Planning commission clears Everton Reserve preliminary plan for 62 detached condos

The Canton Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the Everton Reserve preliminary site plan, a proposed 62-unit detached single-family condominium development on approximately 34.68 acres north of Cherry Hill Road between Beck and Denton roads.

Staff said the project proposes detached condominium units (common-element yards rather than individual lots), two public-access entrances (one to Beck Road and one to Cherry Hill Road), sidewalks and internal streets, and preservation of wetlands and wooded areas. The applicant’s traffic consultant concluded the development would have minimal impact on the adjacent roadway network; Wade Trim (township engineering consultant) concurred but recommended a short right-turn lane at the Beck Road entrance.

Mike Knowles of Umalore Group, representing the applicant, reviewed design changes made since rezoning, highlighted efforts to preserve wetlands and existing natural features, and described sidewalks, stub connections for potential future development to the west, and two stormwater basins that will outlet to the Mott Drain. Staff reported the site contains about 4.22 acres of regulated wetlands, of which 0.74 acres are proposed to be filled pending EGLE review. The plan shows removal of 82 regulated trees and three landmark trees; mitigation plantings (23 trees for regulated tree removal and 9 for landmark trees) are included in the landscape plan.

Commissioners asked about utility, sidewalk, and safety interactions with nearby Dodson Elementary School. Staff said sidewalks would be constructed on frontage lengths of roughly 310 feet on Cherry Hill Road and 263 feet on Beck Road and that street lighting will be added at both entrances per staff recommendation. The commission’s motion (mover: Commissioner Watkins; support: Commissioner Singh) recommended approval subject to adding two light fixtures at the Beck Road entrance and obtaining necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for encroachments into the 25-foot wetland setback areas. Roll call was unanimous in favor; the motion advances the project toward Township Board review and requires outside-agency permits (EGLE and Wayne County) and final engineering before final site plan approval.