VBT planners OK temporary land use for Atchinson Ford parking

Atchinson Ford will be able to temporarily park about 200 of its cars on property at 8705 Belleville Road following action of the Van Buren Township Planning Commission at its regular meeting April 25.
Craig Atchinson explained that the car dealer is busting at the seams and needs a place to park vehicles. He said the cars have to be inspected by Ford Credit and will be parked as in a parking lot so inspectors can get in and around them.
Atchinson said the property is fenced and a part of the fence is collapsed and he will repair it. He said they wouldn’t use the whole parcel, parking more to the front.
Atchinson said Atchinson Ford is willing to either lease or purchase the property to park their lease turn-in vehicles and new vehicle inventory overage. He said the oldest vehicle would be three years old.
He said he understands this property is not zoned for such use at this time. He said he’s willing to vacate the property should an investor come along that wants to develop the property to something that meets the current zoning criteria and a better development of the property.
He said the company would be willing to put an investment into the property to make sure it is maintained better than it is today. But, if they only obtain a lease, they would only put a minimal investment into the property. If Atchinson Ford purchases it, he would be willing to put in more of an investment.
Should Atchinson Ford purchase 8705 Belleville Road, the company would be willing to keep the property on the market should a more suitable tenant come along.
A vegetative buffer already exists between the property and the mobile home park to the north. The setback for parking the vehicles will be 10 feet from Belleville Road and the south property line (adjoining the ice cream shop/putt putt golf) and 20 feet from the north and east property lines.
Temporary uses for more than seven consecutive days requires planning commission approval. The commission unanimously approved a one-year temporary land use permit.
Planning Commissioner Medina Atchinson recused herself, left the board table, and took a seat in the audience next to her husband Craig Atchinson during the discussion and vote on their request.
Matthew Best, director of public services, filled in for Ron Akers, director of planning and economic development, who was at the Michigan Township Association convention in Traverse City.
According to township online property records, the land is owned by CLLAS Investments of St. Clair Shores and Central Outlet Homes, Inc.