By Lisa Carolin
For the second time, the Chelsea Planning Commission voted to table the United Methodist Retirement Communities’ rezoning request until its next meeting on Jan. 21.
“I have a strong sense the Commission will recommend it,” said Board Chairman Larry Ledebur, based on an informal survey of planning commissioners at the Dec. 15 meeting.
“Is it land use policy that is logical and acceptable in the Master Plan?” Ledebur asked members of the Planning Commission, and all in attendance agreed that it is.
Planning Commission members Erik Larsen and Sarah Haselschwardt recused themselves from the meeting due to conflicts of interest.
As far as questions about how the UMRC might handle open space, Planning Commissioner Marcia White said, “They’re good stewards of the land.”
Tom Covert, from Midwestern Consulting, spoke to the planners about some updates.
“Our land survey found that there is 54.13 acres of land under UMRC ownership (It was previously thought to be 56.33 acres.),” said Covert.
UMRC wants to create assisted living options as well as housing for spouses and loved ones. The tentative phases of the Area Plan include Cottage Development in 2017-2018, Repurposing of Glazier Assisted Living in 2017-2018, Renovations and additions to the Kresge Rehabilitation Center in 2018-2019, a Wellness Center in 2018-2019, and more Independent Living options in 2020 and beyond.
At the next Planning Commission meeting, there will be a summary of findings and a draft presented, and Ledebur said the Planning Commission should be able to come to a vote.
At the Dec. 15 meeting, the Planning Commission also voted to change the dates of four meetings in 2016 due to conflicts, beginning with the next meeting, changing it from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21, moving the Feb. 16 meeting to Feb. 17, the July 5 meeting to July 6, and the Sept. 6 meeting to Sept. 7.
