Less Intense Uses Proposed for Intersection

DETROIT-The planning commission is considering the area surrounding the intersection of Michigan and Livernois avenues to lower density commercial and residential from high density commercial and industrial uses. Rezoning would make the area compliant with Detroit’s master plan, commissioners say.

Commercial and industrial uses dominate Michigan Avenue at the site, while the Livernois side is mostly residential, with 93 homes and 25 commercial/institutional uses.

The commission recently held a public hearing on the issue, at the request of the Michigan-Livernoise Zion Core Team.

City staff member Christopher Gulock says current uses would be grandfathered in if the zoning was changed; however, new expansion or development would have to pass the new rules, and appeal to the board of zoning appeals.

A dozen commercial and industrial owners attended the meeting and opposed the rezoning because it would affect their future expansion or sales.

However, residents and community leaders in favor of the expansion say the new zoning would encourage more harmonious uses with the residential properties, and would raise property values.

The commission took the matter under advisement.