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| James McCann - views on Wonderland; cfabl.org | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 9 2009, 04:25 PM (258 Views) | |
| Deleted User | Sep 9 2009, 04:25 PM Post #1 |
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Deleted User
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James McCann WONDERLAND SITE PLAN: I believe my remarks at the Council Meeting on October 17, 2005, summarizes my position on the Wonderland Site Plan. As you are aware, I stated publicly that I was for restricting the hours of the operation for the stores at that Wonderland development. Further, with regard to the detention basin, I spent considerable time that night and provided the developer and the city, a substitute site plan that would bring most of the detention basin of the area, directly abutting Plymouth Road. I believe this to be an excellent solution as it does not cost the developer commercial space. It removes the open detention from the rear of the Kmart area so there is no loss of parking. It further provides that the area behind Kmart that is not used for parking would be kept as a sloped grass area, with grass that would be cut on a regular basis. I have also initiated an ordinance change, whereby, the city would be able to review and expand the set back between large boxes and residential areas. I believe the berm between the single family homes and the development is appropriate. There is obvious concerns when you have a large track of land, the care of maintenance in keeping pedestrians away from the area. With regard to traffic, I offered the resolution to refer this to our traffic commission so that we could get an independent evaluation of the traffic study, a report and recommendation. With regard to parking and pedestrian friendliness, I believe my initiative to bring the detention basin out front, and have the pedestrian walkway around the detention pond, would bring the village shops together as a unified group. Further, it would not restrict the parking, but it would provide that all parking for the public would be 10 x 20 foot spots, which I have demanded in all developments in Livonia. VISION AND ETHICS: 1. I have suggested in the past and the developer did look at condominiums with village shopping. The developer is currently not open to that idea. I still believe it would be the best use for the property. As the owner of commercial property that has been commercial for over 50 years, the city cannot rezone the property or it would be a taking. 2. If I am a council person in 2006, I will continue with my efforts that were made on October 17, 2005 to modify the petitions before us, to benefit the community. My objectives have been, to find real solutions and to not cause extreme hardship on the developer that would put the city at risk of being sued, but provide for a much more pedestrian friendly site plan that would include a large retention pond along Plymouth Road, full size parking spaces, push for removal of the oil change facility, as well as limited hours of operation. I don’t believe we could require a new petition be submitted at this time without subjecting the city to a lawsuit. This is probably one of the most complete plans for an acreage of this size or a commercial development. My past experiences with the community including Victor Parkway and Laurel Park, as well as other large developments, you tie in as much as possible that is currently put before you, review what could be put in the remaining parcel on this site as far as size and locations. Again, I have already made recommendations with to the vacant site to provide for parking for Walmart and pushing some of its parking behind Kmart. These are the things that the developer can do without great expense and it would leave us reasonably certain as to the amount of development left in that spot. We can request the developer to show us what a proposed building location and parking would look like, and that may be requested before we are done. 3. Yes, I have accepted donations from Bob Schostak. However, I had a fundraiser in September and he forwarded a check for $200.00. I returned that check because of the pending petition before us. His donations in the past have been less than 1% of my fundraising ability. I have put over $6,000.00 of my own funds into this campaign as it is in the community in where I live. Donations certain make it possible to run, however, it does not influence my decisions. I believe these donations are made because they believe in my integrity and my ability to provide logical and just decisions. 4. I have said for a long time that Livonia Mall is in trouble. When the Millenium Park at Schoolcraft and Middlebelt was being rezoned, I fought that rezoning, I voted against the rezoning, as I knew it would destroy both Livonia Mall and Wonderland Mall, which is has. I understand the impact that is has put on the city. My concerns are for set backs, that’s why I offered the council resolution to review those setbacks and increase them between residential and large big box stores. Further, I have met with the owners of Livonia Mall over the past 18 years. During that time, I have listened to multiple possibilities for the redevelopment. I have pushed for a mixed use with condominiums along the south and west, bring in a new large anchor that is unique to the area. But this may be difficult with the current restructing of Kmart/Sears and a long term lease with Value City. The possibility of a development authority along the Seven Mile/Middlebelt corridor, may help to attract new business Livonia Mall. I would like to summarize by saying, I believe that I have the background as a planning commissioner to understand the issues of zoning and planning, better than any other candidate. With my legal background, I understand those issues which can be won and why. It is only by exploiting our strong issues, can we force changes of Wonderland to benefit the neighbors and the community. http://www.cfabl.org/jim_mccann.html |
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