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Council refers proposed 1215 Decker Road residential project to planning commission
Summary
An architect presented a proposed multifamily development at 1215 Decker Road; council unanimously voted to send the proposal to the planning commission for detailed review of wetlands, easements, parking and possible rezoning options.
Walled Lake — The City Council agreed unanimously to refer a proposed development at 1215 Decker Road to the planning commission and staff for review and recommendations. The referral follows an introductory presentation from the project architect and questions from council about wetlands, underground utilities and neighborhood concerns.
Andrew Eckert, an architect with Gafari Associates representing Abro Property Management, said the site is approximately 8.5 acres currently zoned I‑1 (limited industrial) and contains three wetlands and a 100‑foot Consumers easement along the south side. Eckert described a potential multifamily proposal with four 27‑unit buildings and two four‑unit buildings including studio, one‑ and two‑bedroom units; some smaller units were described as intended to meet workforce housing needs.
City Manager Dennis Witt and Council Member Casey Ambrose advised following the city’s standard planning process—seeking conceptual review and recommendations from the planning commission and McKenna Associates (city consulting planner) and legal input from the city attorney—before any council decision on rezoning or a Planned Unit Development (PUD). A council member moved to send the project to planners and the planning commission; council member Osenic seconded and the roll‑call vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: Staff and council cited prior unsuccessful proposals for the parcel and emphasized the need to resolve infrastructure constraints (including possible underground utilities), wetlands impact and neighbor concerns before council action. The referral begins the formal review and public‑notice process required for rezoning or a PUD.
Next steps: Planning staff and the city attorney will perform conceptual review, report on wetlands, easements and subsurface infrastructure, and prepare recommendations. The planning commission will hold hearings and return recommendations to council for a formal decision; any council vote on rezoning or a CPD/PUD would be scheduled and publicly noticed.
