Opinion: May 25 Planning Commission Reflections

The Flint Planning Commission approved Hoffman's Deco Deli request to be rezoned from D2 (neighborhood business) district to D5 (metropolitan commercial-service) district. The business wants to have outdoor seating which is not permitted under its current zoning classification.

Zoning Coordinator Sheree Pierce noted the applicant had been approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals for a temporary use permit which allows them up to one year to have outdoor dining while they pursue a long-term change. Even if the rezoning request were to be approved, Hoffman's would have to come back to the planning commission again for approval of a special land use permit for outdoor seating.

No one spoke for or against the request except the applicant.

Commissioner Freeman Greer, the architect for the project, abstained.

The recommendation now goes to Flint City Council for a final decision.

There were no new updates of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or the Master Planning Initiative.

Commissioner Patrick Ryals shared information about a home ownership seminar sponsored by the Human Relations Commission to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 at Mott Community College's Regional Technology Center.

No one spoke at the commission's public forum.

There was an item under case review, where we hear updates on past items. Pierce said the city council discussed agriculture-related ordinances that the planning commission passed last year. In order for them to go into effect, council would also have to approve them.

Two of the ordinances, nuisance violations related to improper composting and garbage pickup from gardening sites, will be decided by the city council.

However, the council decided not to consider an ordinance to allow people to keep chickens.

I was disappointed the council is not going to consider that proposal because, with proper controls in place for odor or noise, many urban communities have found this an important way to expand access to fresh, healthy food.

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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.