Politics & Government
Planning Commission Approves Extension of Open-Air Market
Ray's Plants and Flowers granted a five year temporary land use extension.
Ray's Plants and Flowers, a fixture of summer living in Farmington Hills for 25 years, has had its lease on life extended by the city planning commission.
At its Thursday meeting, the Farmington Hills Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant Ray's Plants and Flowers a five year temporary land use, allowing the open air market at 32905 Northwestern Highway, between Langan's Norwest Lanes and Pizza Parlor and Trader Joe's, to provide fresh plants and flowers to city residents.
Ray Hesano, owner of the market, told the commission he'd rather have a five-year extension than the one-year extension he got last year. He said a five-year extension allows him to make better plans for his business.
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"It helps me to plan my buying, so I can give the variety my customers demand," he said. "It assures I can get the highest quality merchandise and offer the best prices. That can make or break a season."
City Planner Ed Gardiner told the commission seasonal land uses are permitted, the city had approved the plans for more than 20 years and there had been no complaints about the business from residents or ordinance enforcement. Commission Chairman Chris McRae said the reason the city had granted him a one-year permit last year rather than his customary five-year arrangement was because it was found that the outdoor market was held partially on Michigan Department of Transportation property and not just the Langan's parking lot next door. He said MDOT had signed off on the temporary use, pending city approval.
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Hesano had a few enthusiastic supporters come out to speak on his behalf.
"This open-air market is part of the community," resident Doug Siroki said.
Other residents at the meeting said either they or their children had their first jobs working amongst the tables and displays along Northwestern Highway. Mike Palmer said he'd worked there, shopped there and loved to visit.
"What he does, in a short amount of time, is important and adds aesthetic value to that corner," he said. "You drive by and you see people enjoying it, you don't see an empty dirt lot."
