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Planning commission approves Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 training center on West 12 Mile
Summary
The commission approved site plan PSP 26‑0009 to renovate and expand 17170 W. 12 Mile into a modern training center for Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, including welding labs, high‑bay fabrication space and outreach programs; approval includes conditions for ZBA waivers and a cross‑access agreement.
The Planning Commission on May 27 approved a site plan to relocate and expand the Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 training center to 17170 West 12 Mile Road. The project will renovate the existing building and add a large high‑bay training area, welding and fabrication labs, 40 computer stations, rigging and AutoCAD classrooms, and community outreach programming.
Sam Velez, training director, and Jason Grondinwell, representing Local 80, outlined the apprenticeship program — a four‑year, wage‑earning training model with hands‑on shop work and classroom instruction — and emphasized no‑cost training for apprentices funded through member and employer contributions and workforce grants. The petitioners said the training center is joint labor‑management and would support regional workforce needs across six counties.
Planner Crow recommended approval to the commission, noting that the site meets the OS office‑service district standards and that the project is a planning commission decision (it does not go to council). The commission approved PSP 26‑0009 with conditions that include coordination of cross‑access to the adjacent union hall parking (to satisfy parking requirements), and required waivers from the Zoning Board of Appeals for building height and a side setback because the high‑bay training space exceeds the typical two‑story height allowed.
Commissioners praised the program’s workforce development benefits and the building’s striking architectural treatment. Staff said an administrative review will handle the minor amendment to record the removal of a couple of parking spaces and the cross‑access driveway connection.
Ending: The approval is subject to ZBA waivers for height and setback and to final administrative review of the cross‑access connection; staff told petitioners to file the ZBA application promptly.
Quotes: Sam Velez, training director: “Our apprenticeship program is formally registered and approved through the Department of Labor. It is a 4‑year apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with paid hands‑on training.” Planner Crow: project “meets the site plan review standards…appearance, barrier‑free access, coordination with adjacent sites, pedestrian circulation and access.”
