By David Fleet

Editor

Goodrich-At 7 p.m., Aug. 22, the Goodrich Planning Commission will discuss the change in zoning from general commercial to medium density residential on about 10 acres at 7293 State Road just south of Yellow Dog. The meeting will be at the Goodrich Village Offices, 7338 S. State Road.

The meeting will consider the construction, in three phases, of more than 70 apartments in three building units. Each unit will have least 24 two-bedroom 900 square foot apartments with two bathrooms. The facilities will be located on about 464 foot frontage along M-15, extending 946 feet deep. At the far east end of the complex, a park and recreational area has also been planned.

Shannon McCafferty, village council and planning commission member, is pleased with the proposal.

“It’s really a good fit for Goodrich,” she said. “There is already businesses along M-15 in that area it will keep the flow and character of the community. If the rent is reasonable the apartments are going to draw more people into the community for business and the school district. Also, if they can’t afford a home in Goodrich the apartments are going to be an excellent alternative with much lower taxes.”

The complex would be a gated community with walking trails, said McCafferty.

“Similar apartments have been key card entry,” she said. “It’s not our average run of the mill complex—rather it will be upscale and enhance the community.”

Jeff Dawley, owner, broker for Atlas Real Estate, 8491 S. State Road, Goodrich, was cautious about adding apartment complexes to the community.

“Our infrastructure and services are limited in Goodrich,” said Dawley, a business owner in the area for more than 20 years. “Adding housing that large scale can be very taxing on the community. It’s really very excessive. While the need for housing is there, it should be a more limited smaller basis.”

The drive for more local housing may be sooner rather than later.

The M-15 apartment complex could be in addition to the proposed Goodrich Haven Senior project with construction set to begin next year.on 52 one or two bedroom apartments for individuals 55-years-old and up. The units will be located on six and one half acres near M-15 and Hegel Road. The property was purchased by the developer about five years ago from the Goodrich United Methodist Church.

While the final number of available apartments is still uncertain until a site plan is approved —more than 80 perspective residents have expressed interest in the facility.

The apartments will be targeted toward low-income senior citizens who are capable of independent living. Unit sizes range from about 725 square feet for a one bedroom to 1,083 square feet for a two bedroom. A total of 39 units will be one bedroom and 13 units will be two bedrooms. According to the development strategy, a total of four phases of apartments are possible over the next few years.

Jakki Sidge, village administrator, said there will be enough sewer units to accommodate the project.

“Right now we have plenty of sewer capacity for this project even with the addition of Goodrich Haven,” she said.