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Planning commission denies plan to add charity poker at The Rack amid separation and parking concerns
Summary
Livonia planning commissioners voted to deny a petition to allow charity-poker nights at The Rack pool hall, citing separation from a nearby church, parking and potential late-night impacts; petitioners may appeal the decision to city council in writing within 10 days.
The Livonia City Planning Commission on March 24 denied a request to amend a prior waiver so The Rack pool hall could host state-licensed charity poker events.
Commissioners voted to deny the petition submitted by Gregory Goodbread on behalf of the RAC, saying the proposed expansion was inconsistent with the surrounding commercial corridor and raised concerns about parking, circulation and public-safety impacts. The denial followed a failed motion to approve the amendment earlier in the meeting.
Why it mattered: Planning staff and the police Special Services Bureau noted the proposed charity-poker operation would be within 400 feet of Christ Embassy Church (police said the church is about 50 feet from the Rack site) and inside separation distances from other licensed establishments. Commissioners also flagged the site’s limited parking (46 spaces) and the potential for late‑night activity on weeknights.
Petitioners Gregory Goodbread and Nick Tomolinko described operations they said would be state‑regulated and charity‑focused. "We're gonna keep it local — Livonia charities, Wayne County," Goodbread told the commission, adding that the Michigan Gaming Control Board and state licensing limit chips and oversee operations. Tomolinko and Goodbread said charities would handle cash collections and that they planned security cameras and other safeguards.
Police and staff concerns: The police Special Services Bureau recommended maintaining separation guidelines and noted a nearby SDM license at Mirage Market. In its written comments, the department said the Rack sits inside required separation distances and advised the commission to consider that when weighing potential impacts on the city's family‑oriented commercial corridors.
Vote and next steps: After debate, Commissioner Dross moved to deny the amendment; the motion carried on roll call. The commission's decision is a recommendation; the petitioner has 10 days to file a written appeal to the city council.
What the petition sought: The petition asked to amend council resolution 277-24 to permit charity poker at 28410 Joy Road under Michigan’s regulated "millionaire party" (charitable poker) provisions, with proposed hours and limits (staff noted planned operation Wednesday through Saturday from about 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., a cap of 20,000 chips per charity per day, and staffing of rotating dealers and floor managers).
