• The proposed parcel of land for Rezoning

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - M & J Management has requested to rezone approximately 5.0 acres of commercial property at 1999 East Saginaw Street, East Lansing, Michigan to Industrial property. The property has previously been zoned Industrial, however, it was rezoned to Commercial in May of 2018. Access to the proposed development is expected to be provided by a single driveway, branching from the current Meridian Plumbing driveway.

The proposed rezoning to Industrial, according to Meridian Charter Township zoning standards, would allow for a building that occupies roughly forty percent (40%) of the total buildable area. This is equal to 2 acres (87,120 sf) of building.

“Their [the applicant’s] business plans have changed, and it’s a better opportunity for them to potentially expand on the site or build another building on the site, than to hold out for potential commercial development in the future,” said a representative from M&J during Tuesday’s township board meeting.

Jim Phillipich, the applicant and owner of The Meridian Company, spoke more specifically about his plans.

“Since we constructed and moved into our current facility 21 years ago, our revenues have nearly tripled, our staffing levels have more than doubled, we've outgrown our shoebox, and our intentions are to construct a newer facility on this five acre site for The Meridian Company,” he said.

If the application is approved The Meridian Company will rent their old facility to a new industrial user.