MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At the October 28th Meridian Township Planning Commission Meeting, members revisited rezoning #19060 (Okemos Land Investment LLC), to rezone approximately 96 acres located on the north side of Bennett Road, east of Hagadorn Road and west of Hulett Road from RR (Rural Residential), RAA (Single Family-Low Density) and RAAA (Single Family-Low Density) to RAA (Single Family-Low Density) and PO (Professional and Office) with conditions.

At the request of the Planning Commission, the applicant has engaged a traffic engineer to update the traffic assessment to provide a more realistic estimate of the traffic generation for both existing conditions and if the property were rezoned to RAA and PO.

The rezoning involved reducing the size of the office building from 43,560 square feet to 20,000 square feet and number of development lots in the area from 216 acres to 135 acres.

"I think that this is a reasonable compromise that allows for a rational development of the property, provides a benefit to the Township and it's a rational one to go forward with," said Commissioner Peter Trezise.

However, Commissioner Jerry Richards wanted clarification on one of the conditions regarding three acres to be rezoned and whether or not it should be listed as Professional and Office.

In response, Township Manager Frank L. Walsh stressed that these conditions should be maintained as presented as they are closely integrated together.

Members also discussed possible revisions such as storm drainage issues and the height of the office building, which will be 35 feet.

"That was a big concern of mine that I did not want to see a six story building in that location," said Commissioner Holly Cordill.

After clarification and a clear understanding of the conditions requested by the applicant, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of the Okemos Land Investment LLC for the Mayberry Homes Office Building.