The Flint Planning Commission May 11 approved a request to rezone lots to be used for a funeral home parking lot and a special land use permit to allow outdoor seating at a downtown restaurant.

Larry Moon, owner of Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Parkway, requested that the commission approve a request to rezone four lots on Glenn Avenue, north of Flint Park Boulevard and east of Flint Park Lake, from A-2 (residential) to D-2 (neighborhood commercial). He wants to use the lots for off-street parking.

The applicant said during busy times, people park on Glenn Avenue. Part of the intention of the parking lot would be to solve that problem.

Three neighbors spoke in opposition to the request, noting that the traffic was an inconvenience to them and the current street parking sometimes made it difficult for them to get to and from their homes. One of the residents also mentioned that having some signage might help with the problem.

Commissioner Patrick Ryals suggested that the applicant might consider adding signage as part of the site plan.

Commissioner Robert Jewell noted that when the Flint Park Lake Citizens District Council approved the idea, they mentioned water quality and a landscaping buffer as things they thought were important. These particular issues are addressed through a site plan rather than a rezoning request, but since parking lot site plans are reviewed administratively and not by the  commission, it made sense to broach the subject now.

Moon stated that he was fully prepared to ensure proper water runoff protections to prevent any contamination to Flint Park Lake or other areas, and landscaping would also be part of the site plan. He was also open to including signs.

I offered the idea that some types of landscaping, notably rain gardens, provide both pleasant visual effects and responsible treatment of water runoff.

The chairperson noted that the parking area should alleviate the street parking concerns expressed by the neighbors.

The rezoning request passed without dissent and the recommendation will now go to Flint City Council for a final decision.

The next public hearing was for a special land use permit for Churchill's, 440 Saginaw St., to have outdoor seating.

I came to the meeting with a concern that the plan that had been submitted did not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for a minimum distance between the seating barrier and a tree. As much as I enjoy having the option to lunch outside, I wasn't prepared to impede people's ability to walk on the sidewalk.

After some back and forth with the applicant, an alternate design that exceeded the minimum ADA requirements was provided. After some questions to confirm that there would be no additional lighting, sound equipment, signs, etc. the alternate design was approved unanimously.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Jewell shared that the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee did not meet in April, but the next meeting would be at 2 p.m. May 26 in the Mott Foundation boardroom. The committee's current focus is on pursuing funding for the area based on the CEDS plan and preparing community presentations.

Master Planning Initiative

Chairperson Robert Wesley said he and Greg Eason, the city administrator, had not yet had their meeting with Wendy Johnson, the director of community and economic development. He had, however, had an initial meeting with Nell Taylor from the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce to get possible ideas for pursuing funding.

Additions to the Agenda

Two other items were discussed at the end. Commissioner Freeman Greer read a letter inviting people to attend a Downtowns of Promise input session.

Jewell requested that we have an update on other outdoor seating arrangements in the downtown area at our future meeting. Particular items noted were to verify that Blackstone's outdoor seating complied with the site plan that had been approved, and to ask about the seating at Brown Sugar Café and Mike's Triple Grille. The general feeling of the group appeared to be appreciation for outdoor seating, but a desire to make sure it is done in accordance with the ordinance. Flint ordinances require a special land use permit for outdoor seating.

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Elizabeth Jordan is a lifelong Flint resident who represents the Ninth Ward on the Flint Planning Commission. In addition to working in the nonprofit sector, she is involved with various community initiatives promoting social justice and peace.