Planning commission recommends final approval for 28-unit Helmer Road planned development

The Battle Creek City Planning Commission voted July 23 to recommend final approval of a planned unit residential development at 14188 Helmer Road, forwarding the recommendation to the City Commission with staff-recommended conditions.

Planning staff told commissioners the final plans were deemed in substantial compliance with a tentative approval from February 2024. The applicant reduced the proposed density from the earlier submission; staff said the current proposal is for 14 duplexes for a total of 28 residential units and a clubhouse. Staff said the number of units is below the maximum density allowed in the site’s R1A zoning district, the building area has not increased, and proposed open space has not decreased, so no additional public hearing was required. Staff recommended approval of the final plan with standard conditions listed in the packet.

Applicant Scott Ganton of Lakeview Assisted Living said the reduction was made to preserve existing natural areas at the rear of the property and in response to construction cost and market considerations. "We wanted to try to keep as much of that property wild in the back," Ganton said.

Commissioners confirmed the applicant had been made aware of staff conditions (listed in the packet on pages 48–49). The commission moved to recommend approval including those staff conditions. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote: Mayor Behnke, Commissioner Morris, Commissioner Denison, Commissioner Hughes and Commissioner White voted yes and the motion carried.

After the vote, commissioners and staff discussed unrelated follow-up concerns previously raised about Stone Jug Road and airport-area noise and traffic. Staff said it would refer visibility and traffic concerns to the Department of Public Works and follow up with the commission in coming months; no formal action was taken on those items at this meeting.