Farmington Planning Commission Votes in New Leadership

Sara Bowman takes over as chair as former chair Kevin Christiansen moves into his new post as the city's Economic and Community Development director.

Farmington's new Economic and Community Development director Kevin Christiansen stepped down as Planning Commission chair when he accepted his post, but he's still attending commission meetings. During Monday's meeting, Christiansen moved to the staff table, with a word of thanks to his fellow commissioners and a few reflections on the work ahead of him. Planning commissioners elected new leadership; Sara Bowman now serves as chair, Kenneth Crutcher as vice chair and Jeffrey Scott is secretary.  In addition to working with the Planning Commission, Christiansen will oversee building inspections and code enforcement, and work directly with developers and business owners interested in Farmington.  "We are kind of at a crossroads, if you will…

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Horses in Farmington? Proposed Ordinance Heads to City Council

Planning commissioners vote 5-1 Monday in favor of new rules that would affect only four parcels within the city.

Farmington resident Patrick Thomas' mission to keep miniature horses on his property took another step forward Monday.  Planning commissioners voted 5-1, after a short public hearing, to approve a proposed ordinance that would allow the animals on lots of 2 acres or larger. Two horses would be allowed on a 2-acre lot and one additional horse for each additional full acre. Thomas has been interested in creating an exception for the smaller horses since officials amended the city's animal ordinance earlier this year. Farmington city council members are expected to take up the ordinance at their Nov. 19 meeting.  Thomas' property on Brookdale is one of just four in the city that would be affected by the ordinance, Community and Economic …

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First Thing: Horses in Farmington? Take Our Poll

The Farmington planning commission will hold a public hearing next month on an ordinance that would allow some residents to own horses. Tell us what you think.

Years ago, no one needed an ordinance to own horses in Farmington or Farmington Hills (then Farmington Township). But is there enough "Farm" left in Farmington today to allow residents with larger properties to keep them?  Next month, the Farmington Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow horses on lots two acres or larger. Tell us what you think in the poll at the bottom of this post.  Click on the links below to learn more about today's events. We've also included a list of events later this week for which you have to register or buy tickets.  Check our calendar for even more activities, classes and events happening today and throughout the week. If your event isn't listed, feel free to add it. 

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New Business Activity on Tap in Farmington and Farmington Hills

Officials say a long-vacant shopping center space in Farmington and the former Roosevelt's space in Farmington Hills will soon be occupied again.

Good business news came out of Monday's Farmington planning commission and Farmington Hills city council meetings.  In Farmington, code enforcement officer John Koncsol said a True Value Hardware store is moving into a portion of the former Harvest Fresh market space that anchors the Crossroads shopping center at Nine Mile and Farmington Roads. He said the business will take up about two-thirds of the space. He said the space won't require a large amount of work, so he estimated the business could be open by the end of the year. Koncsol said a second business, Ollie's, will also move into the center.  Owners described it to him as "Big Lots on steroids", he said. According to the company's website, Farmington will be the third Michigan …

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Farmington Planning Commissioner at Center of ADA Lawsuit

Jill Babcock working with Sam Bernstein Law Firm to sue the state, says the former GM headquarters in Detroit should be accessible to people with disabilities.

5 Things You Should Know Today - June 11, 2012

Farmington Hills city council members consider a resolution tonight in support of state legislation to ban 'synthetic marijuana'.

This week begins with two local government meetings that offer citizens the opportunity to have their voices heard. Here's what else you should know today: There's a 60 percent chance we'll see showers and thunderstorms today, as the temperature climbs to around 84. The National Weather Service predicts the rain will likely continue into the evening hours, when the mercury dips to around 68.  Officials meet in a 6 p.m. study session at city hall to discuss electric vehicle infrastructure and legislative advocacy related to the Corridor Improvement Authority. On their regular agenda at 7:30 p.m. is a resolution supporting a statewide ban on synthetic marijuana, a public hearing and adoption of the city's 2012-2013 budget, adoption of water …

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Farmington Planning Officials Deny Tennis Club Outdoor Expansion Request

Recreational uses planned for the Farmington Road club are incompatible with surrounding neighborhoods, commissioners say.

After several months of conversation and negotiation, Farmington Planning commissioners on Monday denied a proposed recreational expansion at Farmington Tennis Club.  The commission on April 9 tabled the request to add a basketball court, small soccer field and a 30-foot-high ropes course on the north side of the building, which is located on Farmington Road. The action followed a public hearing during which neighboring condo owners voiced strong objections to the project.  Architect Dana Richardson of Jeffrey Scott Architects said the club's revised plans, presented during a Monday meeting at city hall, represented "significant" changes, compared with what was originally proposed. The new plan moved the ropes course and other active areas…

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Andrea Wilson

10:32 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

And yet, I think the commission was right to consider the impact of the project on nearby residents. I sympathize with their concerns. Talk to me when they want to build something like this next to your house. Why not have the tennis club buy the aquatic club, offer discounted membership to current and eligible memberships there, and develop the land in between the two? Maybe a beach volleyball …   more ›

5 Things You Should Know Today - May 14, 2012

Enjoy a sunny start to the week in Farmington and Farmington Hills.

Since we're starting the week with a perfect spring day, why not start thinking about planning the perfect garden? Here's what you should know today: Looks like a perfect spring day ahead. The National Weather Service predicts at high of 72 and sunny skies, with a low tonight around 51.  Have you started in on a gorgeous garden or landscaping for your home, business or subdivision? The City of Farmington Hills Beautification Commission presents awards each year for the most beautifully maintained areas of the community. Download the nomination form from the city's website or call the Community Development Office at 248-871-2543 to have a form mailed. Judging takes place from July through August. The planning comission holds a public …

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