• Plans proposed by developer

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A local developer wants to build a Jimmy Johns with a drive-thru, which requires a special use permit, at the old North West Tire building site on Grand River Avenue.

The special use permit to build the drive-thru was originally denied by the Planning Commission, because of the lack of space.

Township Board members were concerned with the safety of pedestrians, as well as traffic management on Grand River Avenue.

Members of the public were also worried the development would involve tearing down heritage trees, estimated to be hundreds of years old.

Township Clerk Brett Dreyfus stood behind the Township's ordinances.

"Those ordinance requirements are designed to minimize the impact that a drive through will have on everything around it. Including the traffic, including neighbor uses, and including aesthetics," said Dreyfus.

Jimmy John's president ensured the Board that the company has deep roots in the community, and is just looking to expand.

The property developer's attorney declined to comment.

The plans to build this Jimmy Johns are still under review, and are expected to be discussed at the next Township Board meeting.