HANDY TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

AUGUST 30, 2004

The Handy Township Special Board meeting was called to order by Supervisor Denby at 7:30 p.m. in the Handy Township boardroom. Members present:

Tesch, Vaupel, Denby, Eisele. Absent: Krebs. Also Present: Zoning Administrator Anderson, Deputy Treasurer Ward, Steven Dawson-Dickinson Wright PLLC, Fred Dillingham-EDC, Christine Tierney-Detroit News, and residents Jim and Anne Garvie, and Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Patterson.

Approval of Agenda:

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION

CARRIED.

New Business

A) Re-Zoning Request / Dickinson Wright, PLLC to Re-Zone from ‘AR’ to ‘RD’:

Mr. Steven Dawson introduced himself and stated that he was present on behalf of the applicants. The applicants are requesting a zoning change for approximately 750 acres of township property from Agricultural Residential

(AR) to Research and Development (RD). Mr. Dawson presented a map which outlined the acreage involved. He stated that both the Handy Township Planning Commission and the Livingston County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning request. Mr. Dawson stated that this proposed ‘RD’ district would be extremely compatible with the surrounding area because it will be a low density project, with low traffic impact, minimal noise, and plenty of open space. Also that this project will not drain public resources and services and will provide employment of about 50-60 people in it’s first phase. The project is a high-tech automobile testing facility and proving grounds. He urged the Handy Township Board to approve the re-zoning request.

A review of the Livingston County Planning Commission minutes followed.

Also a review of a submitted letter from the law offices of Harris and Literski, a firm that represents several property owners who live adjacent to the proposed testing facility. Clerk Eisele questioned the possibility of tying the rezoning request to the site plan review in the same meeting.

Attorney Kehoe reported that doing that would be illegal. Supervisor Denby stated that the residents in the area are most concerned about privacy problems, property values, road closures, emergency services, and traffic impact. She stated that the township would be sure to work with any residents to address their concerns.

Handy Township Special Board Meeting Minutes of 8-30-04 Page 2 (Re-Zoning Request / Dickinson Wright PLLC, Continued)

Mr. Fred Dillingham-Livingston County EDC, stated that he is attempting to schedule a meeting with area residents in order to discuss their concerns.

Supervisor Denby reported on a meeting with area emergency services who have conducted a study on the impact of the proposed project. The study showed no significant impact. The services themselves sent letters of support for the project.

Resident Douglass Patterson expressed concern for the possible traffic impact. Mr. Dillingham reported that a traffic study had been done and it showed that their would be no significant impact. Mr. Patterson expressed concern for a one lane bridge on Layton Road east of Smith Road in which he was told that most traffic will enter on from Fowlerville Road to Layton, then Smith Road, the one lane bridge will be rarely used. Mr. Dillingham reported that this is a smaller proving ground facility and will have less impact than the larger facilities. He stated that the landscape berm and grounds will be maintained well. Supervisor Denby reported that the company involved in the development of the proposed facility is highly concerned about keeping good relationships with the area neighbors.

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO REZONE THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (RD): #4705-25-100-002, #4705-26-200-001, #4705-26-200-002, #4705-26-200-003, #4705-26-400-001, #4705-26-400-002, #4705-35-200-004, #4705-36-100-004, #4705-25-100-004, #4705-25-100-006, #4705-25-300-001, #4705-36-100-003, #4705-36-100-002, #4705-35-200-003, BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF APPROVAL BY THE HANDY TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION, THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, AND THE PUBLIC LETTERS OF SUPPORT, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 7 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION.

MOTION CARRIED.

Extended Public Comments:

None.

Adjournment:

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT

7:58 P.M. MOTION CARRIED.

Sandra J. Weaver

Recording Secretary

Laura Eisele

Handy Township Clerk