Planning Commission OKs 3 Requests, Rejects 3 Others

The Royal Oak Planning Commission denied proposals a Kroger store,  a billboard and a sign Tuesday night. Three properties were approved for development and expansion.

• Kroger was officially denied plans to build a 45,000 sq. foot store on Main Street, north of 11 Mile Road. The decision was unanimous. Commissioners agreed that the plan lproposed at the July 12 meeting was not in line with special land use zoning ordinances or the city's Master Plan. 
• CBS Outdoor, Inc. requested approval to place a 300 sq. foot LED billboard at 5060 Coolidge. CBS was denied because the size would hinder views of surrounding businesses and because  a billboard that large was not appropriate for the site. Commissioners also felt that a billboard using LED technology would be distracting and add visual clutter.
• Dollar Tree, 555 E. Thirteen Mile, requested approval for a sign 128 percent larger than the variance allows and would extend past the rooftop of its building. Commissioners voted unanimously against the project because they felt the sign is visible as is. “I’m not seeing the hardship right now,” Mayor Jim Ellison said.
• Vinsetta Market on Catalpa Drive received permission for expansion of its convenience store and the okay to sell alcoholic beverages. Vinsetta said sales would be about 30 percent beer and wine, and 70 percent family goods.
• Amber Properties Co. requested approval to construct a 24-unit, 3.5 story multi-family rental property. Jerry Amber explained that the building design was created with the consumer in mind and knowing that renters at its other properties enjoy the eclectic, industrial look. Commissioners approved construction at 4105 and 4115 Crooks Road.
• Tamás and Gail von Staden received the go-ahead to renovate a building at 500 S. Washington. Their plan includes using the building for retail, office space and residential living for their family. Though the Von Stadens are unsure what type of retail would open, commissioners liked the “hip” green vision they have which includes a green roof and a living wall. “I think this will be a great model for this community,” said Commissioner Anne Vaara.