Bloomfield Township Planning Commission Meeting on January 19, 2026

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Transcript

Click any timestamp to jump the video to that moment. Auto-transcribed; expect occasional errors on proper nouns.

1. 0:00

   Let's call this meeting to order, the Bloomfield Township Planning Commission. Welcome. Thank you all for coming. And just if whoever's watching or has not seen this, just as an introduction, we're the Planning Commission. We're a seven-member body. It's appointed by the Board of Trustees. We're an advisory body. So we'll vote on something tonight, maybe, maybe not. If we do, it still has to go beyond us to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Tonight, we have four things on our agenda tonight. Three of them, an introduction to a text amendment, the zoning ordinance for banquet halls, and we have two site plans, and then we have election of officers tonight. So with that, we might as well just start. Oh, first of all, number one, sorry, attendance. We have a quorum. We have five now. We have five now. But we still had a quorum anyway, so we can do business. We're doing business. The first thing we want to do, we've got the minutes from the last meeting, the meeting of November 17th. Okay. And we need a motion to approve them if you've read them and any changes. I've read them. I'll make a motion to approve. Okay. Support. Move and support. All's in favor. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Before we go, I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year, by the way. We haven't met since November, so this is the first. That's right. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. Okay, first thing on the agenda would be public comments. You'll have, everybody will have an opportunity, anybody, to speak after each item. In the Research Park District. We have, I've provided a copy of our current zoning map on the screen, and you can see north of Square Lake and then to the east of Telegraph Road is the only area within the township that's currently zoned Research Park. We were, the township was contacted about a year ago now from a local developer. His name is Zach Scalar. He's with Peas and Carrots Hospitality. He owns a few restaurants here within the township as well as other places within the state and outside of the state. And he approached the township on the idea of developing a banquet facility on our currently, approximately 23 acres of vacant property that we have in the

2. 1:15

   I've read them. I'll make a motion to approve. Okay. Support. Move and support. All's in favor. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Before we go, I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year, by the way. We haven't met since November, so this is the first. That's right. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. Okay, first thing on the agenda would be public comments. You'll have, everybody will have an opportunity, anybody, to speak after each item. In the Research Park District. We have, I've provided a copy of our current zoning map on the screen, and you can see north of Square Lake and then to the east of Telegraph Road is the only area within the township that's currently zoned Research Park. We were, the township was contacted about a year ago now from a local developer. His name is Zach Scalar. He's with Peas and Carrots Hospitality. He owns a few restaurants here within the township as well as other places within the state and outside of the state. And he approached the township on the idea of developing a banquet facility on our currently, approximately 23 acres of vacant property that we have in the Research Park. And so with that, we took his request and his information and diving in. Anytime we look at a zoning ordinance amendment within our, within the township, we obviously want to think about the impact that this type of amendment may have on, on the adjacent property owners and within our ordinance, interesting enough. But now I'm excited to get in front of the city any of the counties, sort of the, the We already have banquet halls called out. We already have standards, which are provided here on your screen, that identify the different elements of any consideration for a banquet hall that would have to be considered upon any application. So I'm providing here, we have one through six, provides the current standards that would be considered with the banquet hall facility. And interesting enough, too, on the right-hand side is the use matrix, which is just a shortened version. It's longer, but I cut it down to show that banquet halls are currently permitted as a special land use, but interesting enough, it's only within the B-4 zoning classification.

3. 2:30

   our currently, approximately 23 acres of vacant property that we have in the Research Park. And so with that, we took his request and his information and diving in. Anytime we look at a zoning ordinance amendment within our, within the township, we obviously want to think about the impact that this type of amendment may have on, on the adjacent property owners and within our ordinance, interesting enough. But now I'm excited to get in front of the city any of the counties, sort of the, the We already have banquet halls called out. We already have standards, which are provided here on your screen, that identify the different elements of any consideration for a banquet hall that would have to be considered upon any application. So I'm providing here, we have one through six, provides the current standards that would be considered with the banquet hall facility. And interesting enough, too, on the right-hand side is the use matrix, which is just a shortened version. It's longer, but I cut it down to show that banquet halls are currently permitted as a special land use, but interesting enough, it's only within the B-4 zoning classification. Looking back on our zoning map, you don't see a B-4 zoning classification, but you look within our zoning ordinance, and it identifies that the B-4 designation is essentially Telegraph Road. So many years ago, there must have been an acknowledgement that it seemed that the Telegraph Road corridor would be an acceptable location for this type of use, thus within the B-4 zoning classification. Again, that B-4 identifies, is basically Telegraph Road. So interesting enough, we have one zoning district that it currently shows we have zoning standards within our ordinance relating to banquet halls. So then... Then, looking ahead, we look at, okay, well, where else, what are the permitted uses currently within the Research Park Zoning District? Because we always want to ensure that we're being considerate of those, of this use fitting into the Research Park District. So what we did is, upon that request, we reached out to Giffels-Webster, who's our planning consultant. Our planning consultant, in a letter memo, which you have in your packet, dated September 3rd, 2025.

4. 3:45

   Looking back on our zoning map, you don't see a B-4 zoning classification, but you look within our zoning ordinance, and it identifies that the B-4 designation is essentially Telegraph Road. So many years ago, there must have been an acknowledgement that it seemed that the Telegraph Road corridor would be an acceptable location for this type of use, thus within the B-4 zoning classification. Again, that B-4 identifies, is basically Telegraph Road. So interesting enough, we have one zoning district that it currently shows we have zoning standards within our ordinance relating to banquet halls. So then... Then, looking ahead, we look at, okay, well, where else, what are the permitted uses currently within the Research Park Zoning District? Because we always want to ensure that we're being considerate of those, of this use fitting into the Research Park District. So what we did is, upon that request, we reached out to Giffels-Webster, who's our planning consultant. Our planning consultant, in a letter memo, which you have in your packet, dated September 3rd, 2025. They reviewed the Research Park District, noting that there are currently provisions within our ordinance, as I had mentioned. I do want to note that the recommendation, if this were to be adopted by the township, is that banquet halls would fall into that right-hand category on your screen there, and they would be considered a special land use. So just reminding you that anytime there's a special land use, the planning commission, as well as the township board, certainly has the right and the ability to tie conditions onto that special land use. So it's important to note that any request that came before the board, you would have the ability to, whether it's hours of operation, noise, those type of considerations, you can certainly consider any special considerations or conditions to be placed on that. So I just want to note that Giffels-Webster did note that due to the research part... district currently permitting research restaurants and other places serving food or beverage that's already a permitted use within the district and then also it notes underneath the special land

5. 5:00

   dated September 3rd, 2025. They reviewed the Research Park District, noting that there are currently provisions within our ordinance, as I had mentioned. I do want to note that the recommendation, if this were to be adopted by the township, is that banquet halls would fall into that right-hand category on your screen there, and they would be considered a special land use. So just reminding you that anytime there's a special land use, the planning commission, as well as the township board, certainly has the right and the ability to tie conditions onto that special land use. So it's important to note that any request that came before the board, you would have the ability to, whether it's hours of operation, noise, those type of considerations, you can certainly consider any special considerations or conditions to be placed on that. So I just want to note that Giffels-Webster did note that due to the research part... district currently permitting research restaurants and other places serving food or beverage that's already a permitted use within the district and then also it notes underneath the special land use column specifically it's under v i feel like i'm getting an eye exam right now i believe it's it notes that they are that the research park does allow for recreational uses including but not limited to sports facilities clubs recreational community center buildings so based on the existing ordinance based on this proposed use we are comfortable from a planning standpoint to recommend that it would be appropriate that a banquet hall facility would be an appropriate use within the research park district um so i am here to answer any questions but mainly the goal that um that is being presented or the decision asked from the board this evening would be to set a public hearing date for uh your next meeting of monday february 2nd 2026 and at that time what we would do is we would hold a public hearing for the proposed amendment and we will also be presenting the bloomfield hollow site plan application which is the um which is the banquet hall so we're asking you to consider um putting this for a public hearing for february

6. 6:15

   already a permitted use within the district and then also it notes underneath the special land use column specifically it's under v i feel like i'm getting an eye exam right now i believe it's it notes that they are that the research park does allow for recreational uses including but not limited to sports facilities clubs recreational community center buildings so based on the existing ordinance based on this proposed use we are comfortable from a planning standpoint to recommend that it would be appropriate that a banquet hall facility would be an appropriate use within the research park district um so i am here to answer any questions but mainly the goal that um that is being presented or the decision asked from the board this evening would be to set a public hearing date for uh your next meeting of monday february 2nd 2026 and at that time what we would do is we would hold a public hearing for the proposed amendment and we will also be presenting the bloomfield hollow site plan application which is the um which is the banquet hall so we're asking you to consider um putting this for a public hearing for february 2nd. And again, happy to answer any questions. Anybody? No, the only comment I have is I think it's a great idea for consideration and certainly looking forward to hearing the presentation on February 2nd from the developer and his plans. But I think that's an ideal location for this type of business. And certainly we just want to make sure, as you mentioned, that it's cohesive with the surrounding areas. And that's something I'm sure that we can address on February 2nd. Just a question. Go ahead, Tom. Go ahead. No, I think the sentiment is the same. Sounds good. Just a question. Live music, alcoholic beverage or liquor license, it's all appropriate for that. It can be put into that, right? Correct. And so what I would ask for you to do as you prepare for that February 2nd hearing is just maybe reading through those standards that we currently have within our district. And if there's something in particular that you may feel that you feel should be in this,

7. 7:30

   2nd. And again, happy to answer any questions. Anybody? No, the only comment I have is I think it's a great idea for consideration and certainly looking forward to hearing the presentation on February 2nd from the developer and his plans. But I think that's an ideal location for this type of business. And certainly we just want to make sure, as you mentioned, that it's cohesive with the surrounding areas. And that's something I'm sure that we can address on February 2nd. Just a question. Go ahead, Tom. Go ahead. No, I think the sentiment is the same. Sounds good. Just a question. Live music, alcoholic beverage or liquor license, it's all appropriate for that. It can be put into that, right? Correct. And so what I would ask for you to do as you prepare for that February 2nd hearing is just maybe reading through those standards that we currently have within our district. And if there's something in particular that you may feel that you feel should be in this, we would likely forward the two of those items on simultaneously. Similar to what we did for tee times at tee times. If you recall, we processed that application along with the proposed amendment for recreational use. is with the liquor license so we kind of we we combine those two efforts and so this would be the same intention with this process so when it leaves the planning commission and goes to the board is the board going to have to schedule a public hearing as well for the ordinance amendment yes hopefully we can get that plan a little earlier this just so we can have more time to look at it if it's ready no appreciate that we can certainly that's something i will i will make mindful of and we'll try to get that packet out a little bit sooner because it is a comprehensive packet so i we will do what we can to get it out to you a little bit earlier okay thank you okay so we really just need to schedule a public hearing that's that's really all we're doing so we need a motion then make a motion that uh we have a public hearing on february 2nd for um consideration do we need a second for the second yes third it's been moved we need a second is it a support support support okay moving support any

8. 8:45

   district. And if there's something in particular that you may feel that you feel should be in this, we would likely forward the two of those items on simultaneously. Similar to what we did for tee times at tee times. If you recall, we processed that application along with the proposed amendment for recreational use. is with the liquor license so we kind of we we combine those two efforts and so this would be the same intention with this process so when it leaves the planning commission and goes to the board is the board going to have to schedule a public hearing as well for the ordinance amendment yes hopefully we can get that plan a little earlier this just so we can have more time to look at it if it's ready no appreciate that we can certainly that's something i will i will make mindful of and we'll try to get that packet out a little bit sooner because it is a comprehensive packet so i we will do what we can to get it out to you a little bit earlier okay thank you okay so we really just need to schedule a public hearing that's that's really all we're doing so we need a motion then make a motion that uh we have a public hearing on february 2nd for um consideration do we need a second for the second yes third it's been moved we need a second is it a support support support okay moving support any discussion on the motion no all right all those in favor say aye aye opposed okay so february 2nd we'll thank you in in depth thank you very much okay next item would be um site plan for 880 970 west long lake road ross animal hospital corey you're going to do that right yes thank you one second let me get this pulled up All right so our first site plan for the evening is a request to, sorry there's an issue with the computer and the screen so I'll just look at the screen. It's okay. Okay so our first case is for Ross Annual Hospital. This is an existing veterinary clinic. It is located right here at Telegraph and Long Lake Road. It's at the opposite kind of corner of it. Yeah you can see here it's the highlighted red parcels. There's two parcels slightly to the right of the intersection on the north side. Both those parcels are involved in this request. Here's where it sits within our

9. 10:00

   yes third it's been moved we need a second is it a support support support okay moving support any discussion on the motion no all right all those in favor say aye aye opposed okay so february 2nd we'll thank you in in depth thank you very much okay next item would be um site plan for 880 970 west long lake road ross animal hospital corey you're going to do that right yes thank you one second let me get this pulled up All right so our first site plan for the evening is a request to, sorry there's an issue with the computer and the screen so I'll just look at the screen. It's okay. Okay so our first case is for Ross Annual Hospital. This is an existing veterinary clinic. It is located right here at Telegraph and Long Lake Road. It's at the opposite kind of corner of it. Yeah you can see here it's the highlighted red parcels. There's two parcels slightly to the right of the intersection on the north side. Both those parcels are involved in this request. Here's where it sits within our zoning ordinance. It sits within the B1 zoning districts. Veterinary clinics are an appropriate use for the B1 district. It is a special use. So that's why they are before you today. So their plan is to take the existing two parcels with two separate structures on them, one on each parcel. They're going to demolish both structures, combine the parcels, and build a new slightly larger animal hospital. So this is the site plan as proposed by the applicant. They're proposing a single 6,153 square foot animal hospital located at 880 and 970 West Long Lake Road. In terms of compliance with the zoning ordinance, It is consistent with the use requirements for the district. It meets all the required setbacks. It is consistent with the parking requirement of one space per 175 square feet. In terms of specific use standards for animal hospitals, I do want to draw your attention to one non-compliance. The ordinance requires all animal hospitals or veterinary clinics to be 200 feet from the nearest residential property. In this case, they directly border residential properties to the north.

10. 11:15

    on the north side. Both those parcels are involved in this request. Here's where it sits within our zoning ordinance. It sits within the B1 zoning districts. Veterinary clinics are an appropriate use for the B1 district. It is a special use. So that's why they are before you today. So their plan is to take the existing two parcels with two separate structures on them, one on each parcel. They're going to demolish both structures, combine the parcels, and build a new slightly larger animal hospital. So this is the site plan as proposed by the applicant. They're proposing a single 6,153 square foot animal hospital located at 880 and 970 West Long Lake Road. In terms of compliance with the zoning ordinance, It is consistent with the use requirements for the district. It meets all the required setbacks. It is consistent with the parking requirement of one space per 175 square feet. In terms of specific use standards for animal hospitals, I do want to draw your attention to one non-compliance. The ordinance requires all animal hospitals or veterinary clinics to be 200 feet from the nearest residential property. In this case, they directly border residential properties to the north. However, we want to point out that they are relocating the existing animal hospital from being right on the boundary, almost 15 feet off or so. And they're relocating the facility further away from the nearby residences. So now it's more like 65, 70 feet away. So they're not adding a new use to this site. They're simply trying to rebuild a better facility and they are moving it further from the nearby residents. We also noticed the residents for this hearing tonight, just in case there were any concerns or issues with the existing operation. It doesn't appear anyone has shown up. And we do want to point out that it is our belief that this requirement in the ordinance was drafted because historically, veterinary clinics were more likely to keep dogs outside in outdoor kennels or those types of situations where barking could be a concern. In this case, all storage or all kenneling of the animals will be indoors. Moving on. Oh, so that is a standard they will need a variance from because they are still helps that 200 foot setback requirement. They can only. They can only. meet 65.79 feet so they will be requesting a variance for that but otherwise they are consistent with the zoning ordinance on the last issue we screwed up with them was in regards to the landscaping plan just making sure there were sufficient islands within the parking lot and

11. 12:30

    In this case, they directly border residential properties to the north. However, we want to point out that they are relocating the existing animal hospital from being right on the boundary, almost 15 feet off or so. And they're relocating the facility further away from the nearby residences. So now it's more like 65, 70 feet away. So they're not adding a new use to this site. They're simply trying to rebuild a better facility and they are moving it further from the nearby residents. We also noticed the residents for this hearing tonight, just in case there were any concerns or issues with the existing operation. It doesn't appear anyone has shown up. And we do want to point out that it is our belief that this requirement in the ordinance was drafted because historically, veterinary clinics were more likely to keep dogs outside in outdoor kennels or those types of situations where barking could be a concern. In this case, all storage or all kenneling of the animals will be indoors. Moving on. Oh, so that is a standard they will need a variance from because they are still helps that 200 foot setback requirement. They can only. They can only. meet 65.79 feet so they will be requesting a variance for that but otherwise they are consistent with the zoning ordinance on the last issue we screwed up with them was in regards to the landscaping plan just making sure there were sufficient islands within the parking lot and then sufficient coverage of that impervious surface with tree canopy this is to beautify the area it's also to reduce heat island effect it's just a standard in our ordinance in terms of screening there is an existing brick wall on the north side of the both properties that perform that form a buffer with the nearby residential properties that is proposed to stay and then they are relocating the dumpster a little further south and they're going to enclose it as well signs will be applied for separately at this time i'll show you some renderings you'll see signs in them just note that that's not approved yet by the drb they will be coming back later with their official sign package but at this time they are compliant with all elements of the zoning ordinance except that one standard we also write it out to all our review agencies fire department had no comments fire department had no comments eesd our engineering review services did have one comment which is that any approval at this stage should be on condition that rcoc approved the new stormwater sewer connection so that would be the only concern highlighted by eesd otherwise they recommend approval and then we routed out their traffic study wow you you you

12. 13:45

    landscaping plan just making sure there were sufficient islands within the parking lot and then sufficient coverage of that impervious surface with tree canopy this is to beautify the area it's also to reduce heat island effect it's just a standard in our ordinance in terms of screening there is an existing brick wall on the north side of the both properties that perform that form a buffer with the nearby residential properties that is proposed to stay and then they are relocating the dumpster a little further south and they're going to enclose it as well signs will be applied for separately at this time i'll show you some renderings you'll see signs in them just note that that's not approved yet by the drb they will be coming back later with their official sign package but at this time they are compliant with all elements of the zoning ordinance except that one standard we also write it out to all our review agencies fire department had no comments fire department had no comments eesd our engineering review services did have one comment which is that any approval at this stage should be on condition that rcoc approved the new stormwater sewer connection so that would be the only concern highlighted by eesd otherwise they recommend approval and then we routed out their traffic study wow you you you to our traffic consultants who found that the findings are all legitimate and that this use is being expanded so narrowly that it's only projected to result in one additional trip in the AM and PM. So really there's going to be no major change to how this site functions, no massive increase in traffic generated, it's just a moderate increase in size. In terms of our landscape review, DUAL found that they are consistent and compliant with all the standards in our ordinance. So with that, I did go through the DRB who approved the design of the facility and as you can see from these renderings, we believe it is a huge upgrade from the existing site, which you can see in these photos here. This was taken on site. This was also taken on site. I do want to draw your attention to this photo on the right. This is me standing at the building looking due west towards Telegraph Road. You can see the cross axis that currently exists. I don't have a pointer so I'm hoping you can see what I'm talking about. To the left of the brown building, there's that alleyway. That gives this property access to Telegraph Road as part of this site plan. They are required to maintain that and they have committed to that agreement. So that will be preserved. So there will be, oh, the other thing I want to talk about is access to the site itself.

13. 15:00

    to our traffic consultants who found that the findings are all legitimate and that this use is being expanded so narrowly that it's only projected to result in one additional trip in the AM and PM. So really there's going to be no major change to how this site functions, no massive increase in traffic generated, it's just a moderate increase in size. In terms of our landscape review, DUAL found that they are consistent and compliant with all the standards in our ordinance. So with that, I did go through the DRB who approved the design of the facility and as you can see from these renderings, we believe it is a huge upgrade from the existing site, which you can see in these photos here. This was taken on site. This was also taken on site. I do want to draw your attention to this photo on the right. This is me standing at the building looking due west towards Telegraph Road. You can see the cross axis that currently exists. I don't have a pointer so I'm hoping you can see what I'm talking about. To the left of the brown building, there's that alleyway. That gives this property access to Telegraph Road as part of this site plan. They are required to maintain that and they have committed to that agreement. So that will be preserved. So there will be, oh, the other thing I want to talk about is access to the site itself. If you look on the existing survey, there are three access drives off West Long Lake Road, two for the property on the left and one for the property on the right. They were reducing that down to just one access. this. drive to the property on the right although it'll be combined so they're going from three points of entry to one and then lastly I wanted to draw your attention to the floor plan which demonstrates that the keeping of animals will occur indoors pretty much all of the practice will occur indoors so that should mitigate any concerns about sound and then lastly site photos with that I can answer any questions this property are they owned now and platted together or they separate properties or there are still distinct properties but the applicant is planning to apply with the assessor's office that's a separate track for a partial combination okay but not yet they're not yet so any condition of approval should be on condition that that is received and they're not making any changes to the screening at the back that's staying just the way it is correct okay very good okay go ahead I'm looking at the elevation I don't see it on the screen and where the signage is I thought that

14. 16:15

    So there will be, oh, the other thing I want to talk about is access to the site itself. If you look on the existing survey, there are three access drives off West Long Lake Road, two for the property on the left and one for the property on the right. They were reducing that down to just one access. this. drive to the property on the right although it'll be combined so they're going from three points of entry to one and then lastly I wanted to draw your attention to the floor plan which demonstrates that the keeping of animals will occur indoors pretty much all of the practice will occur indoors so that should mitigate any concerns about sound and then lastly site photos with that I can answer any questions this property are they owned now and platted together or they separate properties or there are still distinct properties but the applicant is planning to apply with the assessor's office that's a separate track for a partial combination okay but not yet they're not yet so any condition of approval should be on condition that that is received and they're not making any changes to the screening at the back that's staying just the way it is correct okay very good okay go ahead I'm looking at the elevation I don't see it on the screen and where the signage is I thought that was the west elevation it calls out to be north am I missing something here the building runs basically the length of the building runs runs to a north-south so the long elevations the east and the west that's my understanding yes maybe that just mislabeled so with respect the only variances for the setback and I had a question about Is there any provisions made to make sure that the noise generated from the inside in these types of buildings doesn't hinder or cause any negative impact to the neighbors? I mean, I know there's ways to do it. I don't know if that's part of the consideration. And the other question was, I know that we have hours of operation, but how do you do that when I believe this has to be, somebody has to be on site? Right. Okay. Yeah, and in terms of your original question about noise, I can let the applicant speak to any specifics about the building. In terms of our ordinance requirements to address sound, it's just that setback as well as the townships' requirements for noise ordinance. And the only other question, I know that there's an existing wall I haven't visited.

15. 17:30

    elevation I don't see it on the screen and where the signage is I thought that was the west elevation it calls out to be north am I missing something here the building runs basically the length of the building runs runs to a north-south so the long elevations the east and the west that's my understanding yes maybe that just mislabeled so with respect the only variances for the setback and I had a question about Is there any provisions made to make sure that the noise generated from the inside in these types of buildings doesn't hinder or cause any negative impact to the neighbors? I mean, I know there's ways to do it. I don't know if that's part of the consideration. And the other question was, I know that we have hours of operation, but how do you do that when I believe this has to be, somebody has to be on site? Right. Okay. Yeah, and in terms of your original question about noise, I can let the applicant speak to any specifics about the building. In terms of our ordinance requirements to address sound, it's just that setback as well as the townships' requirements for noise ordinance. And the only other question, I know that there's an existing wall I haven't visited. I'm just wondering what the condition of that wall is. It's in a pretty good condition. I wish I had a better photo of it. If I could zoom, yeah, it's hard to see. It's a brick masonry wall, but I'll let the applicant elaborate on the wall. Okay. Thank you. Well, before we get, let's just make sure we have no other questions here. Anybody? Okay. Tell us what you got. Good evening, board. Would you like my address and name stated? My name is Tim Wood with NOAC and Frost Engineers. I'm the civil engineer for the project, working closely with the animal hospital and the people who are making that happen. happen. So I'm here today to assist and answer any questions that you may have. Thank you staff for your legwork and your presentation up to this point. I would like to add just if I may a couple answers to the questions that came up. For clarification the wall on the north end of the property is to be replaced. It is a existing wood fence. We're proposing to replace it with a six foot masonry screen wall that will match the dumpster enclosure as well as the building.

16. 18:45

    And the only other question, I know that there's an existing wall I haven't visited. I'm just wondering what the condition of that wall is. It's in a pretty good condition. I wish I had a better photo of it. If I could zoom, yeah, it's hard to see. It's a brick masonry wall, but I'll let the applicant elaborate on the wall. Okay. Thank you. Well, before we get, let's just make sure we have no other questions here. Anybody? Okay. Tell us what you got. Good evening, board. Would you like my address and name stated? My name is Tim Wood with NOAC and Frost Engineers. I'm the civil engineer for the project, working closely with the animal hospital and the people who are making that happen. happen. So I'm here today to assist and answer any questions that you may have. Thank you staff for your legwork and your presentation up to this point. I would like to add just if I may a couple answers to the questions that came up. For clarification the wall on the north end of the property is to be replaced. It is a existing wood fence. We're proposing to replace it with a six foot masonry screen wall that will match the dumpster enclosure as well as the building. Additionally the conditional engineering approval based on RCOC approval. We've had preliminary submittals to RCOC. RCOC has no issues with the drive approach. They're happy to delete two of the existing approaches and have one proposed. Their only condition on that was that we restrict the stormwater outlet rate with a four inch pipe. So we will be providing that to meet the RCOC requirements. With regards to the current status of the lot combination it's in process where the only requirement that we're missing is the current title policy. So we're working on getting that since we have that we'll make that submittal concurrent with the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals. The next question with regards to noise generation from inside of the building. We don't expect that there should be any appreciable amount. noise any time of the day it should be fully contained with the building and the the building walls the insulation that's provided there there should be no impact outside of the building for that and then with regards to the hours of operation it's gonna be the same as what it

17. 20:00

    foot masonry screen wall that will match the dumpster enclosure as well as the building. Additionally the conditional engineering approval based on RCOC approval. We've had preliminary submittals to RCOC. RCOC has no issues with the drive approach. They're happy to delete two of the existing approaches and have one proposed. Their only condition on that was that we restrict the stormwater outlet rate with a four inch pipe. So we will be providing that to meet the RCOC requirements. With regards to the current status of the lot combination it's in process where the only requirement that we're missing is the current title policy. So we're working on getting that since we have that we'll make that submittal concurrent with the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals. The next question with regards to noise generation from inside of the building. We don't expect that there should be any appreciable amount. noise any time of the day it should be fully contained with the building and the the building walls the insulation that's provided there there should be no impact outside of the building for that and then with regards to the hours of operation it's gonna be the same as what it is currently which is by appointment monday through friday uh eight to five and then saturday is from 8 a.m until noon and then closed on sundays i would like to add a couple notes or comments and that's really just in regard to the landscaping that's proposed the landscaping will very nicely add to the site so there's nice plantings along the building there's nice front edge landscaping the existing site has 13 trees only three of those have to be removed we are looking to keep 10 of the trees that are on site and then we're adding michigan natives and native cultivars to make that very aesthetically pleasing additionally the area in the northeast corner of the site is proposed to be enhanced as it is they kind of have a nice little gravel area that you can sit with benches so they're proposing to enhance it with improved furniture um to help that and uh and and be as economic as possible to keep you know something if they can um but also to make it better as well so with that if you have any questions

18. 21:15

    that and then with regards to the hours of operation it's gonna be the same as what it is currently which is by appointment monday through friday uh eight to five and then saturday is from 8 a.m until noon and then closed on sundays i would like to add a couple notes or comments and that's really just in regard to the landscaping that's proposed the landscaping will very nicely add to the site so there's nice plantings along the building there's nice front edge landscaping the existing site has 13 trees only three of those have to be removed we are looking to keep 10 of the trees that are on site and then we're adding michigan natives and native cultivars to make that very aesthetically pleasing additionally the area in the northeast corner of the site is proposed to be enhanced as it is they kind of have a nice little gravel area that you can sit with benches so they're proposing to enhance it with improved furniture um to help that and uh and and be as economic as possible to keep you know something if they can um but also to make it better as well so with that if you have any questions I'm happy to answer your answer those for you the operation of the current hospital or the current facility is that the same going to be the same as what you obviously this is gonna be bigger but it's the same type of operation yep and do you have it you do you have any interaction with the neighbors behind you in there as far as noise or anything else at this point we have not into my knowledge there has not been any I don't believe there's been any issues today or complaints but I I can research that if required or requested yeah that's fine so in other words it's just gonna be further away and it's the same but further away which which is better I suppose so good and a brand new building and a well a new building right okay good thank you anybody else I just have out of curiosity is it being operated by the same folks or are they selling yep it's the same the same people so they're happy with the success of the location they're happy with their clientele they're even looking to keep the current hospital open during construction so that they can render without a stop of usage this upgrade to their clientele thank you for all the information thank you all right I don't see

19. 22:30

    I'm happy to answer your answer those for you the operation of the current hospital or the current facility is that the same going to be the same as what you obviously this is gonna be bigger but it's the same type of operation yep and do you have it you do you have any interaction with the neighbors behind you in there as far as noise or anything else at this point we have not into my knowledge there has not been any I don't believe there's been any issues today or complaints but I I can research that if required or requested yeah that's fine so in other words it's just gonna be further away and it's the same but further away which which is better I suppose so good and a brand new building and a well a new building right okay good thank you anybody else I just have out of curiosity is it being operated by the same folks or are they selling yep it's the same the same people so they're happy with the success of the location they're happy with their clientele they're even looking to keep the current hospital open during construction so that they can render without a stop of usage this upgrade to their clientele thank you for all the information thank you all right I don't see anybody in the audience for public comment but I still have to open it up so I'm gonna open up public comment or hearing people right here well I think that they're looking they're the next so I don't see anybody so I will close that and bring it back to the commission for whatever you want to do. What's your pleasure? Okay. I make a motion that we approve as presented. It's been moved. Oh, I'm sorry. And along with the subject to the application to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the sign and signage for the Design Review Board. Do we have anything else? And we got the parcel combination. Oh, and the parcel combination that is in process. Do we get the sewer connection? Yeah. RCOC? Yes. All good. All right. Thank you. Okay. It's been moved. Second. It's moved and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Then we'll call for a vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? All good. Thank you very much. Good luck with that project. That's great. That's great. Thank you. Okay.

20. 23:45

    clientele thank you for all the information thank you all right I don't see anybody in the audience for public comment but I still have to open it up so I'm gonna open up public comment or hearing people right here well I think that they're looking they're the next so I don't see anybody so I will close that and bring it back to the commission for whatever you want to do. What's your pleasure? Okay. I make a motion that we approve as presented. It's been moved. Oh, I'm sorry. And along with the subject to the application to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the sign and signage for the Design Review Board. Do we have anything else? And we got the parcel combination. Oh, and the parcel combination that is in process. Do we get the sewer connection? Yeah. RCOC? Yes. All good. All right. Thank you. Okay. It's been moved. Second. It's moved and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Then we'll call for a vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? All good. Thank you very much. Good luck with that project. That's great. That's great. Thank you. Okay. Next one. Site plan review with a Class C liquor license, 6608 Telegraph Road. Thank you. You again, Corey? Okay. Go ahead. Our next case is fairly simple. They're not proposing any alterations to the existing building. No expansion, no deletion, no facade changes. They are replacing Zajun. Zajun. I always say it wrong. And it's going to be the exact same use. They're going from a restaurant with a Class C liquor license to a restaurant with a Class C liquor license. However, since it is a special land use, it is required to go through the site plan process, which is why they are before you today. But I want to emphasize there are no proposed changes. Real quick, I think you're all familiar with this site. It's the Tell Maple Plaza is what I always call it, but I don't know if that's correct. The Bloomfield Plaza, thank you. And then within our zoning map, it is a split zone property, but it's primarily B2 with some parking in the rear. And then the nearest residential does directly back up to the property. However, they're not proposing any exterior changes. They're not even proposing any outdoor seating for the restaurant. It'll be all within the structure itself. So as part of their site plan, they submitted this site plan, which is the existing site plan for the shopping center.

21. 25:00

    Next one. Site plan review with a Class C liquor license, 6608 Telegraph Road. Thank you. You again, Corey? Okay. Go ahead. Our next case is fairly simple. They're not proposing any alterations to the existing building. No expansion, no deletion, no facade changes. They are replacing Zajun. Zajun. I always say it wrong. And it's going to be the exact same use. They're going from a restaurant with a Class C liquor license to a restaurant with a Class C liquor license. However, since it is a special land use, it is required to go through the site plan process, which is why they are before you today. But I want to emphasize there are no proposed changes. Real quick, I think you're all familiar with this site. It's the Tell Maple Plaza is what I always call it, but I don't know if that's correct. The Bloomfield Plaza, thank you. And then within our zoning map, it is a split zone property, but it's primarily B2 with some parking in the rear. And then the nearest residential does directly back up to the property. However, they're not proposing any exterior changes. They're not even proposing any outdoor seating for the restaurant. It'll be all within the structure itself. So as part of their site plan, they submitted this site plan, which is the existing site plan for the shopping center. And then this is their parking plan. Since they are going from a restaurant with a Class C liquor license to a restaurant with the Class C liquor license, we consider their parking to be grandfathered. They are required one space for every 75 square feet of floor area. However, if there were not issues with the prior restaurant, there will not be here. This is the floor plan that was provided by the applicant. They're proposing to keep it exactly laid out as the prior restaurant. So again, no changes, not even to the interior. There might be some design element changes, but in terms of seating arrangements, exactly the same. And then here are some site photos from my visit. So again, they're going in the Zhaozhun spot right there to the left of rear ends. Thank you. Thank you. And with that, are there any questions for me? Any questions from the commission? I have one question. When you have an existing use that I'm sure the hours were approved by the township, because they exceed the normal, is that going to stay, or do they have to ask for that again? So we're having them go through again, and so that's all going to be approved as part of this. That's why it's coming through. Well, it's coming through as a special land use because of the liquor license, but also for the hours of operation, which are noted in your staff report. So are they any different from what they used to be?

22. 26:15

    plan for the shopping center. And then this is their parking plan. Since they are going from a restaurant with a Class C liquor license to a restaurant with the Class C liquor license, we consider their parking to be grandfathered. They are required one space for every 75 square feet of floor area. However, if there were not issues with the prior restaurant, there will not be here. This is the floor plan that was provided by the applicant. They're proposing to keep it exactly laid out as the prior restaurant. So again, no changes, not even to the interior. There might be some design element changes, but in terms of seating arrangements, exactly the same. And then here are some site photos from my visit. So again, they're going in the Zhaozhun spot right there to the left of rear ends. Thank you. Thank you. And with that, are there any questions for me? Any questions from the commission? I have one question. When you have an existing use that I'm sure the hours were approved by the township, because they exceed the normal, is that going to stay, or do they have to ask for that again? So we're having them go through again, and so that's all going to be approved as part of this. That's why it's coming through. Well, it's coming through as a special land use because of the liquor license, but also for the hours of operation, which are noted in your staff report. So are they any different from what they used to be? I'm not sure what they used to be, but I can read you what they're going to be. I'm saying except Saturday and Sunday we're going to have a week to be open for breakfast. They'll open early, but the closing time is the same, at 11 o'clock. Thank you. Do you want me to read the hours, or did that satisfy your...? I'm sorry, if they're the same, then they were discussed. Okay, and from back, it looks like there will be entry from the parking lot to the west, so both the front and the back parking lot. That's correct. When you look at this plan, I wish I had my pointer again, but you can see it's one of the tenant spaces that stretches all the way to the back, so there's two entrances. Okay. Anybody else? If you'd like to come and add to this, or come to the podium and talk about your restaurant. Yeah. Yeah. Gloat. Ha ha. Ha ha. Go. Go. Good evening, board. My name is Ziyad Battah, and, you know, I would like to talk a little bit about the new restaurant, Tamar. So we are rooted in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, Tamar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar. We get our name from the word Tamar, which means, it's a Hebrew name, which means palm dates,

23. 27:30

    So are they any different from what they used to be? I'm not sure what they used to be, but I can read you what they're going to be. I'm saying except Saturday and Sunday we're going to have a week to be open for breakfast. They'll open early, but the closing time is the same, at 11 o'clock. Thank you. Do you want me to read the hours, or did that satisfy your...? I'm sorry, if they're the same, then they were discussed. Okay, and from back, it looks like there will be entry from the parking lot to the west, so both the front and the back parking lot. That's correct. When you look at this plan, I wish I had my pointer again, but you can see it's one of the tenant spaces that stretches all the way to the back, so there's two entrances. Okay. Anybody else? If you'd like to come and add to this, or come to the podium and talk about your restaurant. Yeah. Yeah. Gloat. Ha ha. Ha ha. Go. Go. Good evening, board. My name is Ziyad Battah, and, you know, I would like to talk a little bit about the new restaurant, Tamar. So we are rooted in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, Tamar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar. We get our name from the word Tamar, which means, it's a Hebrew name, which means palm dates, and that's going to be the theme of the restaurant, about, like, palm trees and, like, the inside of the place. We, every dish tells a story, our menu inspired by diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisines, blending the culinary traditions of Israel, Greece, North Africa, and Southern Europe into a modern dining experience. From freshly grilled seafood, fragrant herbs, to hand-past olive oil and bold aromatic spices, Tamar celebrates the essence of a region fresh, colorful, and full of life. The bar complements this journey with the crafts cocktails, boutique wines, and spirits that capture the sun and soul of the Mediterranean coast. We are not only a restaurant, we are like a family gathering place, and, like, you know, where people meet with elegance and class. If you guys like any questions about menus or food, we'll have some delicious. How fast are you going to open? How fast?

24. 28:45

    We get our name from the word Tamar, which means, it's a Hebrew name, which means palm dates, and that's going to be the theme of the restaurant, about, like, palm trees and, like, the inside of the place. We, every dish tells a story, our menu inspired by diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisines, blending the culinary traditions of Israel, Greece, North Africa, and Southern Europe into a modern dining experience. From freshly grilled seafood, fragrant herbs, to hand-past olive oil and bold aromatic spices, Tamar celebrates the essence of a region fresh, colorful, and full of life. The bar complements this journey with the crafts cocktails, boutique wines, and spirits that capture the sun and soul of the Mediterranean coast. We are not only a restaurant, we are like a family gathering place, and, like, you know, where people meet with elegance and class. If you guys like any questions about menus or food, we'll have some delicious. How fast are you going to open? How fast? We're looking like, you know, a couple of months, hopefully, when we finish everything and, you know, we're doing some, you know, minor changes to the decor inside. We're changing from now it's Asian and to Mediterranean. So we're having that palm tree theme inside. Anybody? Very nice. I'm sorry, what? Oh, okay. Did you want to add to that or are you there for moral support? I'd like to say that Mr. Bata, he's going to be the owner-operator of this business and so he's going to be working there personally and running it. And he's currently the owner of Shawarma Grill on Northwestern Highway. He's an established restaurant owner and he will do a very good job with this location. He's famous for his Shawarma wheel motor. And everybody likes measuring these food. It's healthy for you, too. Yeah, good. That's right. Anybody else? Okay. Then again, I'm going to open it up to nobody. Nobody's here, so I'll close it again and bring it back to the commission for whatever you choose to do. I'll be happy to make a motion that we approve this application that's presented.

25. 30:00

    We're looking like, you know, a couple of months, hopefully, when we finish everything and, you know, we're doing some, you know, minor changes to the decor inside. We're changing from now it's Asian and to Mediterranean. So we're having that palm tree theme inside. Anybody? Very nice. I'm sorry, what? Oh, okay. Did you want to add to that or are you there for moral support? I'd like to say that Mr. Bata, he's going to be the owner-operator of this business and so he's going to be working there personally and running it. And he's currently the owner of Shawarma Grill on Northwestern Highway. He's an established restaurant owner and he will do a very good job with this location. He's famous for his Shawarma wheel motor. And everybody likes measuring these food. It's healthy for you, too. Yeah, good. That's right. Anybody else? Okay. Then again, I'm going to open it up to nobody. Nobody's here, so I'll close it again and bring it back to the commission for whatever you choose to do. I'll be happy to make a motion that we approve this application that's presented. It's great use and we look forward to having you in the township. Thank you. It's been moved and second. Moved and second. Sorry. Any discussion on that motion? All those in favor say aye. Any opposed? Okay. Thank you very much. Looking forward to that. That sounds great. Thank you. Good luck. Thank you, sir. All right. Public meetings. Yeah. Okay. We have to take care of the board now. Oh, well, that's next. Yeah. General business. Okay. Next thing we have is election of officers. So we need to... We currently have two officers. Jeff Solis, who's our chair, and then our vice chair is Richie Attoe. So we are looking for any nominations. I would let the board discuss any recommendations or suggestions for motion for the positions. I'd be happy to make a recommendation that we keep the same president and the same vice president. Or vice chair. Stole my thunder. Well, you can second. I'll support the vote of acclamation. Very good. Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Okay. I guess that's... All right. Next meeting? Well, we know when it is. February 2nd.

26. 31:15

    I'll be happy to make a motion that we approve this application that's presented. It's great use and we look forward to having you in the township. Thank you. It's been moved and second. Moved and second. Sorry. Any discussion on that motion? All those in favor say aye. Any opposed? Okay. Thank you very much. Looking forward to that. That sounds great. Thank you. Good luck. Thank you, sir. All right. Public meetings. Yeah. Okay. We have to take care of the board now. Oh, well, that's next. Yeah. General business. Okay. Next thing we have is election of officers. So we need to... We currently have two officers. Jeff Solis, who's our chair, and then our vice chair is Richie Attoe. So we are looking for any nominations. I would let the board discuss any recommendations or suggestions for motion for the positions. I'd be happy to make a recommendation that we keep the same president and the same vice president. Or vice chair. Stole my thunder. Well, you can second. I'll support the vote of acclamation. Very good. Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Okay. I guess that's... All right. Next meeting? Well, we know when it is. February 2nd. Anything else? But anything that's not on the agenda that anybody wants to bring? I just want to note that we do currently have a posting for an alternate for the Zoning Board of Appeals. It's somebody that would have to sit, that would be called if one of the regular board members can't sit. So I just wanted to share that with you and anybody that you may know. But that application can be made. It is on our website. Any questions or an application can be emailed directly to me or the supervisors. So I would add in to whether some requirements are available or any advice, or the staff is Be able to understand if the student takes place. office i just wanted to share that if you if you know of anybody any interested parties uh um ask around and share it's a it's a it's a it's a good position for somebody who kind of just wants to you know maybe do a part-time get called in as needed but we do use all our alternates we they do they do serve so um i just i wanted to um we had um bob taylor was a long-standing member he's decided not to continue oh yeah so i just wanted to share that okay anybody have anything did you have something else did you ask oh okay you walked up okay anybody have anything else on the agenda you want to bring up for future discussion then seeing that need a motion to

27. 32:30

    Anything else? But anything that's not on the agenda that anybody wants to bring? I just want to note that we do currently have a posting for an alternate for the Zoning Board of Appeals. It's somebody that would have to sit, that would be called if one of the regular board members can't sit. So I just wanted to share that with you and anybody that you may know. But that application can be made. It is on our website. Any questions or an application can be emailed directly to me or the supervisors. So I would add in to whether some requirements are available or any advice, or the staff is Be able to understand if the student takes place. office i just wanted to share that if you if you know of anybody any interested parties uh um ask around and share it's a it's a it's a it's a good position for somebody who kind of just wants to you know maybe do a part-time get called in as needed but we do use all our alternates we they do they do serve so um i just i wanted to um we had um bob taylor was a long-standing member he's decided not to continue oh yeah so i just wanted to share that okay anybody have anything did you have something else did you ask oh okay you walked up okay anybody have anything else on the agenda you want to bring up for future discussion then seeing that need a motion to adjourn and we're done we're done thank you very much folks with five after seven not bad you