Alternatives house rezoning request denied

The Flint Planning Commission June 14 recommended the Flint City Council deny a zoning change request for the UM-Flint Urban Alternatives House. It approved an outdoor dining area for a restaurant on South Saginaw Street and amended the outdoor dining ordinance. It also approved site plans for the first stage of a housing development district on North Saginaw Street.

The group denied a request to rezone 924 Eddy St. from B (two-family) to C-1 (multi-family, walk-up apartments) to allow three apartments and a classroom space.

Applicant Keith Edwards said that the classroom will be on the first floor with housing for students on the second. Edwards said that the house, built in 1918, was removed from the demolition list.

Commissioner Robert Jewell (6th Ward) said since the house is part of the university it is a public access building. Eddy Street is blocked on Crapo Street and Avon Street is blocked on Court Street making parking very tight. Heavy parking may make emergency vehicle entry difficult, added Jewell.

Edwards said that there are seven spaces on the site. A shuttle service is available, but students are encouraged to walk.

Chairperson Robert Wesley (5th Ward) said this would be spot zoning because there are no other properties on the west side of Crapo Street zoned C-1.

The group approved site plans for phase one of the Smith Village Redevelopment, bounded by North Saginaw Street, M.L. King Avenue, Mary Street and Louisa Street.

Architect Alan Ogle said that 83 mixed housing units will be built. There will be 10 different designs. The buyers must take eight hours of home ownership classes to qualify for financing.

The McKenzie Auto Glass building inside the area will be demolished to make room for the houses.

Ogle said that the area is zoned C-1 but it will be rezoned A-2 (single-family) residential. Plans were approved 7-0 on the condition that street lighting and landscaping be included.

A special land use permit request for outdoor dining for the Cork on Saginaw, 635 S. Saginaw St., was approved.

The commission recommended a zoning ordinance change to exempt outdoor seating for eight or fewer people from being a special regulated use. Requests would be reviewed administratively thus lowering the application costs.

The group will meet next at 6 p.m. July 12, July 26 and Aug. 9 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call (810) 766-7355 for details.

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