Commission approves vacation of water-main and scenic easements for Shostak redevelopment site

The Livonia Planning Commission on May 5 voted to approve a request from Shostak Brothers & Company to vacate existing water-main and scenic easements at the site around 33500–33507 7 Mile Road as part of an approved redevelopment plan.

Planner Jacob Uhasi told commissioners the developer has relocated infrastructure as part of the redevelopment and that engineering supports vacating the outdated easement lines to avoid future title issues; replacement easements will be established over the new utility locations once final alignments are confirmed. Departmental memos read into the record showed no objections from engineering, inspection, accounting or the treasurer’s office.

Nearby resident Charles Johnson said his family has been associated with the abutting property for decades and asked whether previously promised berms, walls and plantings would be affected and whether water mains would be removed. Staff replied the easement vacation is closer to 7 Mile Road, will not change the approved site plan or landscaping commitments, and that any replaced mains will follow the approved redevelopment plan that has been reviewed by the fire department.

Commissioner Ventura moved to approve the easement vacations, finding the infrastructure is no longer in use or has been relocated, the scenic easement is no longer needed given the updated site layout, and no city department or public utility objected. The motion passed on roll call; the matter will proceed to City Council as required.