Planning staff updates: OPRA district for Huron Corridor, community benefits ordinance and other items

Planning staff provided several informational updates to the commission on Nov. 13.

City council actions summarized by staff included creation of an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation (OPRA) district along the Huron Corridor to support rehabilitation of vacant and underused properties, an exemption certificate for 35 South Johnson, and approval of fee waivers for special exceptions requested by religious institutions. Staff also reported creation of a residential housing facilities district for 28 North Saginaw (a conversion project) and noted ongoing wetland restoration work at Murphy Park by the Oakland County Water Resources Commission.

Staff announced the city has adopted a community benefits agreement ordinance and that the mayor has appointed members to the Marijuana Business Commission, which has begun meeting and had rules approved by city council. The parks and recreation master plan update will hold a public hearing on Dec. 16 ahead of council action. Staff reminded commissioners that appeals from planning decisions to city council must be limited to material presented to planning unless the applicant returns to the planning commission with new information.

The commission discussed the need for clearer memoranda of understanding for large redevelopment projects to clarify deliverables and community benefits, and noted tax base implications for conversions and downtown development.