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Hayes Planning Commission Welcomes 3 New Faces

Special Use Permit Granted to Abandon Barn

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By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The Hayes Township Planning Commission’s first meeting of the year was held Jan. 8, and it began in its usual convivial way with Chairman John Marion greeting attendees and welcoming the new Planning Commission members Susan Miske, Chuck Powell and Jill Snover. To become better acquainted members all offered a bit of personal background on their previous municipal or business experience.

After approval of the agenda and minutes of the special meeting of Nov. 13, activity moved on to New Business, which was the presentation from Malisa Dinnan who was seeking a special use permit to allow for outdoor vendors at the Dinnans’ new business, Abandon Barn located at 3870 N. Clare Ave.

It was explained that the intention was to establish up to 12 spots for 10x10x10-foot canopy tents, and conduct six one-day special pop-up events a year. Dinnan said she also was pondering some more permanent small booths if all goes well. She also spoke of finding ways to decorate the premises in an appealing way, i.e., an old truck with flowers that could be changed out.

Marion commented that the plan looked very interesting.

“No matter what, the outside does draw the people in,” Dinnan said, adding that she was trying to figure out how she might bring together the Abandon Barn with the Rustic Owl.

She also spoke of wanting to engage with Debbie’s Flea Market for a possible Shop Hop down B.R. 127 [N. Clare Avenue], and also described her desire to be a stop for organized shoppers’ bus trips.

There was also a thought for some movable hard structures, as well.

The meeting was then paused for a public hearing, and comments were offered. Bob Buckley said “I thin it would be great for our community,” and Vicki Paulus said, “I think she runs a great shop.”

Resuming the meeting, questions arose about the potential for parking congestion, and Dinnan spoke of a neighboring business which had already offered to provide vendor parking, which would free up customer parking. It was noted by Zoning Administrator Ken Hoyt that parking along N. Clare Avenue was not an option, and that the parcel limitations included setbacks and avoidance of the septic field at the rear of the building. He also made clear that any tent outside is considered an event.

After some considerable, positive discussion, it was decided that Dinnan should be seeking more events days, canopies and structures to avoid having to come back to the Planning Commission seeking additional items in the future, thus avoiding having to wait until the next quarterly meeting or incurring the expense of a special meeting.

A motion was then offered by John Marion and seconded by Rob McKay to adopt Resolution PC 2501 for the special use permit which would allow up to 12 pop-ups/farmers market; 10x10x10-foot shade canopies; 30 foot right-of-way setback and 10 foot side setback; vendors to sell their own products; sales of 1-3 days duration; fixed booth structures; and a maximum of 24 events per year, which may float throughout the year.

Dinnan reiterated that she pop-ups as the primary use at the business.

After the permit was approved, Laskowsky brought up an issue that had been becoming more prevalent: the lack of compliance with the ordinance-required engineered drawings being provided when seeking plan approval. Her complaint was that if the ordinance has no compliance, and the Planning Commission didn’t require adherence, the quality control/consistency value would be lost.

It was then noted by Powell and McKay that engineered drawings could easily cost $3,000 or more, and that figure could be cost prohibitive for a prospective business. Thus, if the township is seeking new business investment, that ordinance probably ought to be revised, perhaps to simply include “drawings to scale” which could conceivably be done on a personal computer or even graph paper. Also required would be dates, dimensions and all lot and property lines, existing streets, proposed use, etc.

Also included on this month’s agenda was election of the chairman, vice chairman and secretary, which were secured by John Marion, Chuck Powell and Karen Laskowsky, respectively.

The meeting agenda closed out with Commissioner Comments, which included Snover saying she saw it as a new era, with new things, and that she was looking forward to it.

Powell said he was excited and hopeful to bring new business to the township. Miske said she sees positive changes in the town for the future. McKay suggested monthly or bi-monthly meeting to help avoid applicants having to pay for special meetings, and that he would bring that suggestion back to the Township Board.

“It’s some housekeeping we need to tighten up,” Marion said.

“If it’s not a use by right, it’s a special use,” Laskowsky said. “It protects the business owner and also protects us.”

Miller said it was nice to see other people getting involved.

Hoyt said that he, too, was glad to see new commissioners, noting that none are retirees. “They’re all younger people, and their vision is different from ours.” He added that the discussion had been a good one and he was glad to see what had been accomplished.

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