Vote.Run.Serve does not normally cover Planning Commission Meetings, however we have seen strong public interest in the Basilica of St. Mary – Livonia, MI petition to rezone portions of their property on Merriman between 6 and 7 mile roads and decided to attend the Planning Commission’s Study Meeting.

Study Meetings are informal meetings for the Planning Department to explain the petition to the Commission; they are not televised, no meeting minutes are recorded, and there are no public comments. Petitioners are not required to be present, but commissioners can ask questions to help guide them on what they would like to see when the petitioner officially presents their case (this will happen on Tuesday, January 31st at 7pm).

Mark Taormina (Planning Department Head) reviewed the petition package. First, he explained the current zoning of the overall St Mary site and the neighboring areas, along with the history of St. Mary purchasing portions of land from Livonia Public Schools (formerly Bryant).

The proposal from St. Mary is to rezone two portions of their site from P-L (Public Lands) to N2 (Neighborhood) and NM3-I (Neighborhood Multifamily). A portion of the site (most eastern) will remain as P-L. The plan is to construct a single-story building for the Montessori School and Youth & Family Center on the N2 portion, and a 3-story building for Independent Senior Living (apartments anyone 55 years or older) on the NM3-I portion. Mark reviewed maps, site plans, and drawings of the proposed buildings.

Commissioners asked questions about the creek, floodplain, traffic flow, potential restrictions on who can live in the apartments or use the facilities, and if St Mary has talked with neighbors about their proposal. The Planning Commission is a recommending body. Ultimately the zoning proposal will need approval from City Council.

Following the Study Session, St. Mary’s scheduled a public meeting at their Activity Center on Monday, January 30th at 7pm for residents to ask questions and learn more about the proposed project.

This topic is an agenda item on the next Regular Planning Commission meeting, which is scheduled for January 31 at 7pm. This meeting will be held at the City Hall Auditorium.