Planning Commission approves 24-unit boat and RV storage condominium on Jefferson with conditions

The Harrison Township Planning Commission on May 21 approved a site plan for a 24-unit boat and RV storage condominium proposed by Boaz Enterprise LLC on Jefferson Avenue, subject to conditions set by township staff and reviewers.

The commission’s approval followed presentations by applicant Paul Aggeler and architect Mike Pizzola and technical reviews from Township Engineer Paul Kammer, Fire Marshal Larry Shackett and Planner Adam Young. Kammer noted the site plan’s shown water main differs from Township GIS records and asked the applicant to show a sanitary service connection on revised plans; he also requested confirmation that an existing pond is sized to accept the development’s stormwater. Shackett said buildings marketed as boat storage will require fire suppression and/or detection systems.

Planner Adam Young said the revised site plan must explicitly acknowledge and comply with conditions the applicant offered when the parcel was rezoned to Industrial: the property’s use limited to multi-unit storage for boats, RVs and vehicles (no permanent dwelling units); creation of a nautical-themed sign along the 16‑Mile Road frontage; private ownership governed by an association; and screening requirements. Young also asked the applicant to show or note the proposed dumpster enclosure and whether units will include restroom facilities.

The applicant told the commission the existing pond was designed to receive runoff from the property and that a sanitary sewer line runs behind the adjacent gas station and can be tapped to provide restrooms. Architect Mike Pizzola said restroom plumbing will be “stubbed out under the buildings,” optional for tenants to finish. Aggeler said his architect recommended against a shared dumpster because of cost and misuse, but several commissioners said a trash enclosure is necessary.

Member Danielle Devlin moved to approve the site plan subject to a plan note confirming compliance with the prior rezoning conditions, inclusion of a screened trash enclosure, showing the sanitary sewer connection on the revised plan, and confirmation of minor screening via Township Administration review. Member Larry Tomenello supported the motion, which commissioners amended to require the applicant to meet conditions raised by the planner, engineer and fire marshal. Roll call: Devlin, Tomenello, Duncan, Mulder, Oparka and Chair Carol Murray voted yes; Mark Bacha was excused. The motion carried.

Commissioners also noted Macomb County agencies, including the county Department of Roads and Public Works, and Selfridge Air National Guard Base had no objections or requested coordination on stormwater matters.

The Planning Commission approved the plan with the expectation the applicant will submit revised drawings showing the sanitary connection, a screened trash enclosure, a note confirming compliance with rezoning conditions and any other details required by Township Administration review. The commission’s approval does not authorize building permits until plan revisions and permit reviews are complete.