Canton Planning Commission recommends approval for Muslim Educational Community Center at 6200 North Ridge Road

The Canton Township Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special land use for the Muslim Educational Community Center of America (MECCA), proposed at 6200 North Ridge Road, parcel 031-99-0007-000. The motion, made by Commissioner Weber and supported by Commissioner Lee, passed unanimously by the commissioners present.

Planning staff summarized the application, telling the commission the parcel is almost 11.5 acres and that the proposal concentrates development on the western half of the site to preserve wetlands and tree cover along Fellows Creek. Planning staff said the proposed building meets the R-1 district setbacks, calling out a 14-foot setback from the north lot line and roughly 730 feet from the eastern lot line. Staff found the application met the special land use criteria in section 27.03(c) of the township zoning ordinance and recommended approval subject to site-plan-level corrections and compliance with state, county and township requirements. As Patrick Sloan, township planning staff, stated: "we find that, the use does meet the specialty land use criteria of the zoning ordinance."

Why this matters: the project would add a religious institution and larger community center in a very low-density residential area. The parcel contains floodplain, wetlands and mature woodlands along Fellows Creek; staff said the building and parking are positioned to avoid regulated wetlands and preserve many trees. Traffic, parking and stormwater were the main issues raised by residents at the public hearing.

Key project details and staff findings - Location and site: 6200 North Ridge Road, east side of Ridge between Ford and Hanford. Parcel is nearly 11.5 acres; western…