It was a tense meeting as township planners voted for a plan many neighborhood residents say is unacceptable.
Troy-based developer Michael Furnari was granted preliminary approval for a his development plan at the Aug. 13 Independence Township Planning Commission meeting.
“We tried to make this a nice addition to community,” Furnari said.
His plans are to develop a 26-acre development on Dixie Highway at Deerhill Drive north of I-75. Plans that have changed several times since he was granted preliminary approval in summer 2014.
Initial plans were for 69 single family homes would be geared to empty nesters, he said.
Residents who were opposed to plans expressed numerous concerns including a lack of amenities, natural green space, tree buffering, and drainage.
In December, Furnari sought final approval with changed plans including changed use. Commissioners said he needed additional requirements, and he was denied approval.
The latest plans are different ? Furnari added several improvements to the property including additional drainage, more trees, more soil and water systems, improved buffering, green space, and other improvements.
He also increased density from 69 detached single family homes to 92 multiple family residential condominiums.
Residents filled the meeting to express opinions on the plan, saying it still does not satisfy concerns like environmental impact on wells and watershed, and traffic.
Furnari explained the rentals are high end and he intended to market the property to those 55 and older. It will also have an association, which homeowners will pay into for upkeep to the property.
The density is needed for cash flow and ensure maintenance, he said.
Township attorney Steve Joppich explained the history of the property, including numerous consent judgments which dictate several development issues like zoning and use.
“There will be no deviation from this plan,” Furnari said. “The new plan will also generate 55 percent less traffic than the previous plan.”
Residents say solutions should be cemented before approval, and asked the commissions to deny the plan.
“We need to insist on a 55-and-over community,” said resident Chelsea O’Brien. “We also need protection of our newly resurfaced roads paid for by our residents.”
A solid plan to ensure water quality and natural issues should also be in place too, O’Brien said.
“We must insist on a triple A bond for our wells and do not give up on protecting, at the very least, the multiple old growth hardword trees on the property,” she said.
About 500 more homes are planned for developments in Independence Township, said Supervisor Pat Kittle.
“Urban sprawl is radiating. It brings more density, more development and more traffic,” Kittle said.
Independence Township is no different.
“We are no longer a small country town,” he said.
The plan now moves from the Planning Commission to the township Board of Trustees for final approval.