MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A former tire store on Grand River Avenue - in front of the Meijer - is currently undergoing renovations that will transform it from a disused building to the home of two businesses. Jimmy Johns sandwich chain and a mattress store are the companies intending to move in.

The property suffered from several violations of Township ordinance and as such the final intended product had to be redesigned several times.

"My client in fact went back to the proverbial drawing board and took to heart both the comments of the board and those made by the Planning Commission which resulted in a revised site plan," said Matt Hagerty, project attorney.

These redesigns included sizing down a side-drive from two lanes down to one lane, as well as the possible removal of a parking space to allow more room. The Township did grant a variance in order to preserve a 36 inch tree at the front of the property.