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Planning Commission backs rezoning and site plan for Tunnel to Towers veterans village at Holiday Inn site
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended rezoning 3.07 acres at 25100 Northwestern Highway from B3 to RC and approved site plan review to convert the existing hotel into a Tunnel to Towers veterans village (about 91 permanent supportive units), subject to waivers for unit floor area and parking and implementation of police security recommendations.
The Southfield Planning Commission on Aug. 28 recommended rezoning and approved a site plan review for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s proposal to convert the former Holiday Inn at 25100 Northwestern Highway into a permanent supportive‑housing veterans village. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions, including waivers for minimum floor area per dwelling unit and required parking, and asked the petitioner to implement recommendations from the Southfield Police Department’s crime prevention bureau.
Gavin Naples, vice president of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, told the commission the project will provide long‑term permanent housing with on‑site, 24/7 case management, behavioral‑health and employment supports. "This project is fully funded — we’re not asking for a dollar from anyone," Naples said, describing the foundation’s model of acquiring hospitality properties and converting them into supportive housing with wraparound services.
Public supporters from the Tunnel to Towers network and local volunteers spoke in favor of the reuse, noting the site’s proximity to transit and services. Commissioners sought and received clarification that the proposal is permanent supportive housing (not a transitional shelter), that units would include private bathrooms and kitchenettes, and that the foundation screens applicants (excluding dishonorable discharges and certain violent or sexual offenses) while providing referral assistance for those it does not house.
Planning staff recommended rezoning to RC (PZR 24‑10) and the site plan review (PSP 24‑15) to forward to City Council with conditions; the commission moved, supported and approved the recommendations. Commissioners suggested the petitioner coordinate a small off‑site easement to add seating and amenities at a busy adjacent bus stop. The site plan vote passed with applause from supporters.
Next steps: the rezoning and site plan recommendations will be forwarded to City Council; the petitioner will be required to meet the conditions stated in the site plan recommendation and any waivers approved by the zoning board.
