By Lisa Carolin
Following a public hearing at its April 17 meeting, the Chelsea Planning Commission unanimously approved a special use permit to operate the Main Street Church at 318 and 320 N. Main St.
The motion included two conditions – that the stacking of vehicles for events like funeral processions happens on its own property, and that all ordinances related to noise are followed.
The Chelsea City Council approved an amendment to the C-6 Zoning Ordinance regarding churches in the central business mixed used district back in March that went into effect on April 17.
The Planning Commission’s main concern was how church events will affect traffic.
City Engineer Christine Linfield asked the commission to consider whether the church’s proposed location within the Clocktower Complex would work for all aspects of church use and reminded the Planning Commission that it could place specific conditions as part of the permit approval.
Main Street Church Pastor Josh Kuck told the commission that the church typically operates at a different time of the week than most businesses. He said most weddings would take place on Friday nights and Saturdays.
In other action, the planning commission approved Gestamp’s amended landscape plan. Chris Jurkoshek a representative from Gestamp, which is located at 5800 Sibley Road, presented the plan that allocated more trees including more native Michigan trees.
The plan has 75 trees and includes putting evergreen trees in the gap on the north end of the berm to fill in a sparsely vegetated area near Timbertown Park to create a better visual barrier.
Heritage Pointe Phase IIB Final site plan extension was approved by the Planning Commission. Linfield explained that this is an extension the commission does every year because the housing project is on hold due to economic challenges. The new expiration date is May 20, 2019.
(Sarah Haselschwardt was absent from the meeting.)
