OKEMOS, MI - The Planning Commission held their virtual meeting on Monday, November 23rd and discussed the amendment for a commercial planned unit development approval to construct a 2,500 square foot bank with three drive-up ATMs at 1982 Grand River Avenue, with a limited partnership with the Meridian Mall.

Principal Planner Peter Menser went over the layout at the previous meeting on November 9th and gave a brief summary for the Commission to decide to take action on the continued subject. Commissioner Jerry Richards moved to adopt the resolution recommending the approval of the Commercial Planned Unit Development, with support from Commissioner Mark Blumer. Holly Cordill was also in favor of approving the resolution, but expressed her regret over the loss of green space in Meridian Mall and hopes that a creative design would be used for existing parking for the lot.

Bill McConnell shared his concerns and was curious how the applicant David Newhoff, a representative of the Meridian Mall, sees the current proposal that’s before the Commission fit into a strategy in the future. “We are always seeking ways to add value, to add sustainability, and add vibrancy to each of our properties and have been looking at a number of different redevelopment and opportunities, said Newhoff. We haven’t got there yet, but we have several plans we’ve been looking at. It’s a great location. Everybody knows where Grand River Ave is. We have ideas we hope to bring to the Township soon for the property overall.”

The motion carried 6-1 to adopt the resolution of the Commercial Planned Unit Development.