MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Planning Commission unanimously approved a request by the Meridian Investment Group to replace an existing office park (Executive Office Park) with one mixed-use building and three apartment buildings. The existing office park is located off Northwind Drive near Hobby Lobby on Grand River Avenue.

The final resolution was offered during the Sept. 14th meeting by Commissioner Dante Ianni. The mixed-use building will include retail space with the apartment buildings consisting of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartment units (112 apartment units total).

The Commission initially held a public hearing regarding Meridian Investment Group's request on Aug. 24, 2015. In response to comments made at the public hearing, revisions were made and brought forth for approval. The Commission said the redevelopment will encourage diverse housing opportunities, and they appreciated the applicant's efforts in making this redevelopment fit within township ordinances.

"I appreciate the sharpened pencil approach. The fact that setbacks were found, and the building was turned, and additional pervious surface was found. There are still some setback issues and other issues that will require a waiver of variance, but they're much reduced," said Planning Commission Chair John Scott-Craig.