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Planning commission approves six‑unit Bush Street townhomes with conditions amid neighborhood objections
Summary
The City of Southfield Planning Commission approved site plan PSP25‑00005 for a six‑unit attached townhome development at 23458–23488 Bush Street, subject to tree‑survey, landscaping, engineering and crime‑prevention conditions after staff said rezoning had already been approved; nearby residents’ written objections were read into the record.
The City of Southfield Planning Commission on June 25 voted to approve site plan PSP25‑00005, allowing Harpochain Construction to build a six‑unit attached townhome development at 23458–23488 Bush Street, with conditions set by planning staff.
The project was introduced by staff as a site‑plan review for a property already rezoned earlier in the year. Kenneth Allen, the applicant, said the team had previously appeared for zoning and asked the commission for site‑plan approval. Planning staff recommended approval conditioned on building the site in accordance with the May 30, 2025 revised site plan; submission and approval of a revised tree removal and replacement plan, landscaping, grading and stormwater management plans by the city planner and city engineer; implementation of recommendations from the Southfield Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau; and continued compliance with all applicable codes and statutes.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on several site details. Commissioner Martin asked whether trees at the rear would be cleared and whether rear lot lines would be marked; the applicant said trees and rear decking would generally be preserved and staff confirmed a tree survey would be required as a condition. Commissioners also questioned the 16‑foot garage‑door dimension shown on the plans and the depth between garage doors and the drive aisle; architect Mike Bishop and the applicant said 16‑foot doors are commonly used on similar projects but noted 18‑ to 20‑foot options and that final engineering would address structural supports and clearances. Commissioners requested final dimensions be clearly labeled on the construction‑level plans.
The record included two written comments read by staff. Peg Palasi wrote that Bush Street is “one of Southfield’s oldest neighborhoods” and opposed the scale of the proposed development, questioning fit and outreach. Mike Wilson, who lives adjacent to the site, wrote that six units did not belong on lots long zoned single‑family and urged that the neighborhood be preserved. Staff noted, and the commission reiterated, that rezoning to permit attached single‑family had previously been approved by the council and that the site‑plan review was limited to design and technical issues.
Commissioner Martin moved to approve the site plan with the conditions noted by staff; Commissioner Willis supported the motion and the commission approved the site plan. The commission asked the applicant to return final, dimensioned plans and the required tree/landscape documents to planning staff for final review.
The permit decision is procedural for the site plan; the project must still comply with the listed conditions and receive final sign‑off from the planner and city engineer before construction permits are issued.
