After hours of testimony, planning commission tables Livonia Athletic District expansion for six months
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Summary
Commissioners tabled a proposed Livonia Athletic District indoor soccer expansion at 14255 Stark Road for six months after substantial resident opposition over wetlands, loss of trees, parking, stormwater and traffic; petitioner said he would pursue additional studies and offered to preserve back acreage in writing.
The Livonia Planning Commission paused action on a proposed expansion of the Livonia Athletic District at 14255 Stark Road, tabling the request for six months to allow more study and neighborhood outreach.
Staff described a waiver-use petition for construction of a large indoor field structure (packet referenced a 96,200-square-foot field house) and an associated 2,641-square-foot facility building on a site the packet lists at approximately 9.59 acres. The submission included renderings, landscape, lighting and a wetland-delineation report and an EGLE pre-application that the petitioner said showed no wetland permits were required for the proposed disturbance.
Parks & Recreation cautioned that the applicant did not have formal shared-parking agreements and warned the expansion could place excess demand on city-owned parking that supports Veterans Park, organized events (Merry & Bright, Livonia Spree) and seasonal programs. Engineering and inspection staff requested full engineering drawings if approvals proceed.
Petitioner Jeff Tripoli, the operator of the Livonia Athletic District, said the project is intended primarily for training (Michigan Jaguars u-14 and older) and described retaining about 1.92 acres of existing open space. Tripoli said the project would be “as nonintrusive as possible” and offered to work on parking and stormwater details; he said the investment would be roughly $3.5 million.
More than a dozen residents spoke during an extended public comment period, raising repeated concerns about loss of mature trees and woodland, standing water and wetlands, wildlife displacement, increased traffic and speeding on Stark Road, parking overflow into nearby residential streets, safety for children who use the adjacent walking path, noise and property values. Several commenters cited EGLE mapping and recommended preserving green space or choosing a different, more commercial site.
After discussion, Commissioner Cara Magno moved to table the petition for six months so the applicant can provide more detailed parking, stormwater and circulation analysis, and pursue formal agreements with Parks & Recreation and the school district. The commission approved the tabling motion by roll call.
