Concocted Provisions Update

Four years in development, endorsed, implemented (albeit illegally) and updated, lastly the city hires consultants to recreate and advocate its redevelopment plan; the higher cost of lawless bureaucracy.

City officials update their procedures and standards document with the addition of criteria under bullet item 'Modest Increase in Building Occupancy'. The document is simply a litany of rationalizations confirming willful violation of law and the invasive nature of lawless bureaucracy.

№ of sites
	authorized density
		ordinance density
01	06	05	03/29/12
02	20	14	10/04/12
01	11	09	12/06/12
03	78	67	02/07/13

Non-use variance criteria now include consideration of a property owner’s ability to assure long-term maintenance and tenant compliance with city codes. Anticipate further expansion to describe the means by which this criteria may be addressed: submitting tax returns, character references, other.

The table at right summarizes instances over the past year when city officials authorized density variance based on their procedures and standards; circumventing the zoning ordinance began in 2009 according to their document. Contradicting the document, none of the authorized proposals involved a City Code §154.007(B)(5) Change of Use.

Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission

Minutes of Regular Meeting

February 7, 2013

XI. New Business:

5. Consider Enforcement of Updated Review Procedures and Standards for Redevelopment of Housing in the M-2 Zoning District.
   
   Staff reported that the ZBA endorsed the document at their January 23rd meeting.
   
   Motion by Brockman, support by Quast to endorse the M-2 Redevelopment Standards and Procedures as printed.
   
   Motion approved.
   
   Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission

Work Session Minutes

February 7, 2013

Chairman Smith called the work session to order at 8:50 p.m.

Mr. Eggers indicated they would like some discussion on the M-2 zoning districts and density ...

It was also noted that density isn't a bad thing if managed properly. Staff commented that the 900 square feet of land area per person may not be the right number; however, noted that it does have a basis.

Based on the discussion, it was suggested that rather than defining the line, the Commission may want to look at defining the conditions and if density is on the table for discussion, form is important.

Mr. Eggers and Mr. Bean shared some models of various high-density neighborhoods; with various configurations. The Commission agreed that they would be willing to look at an increase in density in the M-2 neighborhood if modeled based on one of the designs shared, with individual detached houses or smaller scale attached housing around the block, and one central parking area in the middle of the blocking serving all properties.

Four years gone in two minutes; city officials covering their tracks for a reported $40,000-$50,000 dollars. Waste, fraud and abuse made possible by: Mt. Pleasant, MI City Commission · City Staff: Kathie Grinzinger, City Manager, Bill Mrdeza, Director of Community Services, Jeff Gray, Director of Planning & Community Development, Brian Kench, Building Official · City Attorneys: Clark Hill P.L.C., Martineau, Hackett, Romashko & O’Neil PLLC

Perpetual Confusion

Autonomous Bureaucracy