Commission approves market rezoning, outdoor seating

The Flint Planning Commission June 22 recommended the Flint City Council rezone land for a meat market at 2850 E. Court St., and granted a special land use permit for a market on M.L. King Avenue.

It also approved site plans for a covered traffic way at the GM-Flint Metal Center.

A zoning change request from F (intermediate manufacturing) to E (heavy commercial, limited manufacturing) for 2850 E. Court St. was approved. Applicant Faisal Khachouf said the change is required for a proposed meat market with a range of meat specialties.

Architect Dave McClain said that the building is on the south side of East Court. The Genesee County Health Department has the final decision whether the building is safe before the place opens.

The recommendation goes to the city council.

Whitherbee's Market, 601 M.L. King Ave., was granted a special land use permit for an outdoor food and beverage service. A market representative said the market, which opened two weeks ago, is seeking a permit for a outdoor patio with four tables. The patio has a decorative aluminum fence with stamped concrete, barrier-free access and metal furniture. No alcohol will be served.

He said the building won the governor's award for historic preservation, one of only five buildings to win the award last year.

Site plans for a covered traffic way at GM-Flint Metal Center, 2237 W. Bristol Rd., were approved.

Agent Tyler Smith said a new press line is being built because the current press line does not meet the needs. Drainage will be in both directions from the building.

The group will meet next at 6 p.m. July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call (810) 766-7355 for details.