Commission recommends council approve four‑story mixed‑use plan development at Ford Road with conditions

The Garden City Planning Commission on Sept. 10 voted unanimously to recommend that city council approve a plan‑development rezoning and concept for 30759 Ford Road that would allow a four‑story building with ground‑floor commercial space and three floors of apartments.

Planner Mister Ortega summarized the revised submittal and said the applicant seeks a 48‑foot building height (13 feet above the 35‑foot standard), a one‑unit density increase (20 units where 19 would be permitted by right) and a reduction of required parking from 78 to 64 spaces. Ortega told commissioners the site is in the city’s mixed‑use overlay and that the revised elevations, materials and open‑space calculations make the project more consistent with the master plan; he recommended the commission forward a recommendation to council with a development agreement that captures the requested modifications.

Applicant representative Rita said the team addressed prior comments on landscaping and building materials and that final material samples and precise window/door specifications would be provided at final site plan. Nearby resident Mike Bender urged clearer notification to neighbors, saying a four‑story massing would "overshadow people's backyards" if not carefully sited. Commissioners balanced that concern with long‑running master‑plan objectives to add housing and agreed to require final details and studies as conditions. The motion to recommend approval included conditions that the applicant submit a revised plan‑development plan with detailed building and site specifications for council review, provide a stormwater management plan compliant with Wayne County standards, submit a traffic‑impact analysis at final site plan review, bring final elevation materials and samples to the commission, and obtain final site‑plan approval; the motion passed 4‑0.

What happens next: the commission’s recommendation goes to city council; final site‑plan review and the development agreement will set specific permit conditions and technical requirements.