In a recent meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), members discussed a proposed expansion of an industrial property located at the southwest corner of the city, specifically at the intersection of 8 Mile and Pine Crest. The meeting highlighted the applicant's request for variances related to the city's zoning ordinance, particularly concerning the build-to line, parking configurations, and pedestrian entrances.

Kyle, a staff member, presented an overview of the site, which is heavily wooded and adjacent to Ferndale High School and residential areas. He noted that the applicant, Detroit Axle, previously received site plan approval in July 2019 for a similar project, but that approval expired without development. The new proposal includes a phased development plan featuring a connector building and two large warehousing facilities, totaling approximately 150,000 square feet.

A key point of contention is the build-to requirement, which mandates that buildings be constructed within 0 to 15 feet of the lot line. This requirement, if enforced, would significantly alter the proposed layout, pushing the new structures closer to the road and residential properties. The applicant is seeking a variance to allow construction to align more closely with the existing building, which is set further back.

Additionally, the proposal includes plans for parking between the building and the street, as well as a limited number of pedestrian entrances, which are challenging to implement in a secured industrial environment. The applicant aims to provide six entrances along the 8 Mile side of the property.

Scott Kreitzer, representing Detroit Axle, emphasized the company's rapid expansion and the challenges associated with the property. The BZA will consider the variances requested, which reflect the unique circumstances of this large-scale development in a predominantly industrial area. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future developments in the city, particularly regarding zoning flexibility for large industrial projects.