Public comment period now open on Grosse Pointe Farms draft master plan

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Grosse Pointe Farms residents, business owners, landlords and others with an interest in the community will have roughly the next two months to provide feedback on a draft of the city’s forthcoming revised master plan.

Between now and Oct. 16, anyone who wishes to read and offer comments on the proposed master plan will be able to do so online or by writing to Jane Dixon, a senior planner with McKenna Associates, at 235 E. Main St., Suite 105, Northville, MI 48167. For those unable to access the plan online, a paper copy is slated to be available to review during regular business hours at Farms City Hall.

The Farms City Council voted unanimously Aug. 14 to authorize distribution of copies of the draft master plan to the state, neighboring municipalities, Wayne County and other entities, as required by law.

Among other elements, the draft master plan calls for supporting and enhancing the local business community, improving resilience against anticipated future flooding and strong storms, and retaining the residential character that the Farms is known for while also diversifying housing options to be in keeping with the changing needs of the community, such as the increased demand for housing options for seniors, who may no longer be able to maintain a large, multi-story home.

Dixon said the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires a 63-day public comment period before the public hearing.

“This is obviously a draft,” Dixon told the council. “The comments we receive over the next 63 days will be incorporated” into the final plan.

City Councilman John Gillooly said he was “very impressed by what McKenna has done” with the plan and the process leading to this point.

“I would encourage all residents to review the plan over the next 63 days and offer their comments,” Gillooly said.

City Councilman Lev Wood also praised the planners at McKenna.

“You guys have done a great job, and I look forward to the public hearing coming up,” Wood said.

Officials said the 63-day public comment period started Aug. 14. A public hearing to approve the final plan is expected to take place during a council meeting in October or November.

To view an online copy of the draft master plan and leave comments, visit grossepointefarms.org.