Planning commission approves Old National Bank site at 2851 Charlavoy Drive with conditions

The Cascade Charter Township Planning Commission voted May 9 to approve a site plan for Old National Bank’s proposed roughly 3,000‑square‑foot branch and drive‑through at 2851 Charlavoy Drive, subject to a list of staff‑recommended conditions.

Staff presented the proposal under the Centennial Park overlay and told commissioners the existing reuse plan contained a number of nonconforming items. Township engineer Eric Thorne flagged stormwater deficiencies in a memo included with the packet and recommended plan revisions or contingency language so the applicant could meet the township’s ordinance and the engineering manual during final site‑plan review.

Key conditions the commission attached to approval require the applicant to meet the township engineer’s stormwater recommendations; modify plans to meet Centennial Park overlay setback and open‑space requirements (section 6.2); fully screen roof‑mounted mechanical equipment (or increase parapet/screening height); ensure the dumpster enclosure meets overlay access and pedestrian‑door requirements; bring all lighting into compliance with Chapter 19 (the applicant acknowledged drive‑thru bay lighting will be revised to meet the five‑foot‑candle requirement); meet Centennial Park sign standards; provide required buffer yards on the north and east sides and add an additional landscaped island with a tree on the west parking area; obtain Kent County approvals for soil, erosion and sediment control; execute and record access and maintenance agreements and a stormwater maintenance agreement with Kent County; and provide a landscaping performance bond adequate to guarantee installation and maintenance.

Applicant representatives said the design aims to reuse underutilized paved area and reduce impervious surface. Architect Josh Higin Bothotham said the proposal removes roughly 61 parking spaces and adds plantings and understory trees; bank representative Don Kangas and applicant engineer John Maul told commissioners they were working with staff and the Kent County Drain Commissioner to resolve remaining stormwater questions. "We're taking an underutilized resource," the architect said, adding the team revised curb lines and parking to better meet overlay intent.

Commission discussion focused on the 40‑foot Centennial Park buffer and where the planning commission could reasonably require landscaping given existing, non‑conforming parking. Commissioners prioritized buffer and planting requirements on the north and east sides, asked staff to verify the health of existing mature trees (and preserve them if feasible), and requested a landscaping island be added on the west side to break up parking.

A motion to approve case #253885 with the listed conditions passed on a voice vote. The motion did not record named movers in the transcript. The commission also directed staff to ensure the performance bond and recorded maintenance agreements are adequate before final approval.

Next steps: the applicant must revise plans as required by condition, secure any necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals if the applicant chooses that route, obtain Kent County approvals where indicated, and submit a final stamped site plan showing compliance before permits are issued.