Planning commission grants 180‑day extension for special exception at 283 Baldwin Ave

The Pontiac Planning Commission voted 4–1 on Nov. 13 to grant a 180‑day extension to special exception permit PSEP24‑008 for property at 283 Baldwin Avenue so the applicant can complete permitting steps required to begin construction.

Planning staff told commissioners the special exception had expired while the related final site plan was still valid and that the applicant had submitted a written request for the extension. Commissioner McGinnis, who moved the extension, noted the applicant provided a timely letter and staff recommended approval consistent with the ordinance’s extension provision.

Commissioner McGinnis also told the commission staff had discovered the parcel once housed a dry‑cleaner about a century ago and said the applicant may need to pursue further soil assessment with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). Commissioner Northcross reiterated continuing opposition to the Baldwin Avenue location, saying, “the location still drives me up the wall,” and voted against the extension; the other members voted to approve.

The extension gives the applicant 180 days to prepare and submit the building permit materials that staff said are required for construction and for state licensing steps that follow local approvals. No applicant representative was present at the public hearing; staff said the applicant’s written request in the packet constituted their application for tonight’s action.

The motion passed 4–1. The commission’s action was procedural and does not waive other code requirements; any required environmental testing, building permits or state licensing remain the responsibility of the applicant.