VBT planners OK changes to architecture in 3 subdivisions

As builders are completing construction on vacant lots in three uncompleted subdivisions in Van Buren Township, minor changes in the architecture to be used were requested at the Sept. 13 meeting of the township planning commission.
The commissioners approved three revisions to the previous Planned Residential Developments, with the provision that the subdivisions’ homeowners associations would also approve the plans.
In its 53-minute meeting on Sept. 13, the commission:
• Approved a request by builder Lawrence Duty to allow minor changes for a house to be built in Country Walk subdivision, Phase III, at 42482 North Cumberland Dr. This is being built on an existing foundation. Township Trustee Donald Boynton said he was president of the HOA and they will meet soon and will review the plan and let Dan Power, director of planning and economic development, know if they approve the change in building material. The house still would comply with the township’s requirement for more than 50% brick on the exterior;
• Approved the request of Brad Gilbert of Gilbert Homes for an amendment to the approved elevations for three lots in the Walden Woods subdivision. Director Power recommended the changes, subject to the approval of the HOA;
• Approved the request of Gilbert Homes for an amendment to the approved elevations for the Belle Pointe Estates site plan for homes on three empty lots, subject to the approval of the HOA;
• Directed the staff to work on a text amendment to the zoning ordinance to remove references to a required permit for fence installations for residential property. Power said there have been no permits issued for residential fences since at least 2015 and, “We do not inspect, so we do not do permitting.” He said if people build on their neighbor’s property there are ways to resolve it and this very often is handled privately; and
• Heard Power say he has been exploring a requested joint meeting with the planning commissions of the city of Belleville and Sumpter Township, but has nothing to report yet.