Planning Commission approves adaptive-reuse PUD for 908 North Congress; requires screening, lighting and pavement fixes

The Ypsilanti Planning Commission on an unanimous vote approved an adaptive-reuse planned unit development (PUD) for 908 North Congress, allowing a woodworking production and retail use in a small, previously vacant commercial building in the Midtown neighborhood.

Staff said the applicant, Steven Wazinski, proposes to occupy a 2,456-square-foot single-story building on a 0.065-acre lot (about 2,800 square feet) and to add screening, landscaping and facade work. Planner Josh (staff) recommended approval with conditions and two waivers: a waiver from dumpster enclosure requirements and a 20% parking reduction citing the site’s walkable location and proximity to transit.

The commission’s approval includes specific conditions requiring the applicant to repair or replace pavement in poor condition, revise the photometric plan to limit light spill to 0.5 foot-candles at lot lines and to use a maximum color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin, provide additional landscaping along the west property line, install at least one bike rack that accommodates two bicycles, and ensure the eastern property‑line fence complies with applicable code. Staff also noted the application does not fully comply with screening requirements in section 122.634 and recommended the commission consider requiring full compliance or clear mitigation.

Applicant Steven Wazinski told the commission he and the Ypsilanti Woodworking Club plan a mix of small-scale woodworking production, retail and eventual classes, and said his own ad-hoc noise tests using a circular saw found interior construction and proposed drywall/insulation should reduce sound transmission. Architect Elise Deshard said windows will be replaced with higher STC-rated units and walls insulated to reduce noise. Nearby residents raised concerns about hours of operation, noise, parking and lighting; one resident, Spencer Michel, said the building backs onto his property and described prior power‑tool noise during earlier uses of the space.

Commissioners discussed flexibility for staff to resolve on-site lighting and screening details and accepted staff’s recommendation to require a written technical justification if the photometric standard could not be met due to lot geometry. The approval passed on a roll call: Commissioner Jones Chance — yes; Commissioner Davis Jr. — yes; Commissioner Hollyfield — yes; Commissioner Smith — yes; Commissioner Woodring — yes.

The commission’s action is conditioned on the building department and the Department of Public Works approving any work in the public right-of-way and on the applicant’s compliance with the enumerated site improvements and screening revisions.

Votes at a glance: Adaptive-reuse PUD for 908 North Congress — Approved (unanimous).