City Council holds public hearing on Wood Creek townhouse development proposal

A proposed development of 24 attached townhouses is making waves in Farmington Hills, as city officials gathered on July 14 to discuss the planned unit development (PUD) at 29150 12 Mile Road. The project, known as Towns At Wood Creek, aims to construct six buildings, each containing four two-story units, on a 4.55-acre vacant lot.

During the meeting, Charmaine Kettler Schmalt from Community Development and Planning highlighted that this PUD plan is still in its conceptual phase, with further details to be ironed out. The Planning Commission had previously qualified the property for development in October 2024, and the city council is now considering the proposal following a public hearing.

Joe Tangieri, the city’s planning consultant, provided an overview of the project, noting that the site is currently zoned RA1A, which requires a minimum lot size of 33,000 square feet. The proposed development would exceed the allowed density, as it seeks to accommodate up to 112 rooms, surpassing the limits of the RA1A zoning district. Additionally, the developers are requesting an increase in lot coverage from the maximum 35% to 37.5%.

The council members expressed their support for the introduction of the ordinance, with a roll call vote confirming unanimous backing. Mayor Rich emphasized that this was just the first step, with the ordinance set to return for further discussion in August.

As the community awaits the next steps, the Towns At Wood Creek project could significantly impact the local housing landscape, offering new options for residents while raising questions about zoning regulations and density limits.