Residents urge scrutiny of proposed 60‑unit Avenel Crossing, citing transit and service access

Mary Anne Hartwick, who said she lives in the three‑mile extraterritorial area, asked the commission to intervene in a proposed 60‑unit low‑income development known in application materials as Avenel Crossing. Hartwick argued the site is distant from grocery, pharmacy and medical services and lacks convenient public transit, and she urged the commission to ensure the developer follows subdivision rules rather than building in the woods without adequate services.

Planning staff and commissioners replied that, based on plans they had reviewed, the project currently appears to meet the threshold of a major subdivision and would therefore require a formal review process and public input. A staff member said the developer had argued the project was not a major subdivision, and commissioners said they would require revised plans and could ask the developer to return for a public process if it remains a major subdivision. Commissioners noted that because the site is outside the city, county and township officials and the county prosecutor could also become involved if a developer starts work without the required approvals.

Why it matters: A 60‑unit development intended for low‑income households would affect access to transit, services and municipal infrastructure for residents in the extraterritorial area; the project’s classification as a major subdivision determines whether the public review process is triggered.

Next steps: Planning staff will review revised plans; if the project is considered a major subdivision it will come before the planning commission for public review; residents were encouraged to watch the code office for public documents and to contact their county or township representatives as appropriate.