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Planning commission grants conditional waiver for Coolidge gas station facade changes at 2576 Coolidge
Summary
The commission granted a waiver allowing removal of a Coolidge-facing door and reduced transparency on the west elevation at 2576 Coolidge, provided the applicant increases transparency on the north elevation — either by adding a third window or enlarging existing windows — or returns to the commission.
The Berkley Planning Commission on Jan. 28 granted conditional approval for facade changes at 2576 Coolidge: commissioners waived the requirement for a door on the west (Coolidge-facing) elevation and granted a transparency waiver for that elevation, with the explicit condition that the applicant increase transparency on the north elevation by either adding a third window or enlarging the existing windows. If the applicant cannot implement those changes for structural reasons, the applicant must return to the commission.
Applicant Jason Yaldoo, who identified himself as a West Bloomfield, Mich., resident, described the design choices as safety- and operations-driven. Yaldoo said the main customer entrance is proposed on the Catalpa (Catawba/Catalpa) frontage to improve customer circulation and reduce conflicts with pump traffic. "To prioritize safety, we designed the main entrance on the Catalpa facade, which better supports safe access for customers and reduces potential conflicts with the traffic coming in from Coolidge," he said.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on transparency and window placement. The applicant explained reductions in glass on the Coolidge side were tied to interior layout changes (coolers, vending and service areas) and to avoid showing mechanical equipment. The applicant offered to explore options: adding a third window to the north elevation, enlarging the current windows, or raising the window heights so visibility into enclosed storage/cooler areas is minimized while increasing overall transparency.
Commissioners also discussed ADA parking proximity to the primary entrance and confirmed building-code and public-safety issues (entrance location, egress) will be reviewed during the building-permit process. Staff recommended approval conditioned on findings that the site plan and landscaping standards are met; commissioners added the transparency condition described above and authorized limited flexibility for the applicant to pursue the change without returning if the architect confirms the structural solution. Otherwise, the applicant must return.
Vote at a glance: The planning commission approved the motion granting the waiver and conditions by roll call; recorded yes votes included Commissioner Stapp, Commissioner Arnsman, Commissioner Woods, Commissioner Dahlin and Chair Kempner.
The approval lets the project proceed toward building-permit review, subject to the condition that the applicant materially increase north-elevation transparency or obtain further commission action if structural constraints prevent it.
