Commission approves rezoning, outdoor dining requests

The Flint Planning  Commission May 11 recommended the Flint City Council rezone four lots for funeral home parking on Glenn Avenue and granted a land use permit for outdoor dining downtown.

Lawrence E. Moon requested 4514 Glenn, 4518 Glenn, 4522 Glenn and 4602 Glenn avenues be rezoned from A-2 (single-family, medium-density) district to D-2 (neighborhood business) district. Moon said with large funerals, nearby streets get crowded because the firm's primary parking at Flint Park Boulevard is already filled.

Commissioner Freeman Greer (4th Ward) said there would be 40 to 50 parking spaces in the four lots.

Moon said that signs are needed, especially during bad weather, because during the winter two lanes become one lane  making street parking much worse.

Commissioner Patrick Ryals (2nd Ward) said that the signs are needed, but that a barricade also has to remain on the properties to prevent illegal dumping.

Glenn Avenue residents Vida Harris and Mandy Patterson opposed the proposed lot.

Harris said she cannot get out of her driveway because of the street parking and children play in that area.

Patterson, who lives next door to the funeral home, said as the traffic heads into the street, it's too close to her door and she often has trouble getting out of her driveway. The request was approved, but the commission wants a site plan to meet guidelines.

A land use permit for outdoor service and dining at Churchill's, 340 S. Saginaw St., was approved.

Owner Dan Crannie said he will have two tables, four chairs and trash receptacles. Alcohol will be served. The tables are made of sturdy metal and have lockable segments.

The group will meet next at 6 p.m. June 22 and July 13 in the Flint City Council Chambers in City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call 766-7355 for details.