Reactions were mixed at the April 5 Independence Township Board meeting as trustees and residents alike listened to the first formal proposal for a new development on the Pine Knob Golf Course.
Robert Mollicone, head of sales and marketing for Mario D’Agostini’s Pine Knob Enclaves, made a presentation requesting the board to consider two points:
? moving a scenic easement currently covering nine holes of golf course added in 1998 to an area near the easement for the original 18 holes and,
? approving a preliminary site plan that involves building approximately 150 single-family detached condominiums priced between $400,000 and $1 million.
‘Allow me to open with these words,? said Mollicone. ‘We have available property right now at Pine Knob that we can develop without coming before the board or planning commission…
‘We are here to bring forth a proposal from which everyone can benefit.?
According to Mollicone’s proposal, the nine newest holes are no longer economically feasible to maintain, and ‘will be terminated in two years.?
Mollicone stated that, without asking for any changes or approvals, the developer has approximately 25 acres on which 150-180 smaller units (apartments or condos) can be placed. However, Mollicone told the board this plan is unappealing to all those involved.
‘We don’t want to go the high density route,? he stated. ‘We have two options ? 150 units on 25 acres or 150 units on 52 acres ? it’s not equal to lose density for those living there and in the township.?
By shifting the scenic easement, Mollicone told board members the developer would be able to maintain low-density housing with high property values.
In addition, Mollicone informed township trustees the plan would include donating land for a new township pump house in Pine Knob. The developer is also willing to build the new pump house structure at cost.
‘Our goal is to work with the township in any manner to benefit all of us,? said Mollicone.
A preliminary site plan presented during the meeting listed the golf course as having 180-plus acres of conservation area and 54 acres of new development under a PUD agreement.
The plan calls for approximately 150 detached, single-family ranch or colonial-style homes on 70- by 135-foot lot sizes. The ranch homes would be around 2,000 square feet, and the colonial would be as large as 2,800 square feet.
The preliminary plans call for private roads with 40-feet easements with an entrance off Sashabaw Road through a commercially zoned area. Also, a safety path will create a loop with the existing township infrastructure.
‘It will be there; that’s an important part,? said Mollicone.
Finally, the plan calls for a new entryway to the Pine Knob Golf Course and developments. Although the specifics are not yet available for the design, Mollicone assured the board the bridge will be widened and some type of water display will be included.
‘Entering into the Pine Knob community will be refreshing and exciting,? said Mollicone. ‘We are looking for a win-win for all, not a one way street.?
During public comment, a few individuals spoke in agreement with Mollicone’s presentation. Jim Odett, a previous developer, complimented D’Agostini and Mollicone on the Enclaves development.
The developer for The Fairways at Pine Knob also spoke in support, ‘I was livid when I first heard of this plan, but after meeting with the development team, I found there was some flexibility. I have no problem with this development, and no vested interest. It would quiet down the area for The Fairways.?
Ron Liles, a member of one of the homeowners? associations in Pine Knob, also spoke well of the plan, ‘They worked with us, they listened to us? they changed their whole plan. As a homeowner, I’m all for the development? we don’t object to that project as long as we have some say with the development.?
Not everyone however was pleased with the proposal. Fiona Brown was unhappy with what she saw as a ‘threat? from the developer to build apartments.
‘I fell very threatened by your remarks that you will build on the nine acres if we don’t agree with this,? she stated.
‘My concern is that he is threatening with this,? she said directly to the board.
Thomas Stone had several concerns, ‘It does bring to the light of day several topics that have been brought about behind the scenes.?
Stone said he was uncomfortable with whether or not the term ‘scenic easements? were being used consistently. He felt it was important to understand the terms since ‘open spaces save communities money.?
Resident Judy Cole said she would be pleased to ‘let the nine holes go wild.?
‘I’d be very happy to have it. I miss the deer, the wolves and the fox that disappeared when the Enclaves came in,? she told the board.
Township board comments on the proposal were kept to a minimum. Many of the board members simply expressed the need for more information and time.
After all was presented, the township board unanimously tabled for 30 days any motions or decisions in relation to the presentation until after a legal opinion is received from township attorney Karlstrom Clooney, LLP in regard to scenic easements.