• Proposed Rendering for "The Avenue" Project

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The ‘Avenue project’ is being proposed by Campus Village Development at Park Lake rd. for around 12.5 acres behind Denny’s restaurant.

Originally approved as a shopping center, this property; formerly occupied by Circuit City, is 3 parcels and encompasses the whole area behind Denny’s which will include residential, retail, and public uses. This mixed use plan includes almost 55,000 square feet of existing retail space with 3 new apartment buildings; for a total of 10 buildings, courtyard, pool, outdoor gathering place and community center for residential use. It also includes a business center/entrepreneurial hub for residential and possible public use. The apartments could house up to 412 occupants with 63,000 sq. feet of new retail space being proposed for a total of 235,640 sq. ft. of development.

This project doesn't stop at amenities for residents. Developer’s plans include the public by proposing to also include a dog park, public gathering spot and covered CATA bus stop. At the public hearing on May 11, Planning Commissioners heard from developers about the aesthetics of the site, amenities, and the areas to for use by residents and community members.

In order for the project to move forward, the Planning Commission must make a recommendation to the Township Board within 60 days regarding the mixed use planned unit development request. The Board then has 30 days to approve or deny the request. A separate special use permit is required for a group of buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet, which is being reviewed concurrent with the mixed use request. Based on discussions and concerns voiced by Planning Commissioners, Campus Village Development will come before the Planning Commission at the June 8th meeting to provide information requested by the commission and to have the necessary time to create modifications needed to present before the Planning Commission again.

Issues being looked at:

-Increased traffic wait times at traffic signal.
-Drive at Denny’s is the only access drive currently to the site
-CATA stops
-Connecting to water main and storm water
-Parking needs
-Flexibility of what the MUPUD allows
-Feasibility of Dog Park being used by the public
-Safety issue of the train