Citizens interested in learning more about McLaren Health Care Corporations? proposed medical complex along Sashabaw Road should attend the Feb. 9 Independence Township Planning Commission meeting.
The meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Independence Township Library, is not a public hearing open to comment from residents, but the first step in McLaren’s site plan approval process. The meeting is the first formal presentation by McLaren before the township’s planning commission.
Plans, drawings and a project summary are available at the Independence Township Building Department.
McLaren is proposing a $500-600 million ‘healthcare village? to be located on 100-acres along Bow Pointe, east of Sashabaw Road and south of I-75.
According to plans submitted with the building department, the proposed multi-phase project includes a multiple-tower hospital building, cancer center, heart center, medical office buildings, assorted retail, power plants and parking.
McLaren first approached the township on Dec. 28 concerning the project; however, a formal submission was not received until January.
For more background information on this story, please go to www.clarkstonnews.com and type ‘McLaren? into the search engine.
COG releases statement
Citizens for Orderly Growth released a statement on Jan. 29 concerning the McLaren Health Care Corporations’s proposed medical complex. The group ‘has determined that it would be premature to take a position and that further investigation and consideration should be done.?
COG, a volunteer organization focusing upon supporting elected officials and the Independence Township master plan in order to foster ‘orderly growth,? has voiced opinions on many potential developments throughout the township in the past.
Recently, the group voiced concerns over proposals from AAC Acquisitions, owner of the Pine Knob Enclaves looking for approval to shift scenic easements along the Pine Knob Golf Course, and Orco Investments, LLC. Orco. Currently, Orco has two proposals submitted to the township’s planning department for 70 acres located at the southwest corner of the intersection of I-75 and Sashabaw Road, north of Waldon Road ? one for a big box development and one for a residential/mixed commercial development.
In regards to McLaren, COG’s release from Jan. 29 said ‘The Core Group (that directs the activities of COG) identified several questions which it has already begun to explore.? Included in those questions are whether or not the development complies with the township’s master plan; and how a development of this size would impact the community, especially if all or a significant portion is exempt from property taxes.
COG’s release did state the group believes at least four of the proposed buildings would ‘exceed the township’s long-standing height limitation.?
‘COG urges all citizens who are concerned about the nature and extent of development in our community to participate,? concluded the release.