During a recent government meeting, the council discussed significant developments concerning a conditional use permit for a Les Schwab tire center and a preliminary plat with a floodplain alteration permit for the 1 Acre Oaks project on Plymouth Road.

Councilor Calvert proposed a motion to table the conditional use permit and final site plans for the tire center, citing that the village center study and comprehensive guide plan conditions had not been fully met. The motion received a second from Councilor Machak, and after a brief discussion, the council voted in favor, indicating that the applicant would work with staff to address the necessary conditions for future approval.

The meeting then shifted focus to the 1 Acre Oaks project, which involves two large lots totaling approximately 10 acres. The properties are characterized by natural resources, including a 100-year floodplain and significant topography. This marks the third formal application for development on the site, following previous proposals that were denied due to concerns over tree removal and environmental impact.

The current proposal seeks to divide the two southern lots into eight single-family residential lots, each over one acre, with access from Plymouth Road. However, the plan raises concerns as it would result in the removal of 70% of the woodland preservation area and a significant percentage of high-priority and significant trees, exceeding the city's tree protection ordinance thresholds.

City staff noted that while the subdivision is generally reasonable given the size of the properties, the specific proposal does not comply with tree removal limits, which could restrict the density of development to one unit per acre. The council is tasked with balancing development needs against environmental preservation as they consider the implications of the proposed changes. Further discussions and evaluations are expected as the project progresses.