Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council presses DM Motors for site-plan progress as neighborhood parking problems persist
Summary
Council heard an update from DM Motors about a probate delay for an acquisition of GE Collision property, pressed the dealer for interim fixes to off-street parking and safe truck access, and discussed legal remedies if zoning violations continue.
Walled Lake council members confronted representatives of DM Motors during the June 16 meeting after staff reported the dealer had not completed required site-plan and zoning approvals for expanded automobile-dealership operations.
City Attorney Van explained the city had sent written notice in April requiring DM Motors to obtain site-plan and zoning approval for expanded use; staff followed up and were told DM Motors was negotiating to acquire a neighboring property (GE Collision) and would fold that parcel into a single site plan. DM Motors representatives said closing that purchase has been delayed because the seller’s building is now held in a trust after the owners’ deaths and the probate process is taking longer than expected.
Council members pressed the dealer for interim fixes to the truck-access and off-street parking problem that residents have repeatedly reported. Suggestions included negotiating a short-term lease of neighboring land, adjusting truck routing to use a rear approach, removing a telephone pole that impedes truck access, leveling a north approach to allow temporary staging, and using existing back-lot access to keep tractor-trailers off Maple Road. DM Motors said they would pursue a quick contract for temporary ramp work and promised to provide evidence of progress to the city.
Attorney Van noted the city has used municipal civil infractions and tickets in district court and recommended circuit-court nuisance-abatement litigation—if the violations persist—because the district-court process has limited leverage. Council asked staff whether a performance bond could be required tied to any right-of-way work or permit; Van said bonds can be required when a permit or city approval is involved.
Council asked DM Motors to provide a purchase agreement or lease as evidence of progress; staff will continue enforcement action if the company cannot show substantive steps that address public-safety and zoning concerns.
Next steps: DM Motors will seek a contract to improve the north approach and will provide documentation to staff; the city will consider requiring permits and bonds if the work affects the public right-of-way and may pursue circuit-court action if violations continue.
