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Planning commission approves conversion of 400 East Lincoln to five apartments
Summary
The Royal Oak Planning Commission approved a special land use permit and site plan to convert commercial space at 400 East Lincoln Avenue into five multifamily units, citing adaptive reuse and reduced traffic impact; neighbors urged affordable units and raised traffic and notification concerns.
The Royal Oak Planning Commission on voice votes approved a special land use permit and an associated site plan to convert part of the building at 400 East Lincoln Avenue from commercial tenant spaces into five multifamily dwelling units.
The commission’s decision followed a presentation from Jason Krieger, identified as an owner and architect on the project, who said the conversion would ‘‘reduce the required amount of off‑street parking’’ compared with commercial uses and better fit the surrounding residential neighborhood. Krieger told the commission the work will proceed in phases and that a Phase I renovation is already underway.
Commissioners framed the proposal as adaptive reuse that is less intensive than returning the space to commercial tenants. Commissioner Charlotte Douglas moved approval of the special land use, arguing that housing is ‘‘a far less intensive use’’ than many commercial activities, and Mayor Mike Fournier and others supported the motion, noting the conversion would likely lower parking demand and add to housing supply.
Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing urged caution or conditions. Trish Oliver, who said she has lived in Royal Oak since 1986, asked the commission to require that the resulting units be affordable, citing recent nearby approvals that increase traffic and density. Nancy Poprovsky, who lives by the project site, said she feared the neighborhood becoming ‘‘cookie‑cutter’’ multifamily development and asked whether the project would provide affordable units.
Staff and the petitioner answered questions about notice and tenants: the planning staff said notices for the project had been mailed to property owners and residents within 300 feet, and Krieger said the existing tenant in the back (Shadow Art) would be phased out as leases expire. Krieger also said a Phase I environmental (Phase I) assessment had been completed and passed.
After discussion the commission approved the special land use by voice vote with no opposition. Commissioners then approved the site plan with the contingencies listed in the staff report; the site plan approval included the standard compliance contingencies and references to previously approved variances.
The commission kept the public hearing record open for related postponed items elsewhere and noted the petitioner will return to address any updated plans or staff report revisions. The commission did not attach an affordability requirement to the approval; public speakers had urged such a condition.
The commission’s approvals conclude the Planning Commission’s review; the petitioner will proceed with building‑division permitting and must comply with the contingencies noted in the staff report.
