Planning commission recommends rezoning of Heinz Drive parcel for garden‑apartment development

The Westland Planning Commission on Feb. 4, 2025 voted unanimously to recommend rezoning a 1.79‑acre undeveloped parcel along Heinz Drive from CB‑3 (general commercial business) to Garden Apartment Residential so a multi‑family development can proceed.

Administration staff told the commission the 2018 City of Westland Master Plan designates the site for multifamily residential use and recommended approval. The administration said the property has seen no development inquiries in at least the past six years. If the rezoning is approved by city council, the petitioner will submit a detailed site plan and engineering drawings for later approval.

Scott Wright, the project's architect, described the concept plan and how the buildings respond to the river at the rear of the site: "the 2 buildings that back up to the river would be a lower level walk out to the river and then 2 stories above that. But from the parking lot, it'd look like a 2 story building." He said the east side of the site is planned for two‑story townhomes, all parking would be surface spaces, and all units were proposed as two‑bedroom layouts with one or two baths.

When asked about timing, Wright said the owner hopes to begin construction in the fall if engineering and site‑plan approvals proceed: "He would like to possibly start, say, fall of this year." The administration also noted stormwater detention and other engineering requirements must be addressed before site plan approval.

Members of the commission spoke in support. Commissioner David Tropez said, "I think this is a great use for it and I'm definitely in support of it." Commissioner Diana Stachow said Westland needs housing and predicted the new units would fill quickly.

A motion to close the public hearing and forward case number 2272 to city council with a recommendation for approval, "contingent upon departmental requirements and recommendations," passed on a roll call vote. The commission's recommendation does not itself rezone the property; the final decision rests with the City Council and will follow submittal of the required site plans and engineering documents.

The petitioner was represented at the meeting by architect Scott Wright; the administration presented the planning analysis and recommended approval. The commission advised the petitioner to coordinate next steps with city administration and to prepare full engineering drawings for the site‑plan review process.

Votes at a glance: case 2272 — recommendation for approval to city council; motion passed unanimously.