Livonia City Council discusses timeline for Meijer and townhome development project

The Livonia City Council Study Meeting on January 27, 2025, focused on the development plans for a mixed-use project that includes a new Meijer store and townhomes. Council members discussed the construction timeline and the need for collaboration with the developer to ensure the project progresses smoothly.

Councilman Donovan emphasized the importance of allowing a seasoning period before implementing a traffic signal near the McDonald's, suggesting a postponement of one year after the development is completed. He highlighted that Wayne County engineers have the final say on traffic regulations and site access.

The timeline for the project was a significant topic of discussion. The developer, represented by Dave Johns of Showstack Brothers, indicated that demolition of the existing Kmart and adjacent retail buildings could begin as early as March 2025, with the Meijer store expected to open in late 2026. However, the construction of the townhomes may not commence until late 2027 or early 2028, depending on various factors, including permit approvals and market conditions.

Council members expressed concerns about the appearance of the site during the interim period between demolition and the start of townhome construction. Questions arose regarding what would be done with the cleared land and how to manage public access to the site. The developer assured the council that the area would be maintained to prevent erosion and that they would consider fencing if necessary.

Overall, the council members reiterated their commitment to working with the developer to ensure the project meets community expectations while navigating the complexities of construction timelines and regulatory approvals. The discussions highlighted the collaborative effort needed to bring this transformative project to fruition in Livonia.