Developer scales back Edison Crossing plan, says 11 units would be reserved for veterans; residents weigh in

Developer Craig Patterson updated the commission on the Edison Crossing housing proposal during public participation, saying the plan was reduced from 65 units to 30 and that 11 of the units would be reserved for veterans.

"We have changed the plan. We have gone from 65 units to 30 units, of which 11 will be reserved for our veterans who are homeless, in need of housing, or are disabled," Patterson said, and asked for a work session in two weeks to share project details.

Speakers at the microphone reacted in both support and concern. John Konechny, who said he chairs the homeless veterans committee with the Amvest Department of Michigan, urged commissioners to consider the project as a means of rehousing displaced veterans and described plans for veteran service officers and job placement support.

"It's basically the least we can do for our veterans," Konechny said, describing outreach efforts and coordination with the Macomb Homeless Coalition.

Bob Petter, representing AMVET volunteers, also expressed support, noting volunteer efforts to serve veterans and describing the benefit of sheltered services.

Other residents raised concerns about unrelated rezoning at the old Big Boy site downtown, telling the commission that rezoning approvals in the past had not produced promised development and expressing opposition to potential recreational marijuana uses moving into the downtown area. Joe E. Harrington said the project approved with rezoning a year earlier had not progressed and criticized repeat rezoning requests.

Commissioners did not take formal action on Edison Crossing at the meeting; Patterson requested a work session in two weeks to present full details to the commission.