Planning commission approves site plan amendments for North Central Michigan College with conditions

The Petoskey Planning Commission voted Jan. 15 to approve a site plan amendment for North Central Michigan College that covers demolition and reconstruction of the college’s technology building, an addition to the Health Education Science Center (HESC) and an accessible connection from the north parking lot down to the HESC (Case 249-25).

Presenters from Cornerstone Architects — Andy Dancer and Tom Lemitz — and college officials Tom Zidell (vice president for finance and facilities) and David Finley (president of North Central Michigan College) described the project as three parts: a new technology building to replace the existing structure, a HESC addition to expand space for allied-health and nursing programs, and a sloped, under-5-percent accessible walkway to improve campus access from the large north parking area.

John, city planner, summarized zoning and site-review considerations. He reported both proposed buildings top out near 24 feet (under the 35-foot maximum), meet setback requirements and are consistent with the college district use. He noted several site-performance elements were not yet shown on the submitted plans: a landscape plan, photometric/exterior-lighting disclosure and a signage plan. John recommended approval with conditions to require submission of those items under the college-district site-plan standards (Article 33 and section 3307 references in staff materials).

Commission discussion focused on exterior materials, campus consistency and future landscape and lighting details. Commissioners raised concerns about the extent of metal paneling on the technology building and whether it would tile stylistically with the campus; architects described the technology building façade as cast-stone veneer and metal panel components while the HESC addition would include brick to match existing buildings. Commissioners also asked about tree preservation, irrigation for future landscape, and the timing of campus ring-road/loop-drive improvements.

Motion two from staff — to approve the site plan with conditions — was moved by Commissioner Rick and seconded by Commissioner Charlie. The commission’s three conditions were: 1) submission of a landscape plan that complies with Section 3307; 2) disclosure of any exterior lighting and submission of a lighting plan (photometrics); and 3) submission of a signage plan. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting yes.

College representatives thanked the commission and indicated construction timing would depend on finishing costing and footprint decisions. Commissioners and staff noted additional detailed pages (lighting, signage, landscape) will be submitted to staff and returned to the commission for review as required by the college-district site-plan process.