MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - By way of a 6-2 vote during a July 26 meeting, the Meridian Township Planning Commission approved the request for Special Use Permit #21070, granted to Sparrow Health Services for the construction of a building over 25,000 square feet.

The approval is pending two amendments that were motioned for by the Planning Commission regarding pedestrian access and a sound barrier for neighboring residents, which will both appear in front of the Ingham County Road Department.

Three different Sparrow representatives, including Director of Facilities Development Staci Bakkegard and Senior Vice President Thomas Bres were on hand to answer questions regarding their request for the permit, and exchanged comments with the board for nearly 45 minutes regarding aspects of the project such as noise, lighting and traffic access for residents.

A motion to deny the request was heard first and was seconded by the board, but failed to carry in a vote.

After a short public comment period and comments from board members, the vote for approval was motioned for and carried successfully.

Planning Commission Chair Scott Hendrickson about the vote for approval said, "I think it's an opportunity for us to have a positive impact on this process for the community...overall, the project will be an asset to the community."

Even with the acquisition of the special use permit, Sparrow will need site plan approval before construction can begin.