Wyoming council approves rezoning for 207‑unit Eastbrook Homes development despite traffic concerns

The Wyoming City Council on Aug. 4 adopted Ordinance 10‑25 to rezone 373850 Second Street SW from Estate Residential to Planned Unit Development (PUD) 4, clearing the way for a 207‑unit single‑family owner‑occupied project proposed by Eastbrook Homes. Council member De Krieger moved the ordinance, Council member Brethauer seconded, and the measure passed 6‑1 (Hill opposed). Mayor Kent Vanderwood presided over the meeting.

The rezoning drew public comment from neighbors who warned the development would increase traffic on 50 Second Street and change neighborhood character. Planning staff and the developer said they had negotiated short‑term measures with Granville Elementary School to reduce roadway stacking during drop‑off and pick‑up, and staff recommended approval after reviewing the traffic study and other project materials.

Why this matters: the property sits on a busy stretch near Granville Elementary and several residential complexes. Opponents said added vehicle trips and reduced lot sizes could harm safety and livability; staff and the developer said the plan meets the master plan and can be managed with school and police coordination.

Public concerns and developer response Residents cited traffic problems during school periods and questioned the traffic study’s sampling. Ted Bresiak, of 5308 Mapleside Lane, told the council he believes the study relied on a single sample and said key appendices were missing from the packet. "This is definitely a study that needs to be done as an independent study," Bresiak said during public comment.

Pam McGlenathin, of 3566 Evan Brook Drive, said her group is not opposed to development but is concerned about density and safety, citing an online petition and residents’ statements about stacking and pedestrian safety. McGlenathin said the PUD would allow smaller lots — including 50‑foot lots — and questioned whether that density would produce a "real neighborhood."

Mike McGraw, a representative for Eastbrook Homes, thanked council for the opportunity to present the project and said the company is "excited about this community" and believes the development fills a local housing need.

Staff findings, school mitigation and technical details Nicole, a city staff member, told council she had discussed the traffic study with City Engineer Jeff Unk, who "assured me and was very comfortable with the plan as proposed" after reviewing the study. Nicole said the study was conducted (not simply compiled from third‑party data) and that the city engineer found it consistent with other traffic studies the city has accepted.

To address immediate safety concerns at Granville Elementary, city staff and school officials agreed to reconfigure the school entrance so vehicles can stack on school property. Staff described a three‑lane stacking pattern established with cones and staffed by school personnel; police officers will be present in the opening weeks to establish the routine. Staff said the change will be tested in August, before any construction activity begins.

The developer and staff described design details: the project is a mix of detached single‑family homes and other product types totaling 207 owner‑occupied units. Planning staff said the PUD request includes a five‑foot reduction in the usual 35‑foot rear yard setback (to 30 feet) along the south property line. Developers said individual buyers can request universal‑access ("0‑step") home designs and that most detached lots will include basements.

Legal petition and vote threshold Planning staff reported they received a protest petition from nearby residents. Greg, a city planning staff member, said he reviewed the petition and estimated about 83 signatures from the condominium association to the east. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, the presence of the petition raised the voting threshold to adopt the ordinance, requiring five affirmative votes rather than a simple majority. Council approved Ordinance 10‑25 by six votes to one.

Timing and next steps Staff said vertical construction could begin as soon as next fall if approvals and permits proceed; the earliest finished units would likely be completed in spring 2027. City staff said they will monitor the school drop‑off plan and adjust traffic controls if problems continue once occupancy begins.

Votes at a glance Ordinance 10‑25 (rezoning 373850 Second Street SW from Estate Residential to PUD 4; 207‑unit Eastbrook Homes project) — Motion by Council member De Krieger; support by Council member Brethauer. Vote: de Krieger, Rathower, Arnoyce, Hostema, Hosler, Mayor Kent Vanderwood — yes; Hill — no. Outcome: approved (6‑1). Protest petition review led staff to advise a five‑vote threshold; council exceeded that.

The council’s action authorizes the rezoning only; site plan approvals, building permits and any required infrastructure work remain subject to subsequent staff review and permitting processes.