HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-23-22 Board of Zoning AppealsBoard of Zoning Appeals Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 1
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING – Approved 1/12/23
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Thursday, August 23, 2022, 6:30 P.M.
600 W. Maple Street, Lansing, MI 48915
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Marcie Alling at 6:30 p.m. Roll call was taken.
Present:M. Alling, J. Hovey, K. Berryman, E. Jefferson, M. Rice, J. Leaming, C.
Iannuzzi, & B. Fryling
Absent: M. Solak
Staff: S. Stachowiak
A quorum of at least five members was present, allowing voting action to be taken at the
meeting.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mr. Leaming, seconded by Ms. Jefferson to approve the agenda with the
addition of “Excused Absence” under New Business. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously (8-0).
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. PUBLIC HEARING/ACTION
A. BZA-4077.22, 1506 N. Grand River Avenue, Variance to the building height
limitation and allowable number of stories
Ms. Stachowiak stated that this is a request to permit a 10 story, 135-foot-high building
at 1506 N. Grand River Avenue. Section 1243.05.02 of the City of Lansing Zoning
Ordinance restricts the height of buildings in the “MX-C” Mixed-Use Corridor district,
which is the zoning designation of the subject property, to 5 stories and 60 feet in
height. Variances of 5 to the allowable number of stories and 75 feet to building height
limitation are therefore, being requested. Ms. Stachowiak stated that staff is
recommending approval on a finding that the requested variances comply with the
variance evaluation criteria listed in Sections 1274.06 (c) & (e) of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Ms. Stachowiak said that the applicant’s proposal involves the construction of a mixed-
use, 10-story, 135-foot-high building on the 2.639-acre site located on the east side of
N. Grand River, just north of the river. She stated that according to the applicant, if the
variances are not granted and the building is limited to 5 stories and 60 feet in height,
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the project will not move forwarded as it would no longer be financially feasible. Ms.
Stachowiak stated that the basis for the variance is that there is inadequate room on the
site to develop horizontally enough to compensate for the vertical building area that
would be lost if the variances are denied. She further stated that the variances will
allow for development of the subject property in a manner consistent with the intent and
purpose of the City’s Master Plan, will not set a negative precedent for future requests
of a similar nature and the resulting development will not negatively impact existing
land uses or transportation systems in the area.
Ms. Alling opened the public hearing.
Nick Maloof, Associated Environmental Services, LLC, representing the applicant,
Turner-Dodge Development, LLC, spoke in support of the request. Mr. Maloof
displayed and gave an overview of the proposed plans for the development.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Ms. Alling closed the public hearing.
Mr. Hovey offered his support for the variances to accommodate the development as it
fills a need for more housing in the City and will result in increased use of the river trail
which is very positive for the City as well.
Ms. Jefferson asked about the impact of the development on the river trail.
Kurt Krahulik, DC Engineering, stated that the river trail is on City property and will
likely be enhanced by the developer in partnership with the City to allow for better
access from the site. He also said that the Fire Department uses the boat launch
adjacent to the site so it will be retained and upgraded.
Ms. Jefferson asked if there will be sufficient parking to comply with the ordinance
requirement so that no additional variances will be necessary.
Ms. Stachowiak said that the site plan demonstrates compliance with the parking
requirements. She said that there will be a surface lot and a parking deck on the
property and the developer has an agreement with the City for use and expansion of the
parking lot on the City property on the west side of Grand River Avenue.
Mr. Maloof stated that the agreement with the City is that the developer will be
responsible for maintaining the City parking lot. He also said that the lot will still be
available for public use.
Mr. Rice expressed support for the variances, citing the small size and irregular shape of
the lot as practical difficulties resulting in the need to build vertically in order to make
the project feasible.
Mr. Hovey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Leaming to approve BZA 4077.22, for
variances of 5 to the allowable number of building stories and 75 feet to the
building height limitation to permit a 10 story, 135-foot-high building at 1506 N.
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Grand River Avenue, on a finding that the variances are in compliance with the
evaluation criteria set forth in Sections 1274.06 (c)(1-4) and (e)(1-4) of the Zoning
Ordinance. On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously (8-0).
Mr. Berryman expressed concerns about the zoning ordinance conflicting with the
master plan, resulting in the need for variances.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Excused Absences
Mr. Leaming made a motion, seconded by Ms. Jefferson to approve an excused
absence for Mr. Solak. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously (8-0).
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting, June 9, 2022
Mr. Iannuzzi made a motion, seconded by Mr. Rice to approve the June 9, 2022,
meeting minutes, as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously
(8-0).
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
IX. ADJOURNMENT AT 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Susan Stachowiak, Zoning Administrator