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CITY OF MUSKEGON
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
March 10, 2022
T. Michalski called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Michalski, K. Johnson, J. Montgomery-Keast, J. Doyle, D. Keener, E.
Hood
MEMBERS ABSENT: L. Spataro (excused), B. Mazade (excused), F. Peterson
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, H. Griffith, D. Born
OTHERS PRESENT: ________________________________________________
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission meeting on February 10, 2022
was made by J. Montgomery-Keast, supported by D. Keener and unanimously approved.
K. Johnson arrived at 4:04 pm and did not vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Hearing, Case 2022-07:
Request for a Special Use Permit for a marihuana microbusiness at 1761 Wells Ave, by Greenish Blue.
SUMMARY
1. The property is zoned MC, Medical Care.
2. The lot measures 9,062 sf and has an existing 1,600 sf building on site.
3. This zoning designation allows the following marihuana license types with the issuance of a special
use permit: microbusinesses, designated consumption establishments and class B recreational
grows. Caregiver facilities are an allowed use by right.
4. The applicant is seeking a special use permit for a microbusiness, which allows for the production
of up to 150 plants, processing and sales on site.
5. Please see the zoning ordinance excerpt on the requirements for the issuance of a special use
permit on the following pages.
6. The property is not located within close proximity to any schools or parks.
7. Notices were sent to everyone within 300 feet of this property. At the time of this writing, staff
had not received any comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Edris Davis, 2432 Baker St, Muskegon Heights, stated desire to start a microgrow operation.
Referencing concerns made by the commission, noted that the Sons of Norway
building/operation is equidistant from this building. Stated that the building is currently
unoccupied.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommended the issuance of a special use permit. Consideration should be given for hours of
operation. The Planning Commission may place restrictions on how late the organization may operate.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING – MOTION
A motion to close the public hearing was made by J. Montgomery-Keast, supported by J. Doyle and
unanimously approved.
MOTION
Motion by D. Keener and supported by J. Montgomery-Keast:
I move that the request for a Special Use Permit to allow for a marihuana microbusiness at 1731 Wells
Ave be approved.
ROLL CALL VOTE
T. Michalski: Yes K. Johnson: Yes J. Montgomery-Keast: Yes
J. Doyle: No D. Keener: Yes E. Hood: Yes
MOTION PASSES
Hearing, Case 2022-08:
Request for departures in the design requirements for a development at 351 W. Western Ave, by the
Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation.
SUMMARY
1. The property is zoned Form Based Code, Downtown. The parcel measures 7,221 sf. The property
does not have a principal structure on it but was used last summer as the “social sandbox.”
2. The applicant is requesting to build an outdoor concert stage and social gathering space.
3. Amusement and recreation facilities are allowed uses in this context area, however, they are
required to be located inside a mixed-use building. The applicant is seeking a departure from this
requirement and is proposing an outdoor venue.
4. The parcel is located within the city’s social district, which allows alcoholic beverages purchased
at participating locations to be consumed on site.
5. Please see the enclosed site plan. Staff is reviewing the plans and will have more comments at the
meeting.
6. Notices were sent to everyone within 300 feet of this property. At the time of this writing, staff
had not received any comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Steve Olson, chair of DMDC, acknowledged sand issues that exist. Proposes artificial turf be
installed instead of sand, which would be maintained by a private contractor. Referenced the
Muskegon High School football stadium as an example. Noted that this hearing is to address a
proposal for a permanent stage structure. Noted that the stage is intended for multiple uses by
multiple business, not just one bar. Regarding public restrooms, noted that events at Hackley
Park utilize porta johns. When asked about noise concerns, Steve noted that he is only trying to
improve the lot.
2. Rich Holmes, 297 W. Clay, reported that he was the person who sent in a picture of the ongoing
sand issues. Acknowledged that if the sand was removed as proposed, then his issue regarding
the clean-up would be resolved. Noted that the neighborhood association has had multiple
noise complaints regarding the space.
3. Reverend Eileen Stephen, referenced address at 296 W. Clay but resides at 3475 Scenic Drive,
spoke on behalf of a business that operates on the first floor (a law office). Concerned about
trash. Cited multiple examples of excess trash, including Solo cups and vomit. Noted the need
for more trash cans.
4. Donovan Cater, 292 W. Clay, acknowledged need for greenspace in downtown. Noted the
existence of multiple stages that already exist in the downtown area. Does not recognize the
need for another stage in that block.
5. Carim Calkins, 272 W. Clay, reiterated the need for greenspace and also doesn’t recognize the
need for another stage in downtown. Noted that the noise has become much more of an issue
since the Leonard building went in, and recognizes that other multi-story buildings are slated to
be constructed in the area, which will compound the issue. Requested a decibel meter be
installed and monitored if the project was approved.
6. Kyle Osterhart, architect with Concept Design Studio (CDS), 800 E. Ellis, Muskegon, MI, provided
overview of the structural components of the proposal.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. There are no restrooms provided on-site and there are no indications where portable restrooms
may be placed.
2. There have been complaints from residents in adjacent housing developments regarding previous
concerts at this site.
3. The regular need to close parts of Western Ave and 2nd St during some concerts could be
detrimental to existing business in the area.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING - MOTION
A motion to close the public hearing was made by J. Montgomery-Keast, supported by K. Johnson and
unanimously approved.
MOTION
Motion by J. Montgomery-Keast and supported by D. Keener:
I move that the request for a departure from the mixed-use building requirements to allow for an
outdoor concert venue and public gathering space at 351 W. Western be denied.
ROLL CALL VOTE
T. Michalski: Yes K. Johnson: Yes J. Montgomery-Keast: Yes
J. Doyle: Yes D. Keener: Yes E. Hood: Yes
MOTION PASSES
Hearing, Case 2022-09
Request to amend the Planned Unit Development at 1000 W. Western Ave (Hartshorn Village).
SUMMARY
1. The PUD was approved in February 2019. Lots 4 and 5 have been constructed.
2. The original PUD contained 55 detached single-family houses.
3. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has determined that
the area north of Fricano’s parking lot is a designated wetland.
4. In an effort to save the wetland, the applicant is proposing to remove 17 single-family houses and
add a 17-unit multi-story residential building. The exact height of the building has not been listed.
Three houses have been removed from the east side of the development and 14 have been
removed from the west side of the development.
5. The access street to the boat launch has been moved slightly to the west. The new public street
will be placed on property owned by this development and the Adelaide Point development. This
will eliminate the need for another entrance to the boat launch since this access point can be
shared between both developments.
6. The bike path has not been modified and will be raised above the 100-year flood mark.
7. The public walk connecting Fricano’s to the bike path/waterfront has been reduced from the
original plan.
8. Notices were sent to everyone within 300 feet of this property. At the time of this writing, staff
had not received any comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Don DeGroot, Excell Engineering, 5252 Clyde Park, Grand Rapids, acknowledged previous
concerns regarding wetlands, Fricano’s views, and other resident’s lake views. Regarding
concerns of potential reduced parking, Don reported that it’s a non-issue based on the current
plan. Noted that the conceptualized plan calls for two stories with a single-stall garage in the
rear of each unit (note, not the lake side, but the side of the buildings that faces the roads and
parking areas).
2. Douglass Dehaan, 3299 Hudson Trails, Hudsonville, representing Harbor West, discussed the
wetlands and high-water table issues. Reported that they were able to create more views and
an extra half-acre of property for the Fricano’s building (owner, Ted). Provided an overview of
the conceptualized, “coast guard” architecture.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the amended PUD as long as a landscaping plan is submitted. The plan
should feature canopy trees along the street in areas that will not reduce lake views.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING – MOTION
A motion to close the public hearing was made by J. Montgomery-Keast and supported by J. Doyle.
MOTION
Motion by D. Keener and supported by K. Johnson:
I move that the request to amend the Planned Unit Development at 1000 W. Western Ave be
recommended to the City Commission for approval with the following condition:
1. A landscaping plan is approved by staff.
ROLL CALL VOTE
T. Michalski: Yes K. Johnson: Yes J. Montgomery-Keast: Yes
J. Doyle: Yes D. Keener: Yes E. Hood: Yes
MOTION PASSES
NEW BUSINESS
none
OLD BUSINESS
none
UPDATES ON PREVIOUS CASES
none
OTHER
M. Franzak proposed to schedule a joint meeting with the planning and city commissions to discuss the
future of the marihuana ordinance. Proposed a tentative meeting in April or May.
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:02 pm.
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