Oak Park planning panel signs off on two small business change-of-use requests, hears master plan update

The Oak Park Planning Commission on Nov. 3 approved two administrative change-of-use requests and received an update on a citywide master plan revision. Staff said the approvals allow a bicycle retailer with repair services and a small cafe to operate at 13631 West 11 Mile Road and permit an event rental firm that rents tables, tents and chairs to relocate to Oak Park from Ferndale.

Commission staff described the bicycle business as a retail shop that will sell parts, provide repairs and include a corner for coffee and pastries. The changes were processed administratively because they involve a change of use and building improvements, staff said. No public objections were raised during the communications segment.

On the master plan, staff told commissioners the city council awarded consultant Giffords Webster a contract to update the master plan and that the consultant project schedule is approximately 12 months. Staff said they will reach out to the planning commission to schedule meetings with the consultant as the update proceeds.

The meeting continued to two separate public hearings on special land-use requests for home daycares. The administrative approvals and the master plan update were presented as routine items and required no formal vote beyond staff authorization and scheduling of future engagement with the commission.

Details from the file: the bicycle/cafe is described as a change-of-use administrative approval; the event rental business was described as relocating from Ferndale to Oak Park. Commissioners did not request additional studies or hold extended debate during the communications report. The commission adjourned after final public comments and seasonal remarks by members.