WINDSOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING – MARLEY CROPS LLC SPECIAL USE PERMIT
AND REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2022 – MEETING ROOM
APPROVED
The regular meeting of the Windsor Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm by Vice Chairperson Johnson.
Present: Johnson, Pray, Sabourin, Fabijancic, Barnhart-Smith and Bowen
Absent: Holtz
Also Present: Asst Chief Fabijancic and Clerk Rumsey
Fabijancic
moved and Sabourin seconded to approve the agenda as written. Motion Carried.
Bowen
moved and Barnhart-Smith seconded to approve the minutes of the previous
meeting as written. Motion Carried.
The
Public Hearing for Marley Crops Special Use Permit was called to order by Vice Chairperson
Johnson at 7:01 pm.
Mike
Arrabi, a representative from Marley Crops gave a presentation, showing their
plans to build a 50,000+ square foot cannabis cultivation facility, in two
phases, for medical and adult-use marijuana.
Unidirectional traffic flow across the facility was shown. Emergency
vehicle access on all sides of the building is achieved with a driveway all
around the building. Lighting is limited
to the standard parking, landscape illumination and possible backlit company
logo on side of building. The facility
will not release into the air any pollutants.
Standard HVAC equipment is used in office spaces and cultivation rooms
operate in an enclosed system without communication to the outside. The building will have a fire alarm, CO2
Alarm, and 24/7 Surveillance/theft alarm.
Jim
Hein, Jr., 4388 N Gunnell Rd – Questioned
how the odor was going to be address? Mr. Arrabi responded the cultivation
rooms are an enclosed system that doesn’t emit air to the outside. Anything that is emitted to the outside is
through HEPA filters. Mr. Hein expressed
concern over how the filters would be monitored. Mr. Arrabi explained how the enclosed system
worked, CO2 is injected into the room and the air circulates within the
room. If a CO2 level becomes dangerous
and air needs to be ejected, it will be through HEPA filters. Filters will be
changed per manufacturers recommendations or sooner if needed. Mr. Hein asked how odor complaints would be
handled. Mr. Arrabi replied there will
be protocols in place and any complaint would be promptly addressed Mr. Hein wondered why the proposed site was
selected rather than the other side of Creyts Rd in Harvest Park East. Dr. Alame responded there were no available
sights that would meet their needs. Mr.
Hein questioned if Marley Crops LLC had another facility in Howell, MI, due to
the filings with the State of Michigan. The response was Marley Crops LLC does
not have other cultivation facilities and the address on the State of Michigan
filings states Howell, MI because that is where the main office is currently
located. Mr. Hein brought up the
planning minutes from 2017 where then Supervisor Braman stated what types of
companies, at that time, were interested in building on this property and asked
what happened to those companies. Explanation
by Supervisor Slucter and Trustee Pray was provided, Board of Water & Light
decided not to install a solar farm at this location and other ventures did not
come to fruition. Mr. Hein wanted to
know what these types of facilities do to help Windsor Township. Supervisor Slucter responded, property tax
revenue. The marijuana facilities current
and potential property tax revenue was discussed. Mr. Hein asked how the property tax revenue
is being used. Supervisor Slucter
explained it takes time to grow the industry and realize the additional
property tax revenue. The long-term plan
is to lower Windsor Township’s millage rate again. Trustee Pray responded monies are being spent
on our Emergency Services department. This
year, we were able to finally give a much needed pay increase, that will allow
us to retain and recruit firefighters, paramedics and EMT’s. Mr. Hein expressed concern over whether
property taxes have been paid on the property.
It was explained that property taxes would be collected by the title
company at the time property is transferred.
Mr. Hein stated he is opposed to the Special Use Permit.
With
no more comments or questions from the public, Vice Chairperson Johnson closed
the public hearing for Marley Crops Special Use Permit at 7:31 pm.
Reports:
Board of Trustees: Introduced the rezoning of the six parcels on Dimondale Hwy.
Board of Appeals: None
Board of Review: March Board of Review will be held on Monday, March 14th and Tuesday, March 15th.
Reports & Announcement: None
Hear Public present on agenda items: None
New
Business:
A review was conducted on Nixon Road LLC (commonly known as Crandell
Brother Trucking) Special Use Permit. Pray
moved and Sabourin seconded to approve a five-year extension of Nixon Road LLC
Special Use Permit Agreement with no other changes.
Ayes: Sabourin, Barnhart-Smith, Johnson, Pray,
Fabijancic and Bowen
Nays: None
Absent: Holtz
Motion Carried.
Unfinished Business:
Discussion was held on Marley Crops Special Use Permit request. A Land Division application is currently
being considered pertaining to this 5.55-acre parcel. Issues with the land division was encountered
pertaining to public road access. Pray moved and Bowen seconded to recommend to
the Windsor Charter Township Board approval of the petitioned Special Land Use
Permit to construct a 72,254 sf structure, in two (2) phases, to be utilized as
a medical and recreational marijuana cultivation facility located at the
southwest corner of the intersection of Center Point Pkwy and Commerce Pkwy and
as legally described in Section 3 of Windsor Charter Township (Parent Parcel
Tax ID#: 23-080-003-200-041-00) based on the following reasoning and
conditions: Reasoning: 1) Subject to the conditions provided below, it is found
that the petitioned special land use meets the general standards as provided
for in Article VIII of the Ordinance. 2) Subject to the conditions provided
below, it is found that the preliminary site plan for a light manufacturing
facility generally meets the general standards as provided for M-1 District and
site development requirements set forth under Section 5.8-A.3. Conditions: 1) A final site plan shall be
submitted for final approval by the Planning Commission. 2) Public road to be installed or an
appropriate bond accepted by Eaton County Road Commission and Eaton County
Drain Commission for the completion of said road and that all applicable land
division standards are met.
Ayes: Sabourin, Barnhart-Smith, Johnson, Pray,
Fabijancic and Bowen
Nays: None
Absent: Holtz
Motion Carried.
Still
accepting opinions from Public on Master Plan and reviewing of updated Zoning
Ordinance. Will continue discussion next
month.
Hear Public present on any subject: Public comment heard.
With no further business Vice Chairperson Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:48 pm.
Lisa A. Rumsey, Clerk
Windsor Charter Township