Commissioner Aaron Tuckfield. “And that holds a lot of weight with us. We rely on our Planning Department to give us advice. You made comments that you have been in contact with the Planning Department, and I am frankly surprised that those two statements exist together, that you have had contact with the Planning Department and that we have the longest list of issues I have ever seen.”
The closest sentiments toward support for the project came from residents who expressed approval of the sports complex idea but disliked the proposed site. Trustee Peter Lucido III expressed support for property owners to do what they wished with the land they own — but not without limit.
“I’ve always been a big proponent of when somebody purchases a piece of land or owns a piece of land that they have the right to develop it within the letter of the law,” Lucido said. “If they go through the proper channels, if they do things the proper way, if it fits the master plan and fits the area surrounding it, they should have that right. Having said that, my opinion is that did not happen in this case. I also think — and I’m a big sports fan, so I would be very much in favor of a facility like this in the area — I just don’t personally think it fits that area.”
Recreation center AC repairs
Trustees approved the purchase of a new compressor for an air conditioning unit at the Macomb Township Recreation Center for $31,000 from Syenergy Engineering.
Intended for a rooftop unit on the center, the repair is believed to be the first of two repairs for the center’s AC units following a diagnostics scan on the two units.
Drain improvement agreement
A cost sharing agreement between the township and the Macomb County Department of Roads was also approved by the board on Aug. 23.
The township will provide $30,000 alongside the county’s $50,000 to cover the cost of completing the Salt Slang Gloede Drain rehabilitation, removing blockages from the Middle Branch Clinton River, performing minor work on the Kitley Drain or performing any other work as it emerges.