[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6248430,"mediaKeyId","3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef","parentId",3210849,"title","Commission approves Green Lantern parking expansion at 3340 Elwood Avenue with limited landscaping","audioSeconds",1327,"startMs",593000,"endMs",1920000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef&start=593&end=1920","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef/thumbnail_593000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248430/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-Green-Lantern-parking-expansion-at-3340-Elwood-Avenue-with-limited-landscaping","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248430-50b878819301f1772bfeac8199834193/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448217&Signature=jhRcuOjLRHN5cQrOGuixXWkUSr637ZUYCJ4E2jyni~jgqZ~yJXhLiuBf8NwRWaxCQNmu-s-VkxHYX493JEziIyNxnG8EbI4mGdcvjqpIGQ0LPrNW7dbMnavMu0P2NxmIt16JEb1qrKMuAg1uLWProvzcDKpjX6xoLfWblU8ds0tZcM6kDMAyW4isPN4ICi6~ISNTGPCRIbqUrQOrgalyoPTrCCXR4~J714mzeK4ARrbnNIsd6S2FfJQIlmBEcxoOqSM1pL~LglSYj23hVqZi3lWLrb9CoiARkAKcxfVlzxyAn2LMbrVj1KdbwqaNUeOO4MHhQeDAf0P-yYc-fNjdlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Berkley","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Berkeley Planning Commission approved a site plan April 22 for a parking-lot expansion behind the Green Lantern building at 3340 Elwood Avenue, adding roughly 14 spaces and a required six-foot screen wall while allowing only limited landscaping due to lot constraints.

Kristen, planning staff, told commissioners the application was submitted under the city’s old zoning ordinance; the parcel is zoned “parking district” under that earlier code and the new ordinance no longer includes that district. The project would connect a small parcel to the existing Green Lantern rear lot, create angled, one-way parking to reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic and add about 14 spaces.

The applicant team identified themselves in the meeting: Matt Seeley, the architect, and John Scribe, the store owner. Seeley and Scribe told the commission the parcel is narrow and that adding landscape islands would require removing parking spaces. They said the neighboring Country Oven property owner had repeatedly declined to allow a combined lot or shared access.

Staff noted the plan complies with ordinance requirements, including providing a screen wall to buffer the adjacent residential property, and recommended approval. The commission discussed landscaping requirements in the master plan and the newer zoning ordinance (which uses parking-lot islands and buffers for lots of this size). Commissioners pressed the applicants on screening, potential plantings in the public right-of-way and lighting. The applicant said the proposed parking lights would be shielded and hooded to minimize spillover onto neighboring properties.

Commissioners also discussed traffic flow measures included in the plan: the proposal adds angled parking and a “turn-right-only” sign at the Elwood Avenue exit to discourage traffic through the adjacent neighborhood. Several commissioners voiced sympathy for the homeowner across the street who would be closest to vehicle headlights and encouraged the applicant to contact that resident about potential plantings or other mitigation. The applicant offered to coordinate directly with nearby residents.

A motion to approve the site plan (PSP 03-25 at 3340 Elwood Avenue), finding the plan meets the site-plan standard in section 138-679 and that the landscaping meets section 130-37, passed on a roll-call vote. Commissioners Bartis, Dahlen, Stapp, Hamame, Arnsman, Woods and Chair Kempner voted yes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission approved a site plan April 22 to expand parking behind Green Lantern at 3340 Elwood Avenue, adding about 14 spaces and a six-foot screen wall while offering limited landscaping.","taxTitle","Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",51882,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248436,"Planning Commission approves three-year Capital Improvement Plan after brief public hearing",575,145000,720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef&start=145&end=720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6248436/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-approves-three-year-Capital-Improvement-Plan-after-brief-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248436-4087b190b61c0cbd67cb50456e675b87/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448217&Signature=dorG0u00TC6tPP0kdgC6~pug0k4gyjTePyC3kxBEaH8VTPfwu1ao~FA2bMVFmfif7saKt3xN~YKe8BQHX5Ahx-4LH~SrtjBRvpC3JiJDTs1fYxUTAOaR8lhZU1iEUL7kPPbd7zF78lgcOUada5jvzPyYnj9UcECzkowF0aLjtH8mcEfJhYPattdbejw3CuGeTeQuVe2045U4iSggF8iKpmCLJ1XiJwQgtG~SkXAxZuQKjkHIKiJc47J-9IVDnhT7N4UmsOU22wTeddzawy1lqTkcQndKb7NBkbYau~7r1O1gJRzytpq626DFDyai44x1-E0o-y4T6BjifhIGnUZGPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley Planning Commission approved the city’s Capital Improvement Plan during its April 22, 2025, meeting following a brief public hearing and a staff presentation.

The commission’s approval came after staff described a revamped CIP and a new three-year budgeting cycle that highlights the first three fiscal years as more realistically funded. Kristen, planning staff, said the first three years are shown in green to reflect projects the city expects to be able to accomplish with anticipated revenues, while later years remain planning placeholders to support grant applications and long-range prioritization.

The CIP presentation noted the planning commission’s statutory role to review the plan for consistency with the master plan, hold the required public hearing and then approve the CIP before it moves to city council as part of the budget process. Kristen told the commission that the finance director was not available, so staff presented the document posted online the same day.

Commissioners questioned several line items. One commissioner asked about an annual sidewalk-replacement line (shown at $400,000) and whether that amount reflected city-owned expense or a temporary outlay that would be billed back to property owners; Kristen said she did not have that detail and would follow up. Commissioners also confirmed that the school field house project is not part of the CIP because it is funded entirely through the school’s bond.

No members of the public testified during the open public hearing; the chair opened and closed the hearing at 7:04 p.m. The commission then moved to approve the plan. The motion passed with all voting “aye.”

The commission’s approval sends the CIP to city council as part of the budget process; staff identified the three-year budgeting approach and the plan’s use in grant applications as the primary changes from prior years.

Meeting attendees asked staff to return with clarifications on the sidewalk funding mechanism and other line-item details during subsequent budget work sessions.","The Berkeley Planning Commission approved the city's revamped Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) during its April 22 meeting after a short public hearing and staff presentation. Commissioners emphasized the plan's three-year prioritization and noted questions about sidewalk funding and reimbursements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248420,"Commission names Chamber liaison and previews Dorothea Pocket Park activation",225,2439000,2664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef&start=2439&end=2664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef/thumbnail_2439000.jpg","/articles/6248420/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Commission-names-Chamber-liaison-and-previews-Dorothea-Pocket-Park-activation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248420-85d39576d8155173b948c8c90d0ef7a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448217&Signature=NOdY0T9JYGbQmm-UvbtGCV6buE2tx6pWws3CO~Rg-FRh8HMEey1LR6N46RcIhM~e2Ws14tJI1hBq5yDu97ZEsZDYQ3PtEqzxBw-2VPt42dhCDKvShD3Vo7tySK3nC5bCCVTYdPX3pI1tZjeE6Ll4xUNgAWHmcvsiQq2FIozz60KkDTPtd9g-mioKmSWfUdVf6LLE1wCYCyTlbQeVshX4U-XBp~jA7~fY8CvjJgwhqII6vP9N-pPCguvMh3u-OwVdGQZLc7gpr~BBTT1HWz7nDmJ-Dc1WuBFY4qiKhfIR-diqRwUaVeRPJqBDvkzNWCXK7hKTIyFlAKY4DPd3pQQ~Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 22 meeting the Berkeley Planning Commission identified a liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and discussed an upcoming pilot activation for Dorothea Pocket Park.

Staff asked for a volunteer to serve as the commission’s liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, which meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the library (locations may change). A commissioner identified as Lisa (last name not specified in the record) said she was available and willing to serve as the liaison; staff said she would be put in touch with Darlene Rothman at the Chamber.

Commissioners also reported on a community planning group working on the Dorothea Pocket Park pilot. The commission learned organizers plan a closure of the stretch of Dorothea between Coolidge and the adjacent alley near the school for about one month in the second week of June to activate the space and collect business and community feedback on programming, timing and impacts. The group will use that month to test activation strategies and report back to the community on what worked and what did not.

No formal vote was required for either item; both were recorded as liaison reports and informational updates.","The Planning Commission selected a commissioner to serve as liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and discussed a planned activation of Dorothea Pocket Park in June. The pocket-park pilot will close a short stretch of Dorothea for roughly a month for programming and public feedback.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248425,"Commission waives transparency standard, approves façade update at 3391 12 Mile Road",507,1923000,2430000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef&start=1923&end=2430","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210849-9c71751342d4140c38aec50ae64898ef/thumbnail_1923000.jpg","/articles/6248425/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Commission-waives-transparency-standard-approves-façade-update-at-3391-12-Mile-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248425-9f363ac05d2b769042865c216c8ec6a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448217&Signature=YiIObjLHaWnxjxWTrRuf5F4yRQgJc3U1gbSDMe5ndMFyMEIENl1BRYAuS3BV-l6Z8Znxd98YVMtuavLrdlSWiyMDnRY6WnlOpWvwT1H-rSO74zqLxj66Cy2AxqNKvUH6U-0xbYIcUBmAzsy6XMReJUQfgN0pkjvS2awjLpWr6wOmxaPROBfCAst0NhFm7sassccrLZyJU23KFMolol-wtGKsGOjHIKTvfsw5ON9TCQswcHpyjPME03dWuOGjqamUzshulPZ4rSqCpS5MMBhSqYr-Uiui9cS4sihlxkVgRti1lZrFhnq0AUylthCuB4gTB~Zn-cV3nlWqtJacphvqHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley Planning Commission on April 22 approved a façade renovation for 3391 12 Mile Road, allowing a reduced amount of first-floor transparency because the existing building’s structure constrains the ability to meet the code’s 40 percent window standard.

Darren Atesian, the applicant representing CNH Land and Atesian Properties, told the commission the building contains two interior roof lines and a two-story portion that limit the free-span clearance and window height. Atesian said the design team elected nine-foot windows and continuity of the storefront rather than varying window heights to try to improve the building’s appearance.

Atesian said his real-estate company will occupy a little over half of the building and the east portion will be offered for lease to a retail tenant. The applicant said the project will leave and match the existing masonry, then paint it a lighter earth tone for continuity. The commission and applicant discussed future exterior improvements, lighting and signage; the applicant said signage will be submitted separately for approval.

Staff recommended the commission find that the site-plan standards (section 138-678 in the transcript) are met and to waive the transparency standard (cited in the meeting as section 138-4 21 or related transparency code) because the renovation increases transparency relative to the existing condition and brings the building closer to the downtown design guidelines.

A motion to approve the site plan (PSP 04-20 for 3391 12 Mile Road) and to waive the transparency standard passed on a roll-call vote. Commissioners Dahlen, Stapp, Hamame, Arnsman (Ernsman/Ernzmann as transcribed), Woods, Vargas and Chair Kempner voted yes.","The Planning Commission approved a façade renovation at 3391 12 Mile Road that adds windows and updates the exterior. The commission waived the 40% first-floor transparency requirement because the existing building’s configuration limits window area; the project aims to bring the frontage into greater alignment with downtown design guidelines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves Green Lantern parking expansion at 3340 Elwood Avenue with limited landscaping

Planning Commission approves three-year Capital Improvement Plan after brief public hearing

Commission names Chamber liaison and previews Dorothea Pocket Park activation

Commission waives transparency standard, approves façade update at 3391 12 Mile Road