HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 9-3-24 MinutesLANSING PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
September 3, 2024 - 6:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Empowerment Center
600 W Maple Street, Lansing, MI
MINUTES – Approved 10/1/2024
1.OPENING SESSION
Mr. Hovey called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
a. Present: Katie Alexander, Josh Hovey, Monte Jackson, Shane Muchmore (arrived at
6:35 pm), Ted O’Dell, John Ruge
b. Absent: Tony Cox
c. Staff: Andy Fedewa
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA – The agenda was approved by unanimous consent
3.COMMUNICATIONS
An email correspondence from Karen Dietrich was included in the agenda packet.
4.PUBLIC HEARINGS & ITEMS FOR ACTION – None
5.COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Kelly Havens, Tecumseh River Rd. stated that the co-applicants did not communicate with neighbors
to discuss concerns about their special land use permit request and spoke in opposition of SLU-1-
2024.
Karen Dietrich, representative of SLU-1-2024, spoke on 1950 N Waverly Rd.’s operations, license
in good standing with the Michigan State Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA),
and spoke in support of SLU-1-2024.
6.RECESS – Not taken.
7.BUSINESS
A. Consent Items
(1)Minutes for approval: August 7, 2024
The minutes from the August 7, 2024 Planning Commission meetings were
approved without objection.
B. Old Business
(1) SLU-1-2024, 1950 N Waverly Road, Special Land Use Permit for an Adult Foster
Care Home 7-12 residents in the “R-2” Residential district
Mr. Fedewa reintroduced the request and stated that the publicly-available original
licensing report, a renewal inspection report, and a special investigation report were
included in the agenda packet for review. Mr. Fedewa stated that the facility is in good
standing with LARA with a valid license for six residents. Mr. Fedewa stated that the
Lansing Police Department confirmed they have responded to 23 calls to the subject
address since January 2023.
Andy Schor
Mayor
Planning Commission Minutes September 3, 2024 Page 2
____________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Ruge asked for more details about the calls. Mr. Fedewa responded that staff did
not ask for nor did the Police Department share details, based on privacy concerns and
Freedom of Information Act rules. Mr. Muchmore asked if there is any way to confirm
there have been additional calls that were not elevated to a police response.
Mr. Ruge commented on special land use permit requests during his tenure on
Planning Commission and stated that he believes successful applicants conduct
neighborhood outreach and open communication. Mr. Ruge recommended the
applicants communicate with their neighbors to quickly address any concerns and to
help the residents of the home integrate with the community.
Mr. Muchmore commented on his hesitancy to permit twelve residents in a single-
family home and the need to expand the house to facilitate the increase.
Mr. Hovey asked the applicants to address the Commission. Mr. Mengistu spoke on
their business operations.
Mr. Ruge made a motion to recommend approval of SLU-1-2024, 1950 N
Waverly Road, Special Land Use Permit for an Adult Foster Care Home 7-12
residents in the “R-2” Residential district. Without support, the motion failed.
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr. O’Dell, to recommend denial of
SLU-1-2024, 1950 N Waverly Road, Special Land Use Permit for an Adult Foster
Care Home 7-12 residents in the “R-2” Residential district.
Mr. Ruge stated that communities need these facilities and that he does not recall
subsequent complaints about the ones the Planning Commission has recommended
for approval.
Ms. Alexander stated the facility has operated for one year and eight months and
recommended the facility to operate longer to address neighborhood concerns before
expansion.
Mr. Hovey seconded Ms. Alexander’s comments and stated his concerns about the
lack of evidence for outreach and communication with the surrounding neighborhood.
On a roll-call vote the motion carried 5-1. Mr. Ruge cast the dissenting vote.
C. New Business – None
8. REPORT FROM PLANNING & ZONING OFFICE – None
9. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None
10. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS – None
11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED – None
12. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.