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First reading held for Meijer-anchored development at Frey Boulevard; planning commission conditions traffic improvements
Summary
Council held the first reading of an ordinance to grant a conditional-use permit for a Meijer-anchored development at the 800 block of Frey Boulevard. The planning commission recommended approval but set multiple traffic-related conditions that require coordination with ODOT and the city engineer.
The Waterville City Council held a first reading on Sept. 22 for an ordinance to grant a conditional-use permit for a commercial development larger than 75,000 square feet on the 800 block of Frey Boulevard. The developer’s site plan centers on a proposed Meijer store and related uses.
City staff said the main store would be approximately 159,935 square feet; a convenience-store/gas station of about 3,660 square feet and two future outlots were also included. The site covers roughly 25 acres. "The main store would be approximately 159,935 square feet. And the, there is a convenience store gas station is also being developed. That's 3,660 square feet. And then 2 out lots... The site is about 25 acres," John (city staff) told council.
The Planning Commission reviewed the project on Sept. 3 and recommended approval with conditions tied to traffic mitigation and engineering. Required improvements described in the meeting include a 600-foot eastbound right-turn lane on the south side of Waterville-Swanton Road (State Route 64) into a right-in/right-out driveway aligned with the Kroger entrance across the road, and a new 480-foot westbound right-turn lane that would require an interchange modification study to be submitted to ODOT.
Staff said the developer must construct the 480-foot westbound right-turn lane within 24 months after the store opens and receives its occupancy permit; if ODOT does not approve the interchange modification, the developer would need to return to the Planning Commission to request an extension. The traffic-impact study also recommended modifying the existing signal at Waterville-Swanton Road and Frey Boulevard to add a protected left-turn phase for north- and southbound traffic.
The Planning Commission’s recommended conditions also include installing a concrete median between the paired entrances on State Route 64, concrete driveway approaches at proposed intersections, a right-in/right-out configuration for the convenience store entrance, and submission of final construction and utility plans to the city engineer for review.
Council members asked questions about projected vehicle trips, truck access to fuel tanks and how circulation at the gas-station pad would function; staff said fuel trucks would pull onto a concrete pad adjacent to the tanks and exit via the main drive. Councilors also discussed exterior aesthetics and whether the city would retain control of building design; staff indicated exterior aesthetics would be a matter for review (similar to prior design reviews such as for a data center). John said two additional readings and a public hearing are scheduled for Oct. 13 and Oct. 27.
Ending: The ordinance remains at first reading; council will consider the second reading on Oct. 13 and a public hearing and legislative action on Oct. 27.
