Warren planning panel approves vacation of 20-foot alley near 8 Mile, adds condition to preserve neighbor garage access

The Warren City Planning Commission on the evening of the meeting approved a petition to vacate a 20-foot east‑west public alley abutting lots in Keith's Fairview Subdivision, with conditions intended to protect utility easements and ensure access to a neighboring garage.

Fred Baghdadi, owner of Fred’s Unique Furniture, told the commission he has struggled with repeated dumping and people loitering in the alley behind his business and said vacating the alley "would benefit everybody." Planning staff recommended vacating the alley but listed several conditions, including compliance with the Michigan Land Division Act (MCL 560.22), obtaining city council approval, completion of required procedures within two years or automatic revocation, filing a court action (or documented nonjudicial relinquishment) to address public utility easements, preparing a revised plat, and recording documents with the Macomb County Register of Deeds.

A neighbor speaking on behalf of his father, Amir Zakaria, said closing the alley could block vehicle access to a garage at Lot 59. Commissioners and staff discussed that concern and directed that the recommendation include a condition ensuring access for Lot 59. Planning staff explained that the petitioner may need to provide a gate, lock and key or another legal access mechanism as part of the circuit court proceedings or a written agreement among affected property owners.

Commissioner Halawadi moved to approve the vacation with the recommended conditions and to include an explicit condition that access be provided to Lot 59 so the owner can access his garage; the motion was supported and carried by roll call (unanimous yes). The approval does not itself change utility easements: the petitioner must complete the court or nonjudicial steps described in the planning recommendation, prepare and record a revised plat, and provide documentation to the planning department and other city offices.

The commission also noted that utility companies and city departments (assessing, building, engineering, police, AT&T, Comcast and DTE) either raised no objections or requested standard easement reservations and coordination. The planning department will notify the city clerk after certification and the petitioner must complete required conditions within two years or risk automatic revocation of the council approval.

Next steps: the petitioner must follow the conditions in the planning recommendation, complete the necessary court filing or written relinquishment for utility interests, and record the revised plat. The item will proceed to city council action as required by the conditions set by staff.