Council postpones decision on Sarah Fisher PUD amendment after traffic study arrives

Farmington Hills City Council on Feb. 10 postponed consideration of a planned unit development amendment for the former Sarah Fisher orphanage site at 12 Mile and Inkster after staff said it had just received a revised traffic study.

The proposal from Robertson Homes would replace an earlier plan for a 100‑bed skilled nursing facility and townhouses with about 75 detached condominium units and four single‑family lots; the developer also proposes to preserve and rehabilitate the site’s historic chapel. Planning staff said the Planning Commission recommended approval in December 2024 by a 7‑0 vote.

City Planner Charmaine Kettler Schmalt summarized the project’s evolution and noted the site’s constraints: approximately 35 acres, about 11.5 acres of natural feature preservation, wetlands and challenging topography. Jill Boehm, the city’s planning consultant from Giffels Webster, told council the requested density equates to about 4.4 units per acre versus roughly 1.7 units per acre under base zoning and outlined several zoning waivers the developer is seeking, including reduced lot width on four splits along 12 Mile Road.

Tim Loughran of Robertson Homes said the company had acquired the previous proponent’s interest, that the chapel would be a focal amenity for the development, and that the project would include a substantial green screen along Inkster and additional tree plantings along Cheswick to respond to neighborhood concerns. Loughran said the project aims to provide age‑targeted, first‑floor master condos (about 1,800–2,000 sq ft) and that the homeowner association would maintain landscaping and exterior building appearance.

Council members asked technical questions. Councilmember Bridal raised groundwater and lift‑station history and asked that conditions address engineering concerns. Councilmember Bruce and others pressed whether fire apparatus turning radii, emergency access, and a proposed northern driveway over an electric pole had been resolved. Loughran and staff said their engineers had shown they could meet the 50‑foot turning radius and that coordination with Oakland County and utility providers remained necessary.

City public services staff told council that because the applicant’s traffic study was submitted the same day, staff needed time to review it. Public Services Director Jacob Rocheleau recommended allowing about a month for staff review and revision, and council members said they wanted engineering and public safety input before final approval.

Councilmember Bridges moved to postpone the PUD amendment and the associated revised site plan to a date certain of March 3, 2025. The motion carried by voice vote.

Next steps: the developer will continue engineering work with city staff, and council expects to receive staff comments on traffic and other engineering items before the March 3 meeting. If staff recommends changes, those will be folded into revised plans and the PUD agreement negotiations prior to any final vote.