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Planning Commission denies special land use for Huron Pointe Excavating storage yard
Summary
Harrison Township Planning Commission voted unanimously Feb. 20 to deny a temporary special land use for Huron Pointe Excavating at 32490 South River Road, saying the proposed equipment and materials yard conflicts with the V-1A zoning district and could create dust, noise and light nuisances.
Harrison Township'025 Planning Commission members voted unanimously Feb. 20 to deny a special land use request from Huron Pointe Excavating to operate a temporary equipment and materials storage yard at 32490 South River Road in the V-1A district.
Township Planner Adam Young reviewed additions to the applicant's site plan, including screening and lighting details, relocation of a stockpile area for dredge spoils, an equipment inventory and a restoration plan. Chair Carol Murray also read a letter from the Macomb County Department of Roads stating that a paved approach with a deceleration and taper lane would be required for the location.
Member Tim Duncan moved to deny the special land use, arguing that the proposal failed to meet zoning standards for temporary uses and special land use review. "Specifically, because of the dust and the intensity of the activity at the location as well as the gateway to the community that we are trying to build in the V-1A district, the proposed use is not consistent with that underlying zoning district," Member Tim Duncan said when amending his motion to add those concerns. Member Mark Bacha seconded the motion and amended his support accordingly.
Commissioners said the request did not meet Section 11.14 (Temporary structures, tents and uses) and Section 17.01 (Special land use review requirements) of the township's zoning code, citing incompatibility with the district's character and the potential for nuisances from light, noise and dust. The minutes record that commissioners expressed concern the use could "cause substantial injury to the value of other property in the vicinity" if operated for multiple years.
Krystal Rausch, the applicant, was present during the discussion and the planner noted the site-plan additions; the minutes do not record any substantive defense by the applicant to the commissioners' stated concerns. The Macomb County Department of Roads requirement for a paved approach with deceleration and taper lanes was also cited as a condition that would affect project feasibility.
On the roll-call vote the motion carried: Ayes '1: Tim Duncan, Mark Bacha, Danielle Devlin, Mike Viazanko, Amanda Oparka and Chair Carol Murray; Nays: none; Excused: Larry Tomenello. The minutes record the action as a denial of the special land use request.
The commission did not place any additional new-business items on the agenda. Planner Adam Young also reported on two Tech Team items earlier in the meeting (marina improvements at Lake St. Clair Metropark and a proposal for the former hospital property on Ballard Street). The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.; the commission scheduled its next regular meeting for March 20, 2025.
