The Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission met last night for more than 90 minutes. All commissioners were present for the meeting which covered three main topics: an Aldi site plan, agricultural entertainment venues and renewable energy ordinances.
Aldi Given the Green Light
A long-anticipated Aldi store received final site plan approval from the Lowell Township Planning Commission last night.
The store will be located on Fulton Street, next to the Lowell Express car wash. Aldi #148 will be nearly 21,000 square feet and have entry points on Fulton and Boulder Drive. The project received setback and parking variances last year and will have 84 parking spaces in a lot that is to the west of the building.
The only hiccup in the approval process was an engineer’s report which noted that the site did not currently have an acceptable plan for stormwater. A representative speaking on behalf of Aldi said the property landlord was currently in discussions with the township engineer about the creation of an underground water retention system. This type of system has apparently been used successfully elsewhere, and the building site is of the appropriate size and has the right soil composition to accommodate such a system.
Planning Commissioners voted unanimously to give the site plan final approval on the condition that work cannot begin until the township engineer reviews and signs off on the stormwater retention plans.
Once groundbreaking takes place, the store should be completed within six months, according to the Aldi representative.
More Discussion of Agricultural Entertainment Venues
Matt Sharp and his wife Charity attended Monday’s meeting to share their plans for the Valhalla Farm and Barn Venue. The couple have plans to turn their property into a farm that focuses on livestock and lavender, and they currently have 13 alpacas and llamas.
Ideally, they would like to turn their farm into a place where families could come and enjoy the animals. The Sharps would also like to sell items made from materials sourced on their farm, such as scarves made from alpaca fiber and lavender essential oil.
However, Sharp says to make the farm sustainable, they would also like to host weddings and other events.
“We have zero interest in having raucous parties or events,” Sharp said, noting the couple live on the property.
“Right now, we don’t have an ordinance that allows event venues,” said Chair Dave Simmonds, “but we’re looking into it.”
Sharp offered to work with the commission in developing that ordinance.
During commissioner comments at the end of the night, there was further discussion about a potential agricultural entertainment venue ordinance. Holding an “open house” at some point to discuss the topic with residents was mentioned.
Commissioner Ronda Benedict noted that many people online have expressed their support of these types of venues, but neighbors may not be happy with the increased traffic or noise they may bring. It was also noted by one commissioner that the Sharps’ property is currently zoned residential, and it may be an “uphill climb” for them to be able to do what they envision.
Public Hearing Set on Renewable Energy Ordinances
The Planning Commission has been discussing at recent meetings if and how to update the township’s renewable energy ordinances to better reflect state standards.
To that end, the commission voted to hold a public hearing at its March meeting on updated ordinances. The main change would be that renewable energy farms for solar, wind and battery storage would be allowed in the Ag-1 and Ag-2 districts. Currently, wind and solar are only permitted in the floodplain, and the township does not have a battery storage ordinance.
In adding a battery storage ordinance, the township will largely follow the state model although Commissioner Greg Forde asked that something – such as a non-metallic barrier – be required between the battery and the ground to prevent corrosion and possible contamination of groundwater.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38pm. The next regular meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission will be on Monday, March 10, at 7pm at the Lowell Township Hall.
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