Strip mall/ dealership considered

Brandon Twp-Ten acres on M-15 is sited for a strip mall, or truck dealership, if rezoning is approved by the township board.
On Monday, June 16 the Brandon Township board considered a recommendation by the Planning Commission to rezone a 10 acre parcel on M-15 from the existing Technical Industrial, Office (TIO) zoning to General Commercial (C-2).
The recommendation came after property holder Mark Reis requested the rezoning to either build a strip mall or a used truck dealership. Reis currently owns a Waterford truck dealership.
‘Originally we were looking at a strip mall but Tim showed some concerns,? said Reis.
The property is located at the entryway to the township, on the northwest corner of M-15 and Deerfield Lane. It is the last remaining TIO parcel in the area, zoned in the 1980’s.
Tim Palulian, who is the Planning and Building Department Supervisor of Brandon Township, told the board that the planning commission felt the C-2 zoning was a better choice than the TIO zoning.
‘Reis owns the property and originally wanted it industrial,? said Palulian.
‘We discouraged it.?
‘The Planning Commission felt the C-2 was a better choice,? he said.
Zoned Technical Industrial Office would allow usage for computer, business or scientific equipment sales and service facilities, as well as research or testing for small mechanical, electrical, electronic, and industrial, all within a closed facility. TIO zoning also allows for executive office buildings and banks.
A C-2 zoning, better suited for Reis? plans is intended to permit a wider range of business and entertainment activities than in a local business district. Would permit automobile service stations, retail business with a principal activity of sales or rental of merchandise, or showroom within a completely enclosed building. Will accommodate hotels, motels, gymnasiums, salons, television and radio studios and towers subject to special approval.
Palulian said the property is a good sized, flat parcel with no designated wetland areas, and development is subject to special usage permission only from the Planning Commission.
‘A lot of it has to do with our own infrastructure to support what is developed,? Palulian said.
A second hearing for the property rezoning is scheduled for the next regular township meeting on Monday, July 7, at 7:30 p.m.