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CITY OF MUSKEGON
PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
March 4, 2021
Vice-Chairperson B. Mazade called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: L. Spataro (Muskegon, MI), B. Mazade (Muskegon, MI), T.
Michalski (Muskegon, MI), J. Doyle (Muskegon, MI), E. Hood
(Muskegon, MI); J. Montgomery-Keast (Ladylake, FL); S. Gawron
(Muskegon, MI); D. Keener (Muskegon, MI), F. Peterson (Muskegon,
MI).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, H. Griffith
OTHERS PRESENT: Via Zoom: R. Matthews, Verplank Trucking (Muskegon, MI); A.
Dooley, 600 Adams (Muskegon, MI).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Hearing, Case 2021-04: Request to rezone a portion of the property at 685 Access Hwy from I-1,
Light Industrial to I-2, General Industrial by Asphalt Paving, Inc. M. Franzak presented the staff
report. The currently vacant property is 20.5 acres and is accessed off of Getty St. Most of the property
is zoned I-1, Light Industrial. A portion of the property on the western edge is zoned OSC, Open
Space Conservation. The applicant is not proposing to rezone this portion of the property as they do
not intend to utilize it. The applicant currently runs an asphalt plant at 1000 E Sherman Blvd (near
the corner of Getty St) and would like to move the operations to 685 Access Hwy. Asphalt plants are
allowed in I-2 districts with the issuance of a special use permit. Please see the zoning ordinance
excerpt on I-2 districts. The northern end of Getty St is characterized by light to general industrial
uses, including L3 (Muskegon Township), aggregate storage, an auto parts/disabled vehicle yard and
other small industrial shops. Notice was sent to everyone within 300 feet of this property. Staff
recommends approval of the request. The Master Plan recommends that port uses be located on the
eastern end of Muskegon Lake. While not located directly on the lake, it is within a mile of the
Verplank Dock at 559 E Western Ave. The relocation of the plant will also help eliminate blight on
the heavily traversed Sherman Blvd and will allow for more commercial-type development that is
common within close proximity to highway ramps.
E. Hood arrived at 4:10 p.m.
J. Montgomery-Keast asked about the sketch compared to the aerial and what the setback was to the
water. M. Franzak stated that the aerial is not exact but is for reference only. R. Matthews explained
the 100-year flood plan with a 75-foot setback requirement. B. Mazade asked if the use on E. Sherman
discontinue. R. Matthews stated that Mercy Hospital may be interested in the property. He gave a
history of the Asphalt Paving business and how they had purchased this property in 2001 to move to
the location. J. Montgomery-Keast asked about the environmental and storm water plan and how
contamination would be prevented. R. Matthews stated that the plant would be on the higher land and
the storm water run off would have to abide by all the rules.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by L. Spataro, supported by J. Montgomery-Keast
and unanimously approved.
A motion that the request to rezone a portion of the property at 685 Access Hwy from I-1, Light
Industrial to I-2 be recommended to the City Commission for approval, was made by L. Spataro,
supported by E. Hood and unanimously approved with S. Gawron, E. Hood, F. Peterson, D. Keener,
J. Doyle, B. Mazade, J. Montgomery-Keast, L. Spataro and T. Michalski voting Aye.
Hearing, Case 2021-05: Request for a special use permit to operate an asphalt plant at 685 Access
Hwy, by Asphalt Pacing, Inc. M. Franzak provided the staff report. Please see the enclosed site plan.
The plans include a new 25,000 sf building and other accessory structures. The plan is currently being
reviewed by the Muskegon County Drain Commissioners Office in order to obtain a stormwater
permit. The proposed stormwater detention area is shown on the plan. A branch of the Muskegon
River runs along the northern portion of the property. All development is proposed above the ordinary
high watermark of 584 feet. The Fire Marshall is still determining the number of fire hydrants that
may be required. She also noted that the pavement shown must support at least 75,000 lbs. and she
must confirm that a fire department apparatus can maneuver around the site. Staff recommends
approval of the request contingent upon issuance of a stormwater permit from the Muskegon County
Drain Commissioners Office and a revised site plan that addresses the Fire Marshalls concerns.
Public comments were heard: A. Dooley stated that he owns the property adjacent and asked if a road
was proposed to go thru his property. R. Matthews stated that there would not be any need to put a
road through any adjacent properties.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by J. Montgomery-Keast, supported by J. Doyle and
unanimously approved.
A motion that the request for a special use permit to operate an asphalt plant at 685 Access Hwy be
approved contingent upon the following: 1) The successful rezoning of the property to I-2 by the City
Commission. 2) Issuance of a stormwater permit from the Muskegon County Drain Commissioners
Office. 3) A revised site plan approved by the Fire Marshall, was made by J. Doyle, supported by J.
Montgomery-Keast and unanimously approved with S. Gawron, E. Hood, F. Peterson, D. Keener, J.
Doyle, B. Mazade, J. Montgomery-Keast, L. Spataro and T. Michalski voting Aye.
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
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