Planning commission recommends approval of cluster site plan at former Boys Republic with 7-acre conservation easement

The Farmington Hills City Planning Commission voted on Oct. 16 to recommend that city council approve a cluster site plan for the former Boys Republic property at 28000 West Nine Mile Road, subject to conditions including resolving consultant comments and formalizing a seven‑acre conservation easement.

The application from Eureka Development asks to build 52 units in 13 single‑story buildings on the southern portion of a roughly 79.81‑acre parcel. The proponent offered a voluntary nature preservation conservation easement covering about seven acres on the north end of the site; the commission’s motion makes that dedication a condition of the approval for phase 1.

The commission’s planner and the applicant described the proposal in detail. Jim Butler, a civil engineer with PEA Group, said the submission is for phase 1 (south of the Rouge River) and that drawings have been reviewed by the city planner’s consultant, the fire department and the city engineer. Aaron Nicole, representing Eureka Development, told the commission the ownership “has voluntarily offered a nature preservation conservation easement on a north end 7 acres” and that Oakland County Parks has expressed interest in maintaining the conserved area.

Why it matters: The proposal redevelops a long‑vacant institutional campus into residential units and incorporates a sizeable conservation area and pedestrian connections to Nine Mile Road. The planning staff noted the project uses a cluster option that modifies dimensional standards in exchange for open space preservation and site design that avoids wetlands.

Key facts and conditions - Project: Cluster site plan application 57‑4‑2025 for 28000 West Nine Mile Road (former Boys Republic). Applicant: Eureka Development Group. - Proposal: Phase 1 — 52 units in 13 ranch‑style buildings, attached garages; conceptual phase 2 shown for a possible additional 88 units in the future but not before the commission tonight. - Lot/zone: Approximately 79.81 acres, RA‑1 zoning; the cluster option was previously approved at the lower density qualifying level (1.8 units/acre). - Conservation: Applicant offered a voluntary conservation easement over about seven acres on the north end; the commission’s recommended conditions require documentation of that easement in the cluster contract. - Trees/landscaping: The city’s review identified 353 replacement trees required; the applicant’s plan provided 316 and proposed a pay‑in for the remaining trees. Staff also noted a discrepancy (six trees short by staff accounting) that must be resolved prior to final approval. The planning commission asked staff to work with the applicant to add additional screening trees along the western property line where units are closest to adjacent homes. - Environmental/technical: Plans avoid most wetlands; the detention pond encroaches into a small area of existing wetland A in the southeast. Applicant stated asbestos testing is under way for buildings to be demolished south of the river and that state procedures will be followed.

Discussion and limits of action Commissioners emphasized that only phase 1 — the portion south of the Rouge River — was before the planning commission for approval; the conceptual phase 2 plan was explicitly noted as informational and not approved. Commissioners also focused on whether the proposed landscaping and replacement trees provide an adequate visual buffer to abutting single‑family properties; staff and the applicant agreed to add a small number of evergreen trees or other screening in that area and to finalize details administratively.

Public comments and neighborhood concerns Several nearby residents spoke during the public hearing. Carrie Cook thanked the applicant for the proposed seven‑acre conservation area and asked about construction timing and traffic light needs. Derek Gasco, a resident at 28005 West Nine Mile, said he favored redevelopment but asked for additional setback/buffering for units across from his house and for more open space. A representative for an adjacent property owner said redevelopment is preferable to leaving vacant buildings on the site.

Action and vote The planning commission moved to recommend that city council approve the cluster site plan application as revised and dated in the record, subject to: addressing all outstanding consultant and city engineer comments to the satisfaction of staff; resolving the remaining tree replacement shortfall or providing the required fee; finalizing the 7‑acre conservation easement in the cluster contract; and addressing fire marshal comments. The commission approved the motion by roll call (yes votes recorded by the clerk). The commission’s action is a recommendation to city council; final approvals and any required legal easements or written agreements must be completed at later steps.

Next steps The recommendation will be transmitted to the city council for final action and to ensure the conservation easement and engineering/fire corrections are executed. If the applicant later seeks phase 2 development north of the river, that would require a separate site plan review and approval.

Who spoke on the record: Jim Butler (civil engineer, PEA Group); Aaron Nicole (Eureka Development, proponent); Joe (city planner/staff member, identified in the meeting as "Joe"); Chair Treflin; Commissioners Stimpson, Ware, Cunningham, Espinal, Grant, Brickner, Manti; public commenters Carrie Cook, Brian Yaldoo, Derek Gasco.

Ending note: The commission framed its vote narrowly — approving only the south‑of‑Rouge phase with conditions and explicitly reserving review and action on any north‑of‑river phase for a future submittal and council review.