Planning commission approves 905 South Henry parking-lot plan with signage and sidewalk conditions

The Bay City Planning Commission on a unanimous voice vote approved site-plan SPR26-27, authorizing a roughly 9,500-square-foot parking lot with 18 spaces at 905 South Henry Street, with conditions to mitigate circulation and pedestrian-safety concerns.

Commissioner Dennis Bonacc said he worried the proposal’s 90-degree parking in a one-way circulation pattern could confuse drivers and increase conflict at the narrow exit. "I would have preferred to see angle parking as opposed to 90-degree parking," Bonacc said, adding that a sidewalk and planting buffer should be added so pedestrians do not step into traffic.

Staff and the applicant discussed technical items in the plan. City engineering recommended a concrete apron at the street when permits are taken out, and staff noted a storm-water management permit was not required for the size of the improvement. The applicant, Mr. Compo, confirmed the lot lights shown on the plans "are solar," and said he would install signage and could consider angled striping if it does not reduce parking.

After discussion, Commissioner Bonachek moved to approve SPR26-27 with conditions requiring back-to-back one-way signs near Henry Street and expanded hard-surface paving to provide a pedestrian walkway adjacent to the exit drive; Commissioner Sheila Turbet supported the motion. The commission called the vote and the motion passed.

The conditions adopted aim to reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts by making the lot’s circulation explicit to approaching drivers and providing a short pedestrian path to the sidewalk on Henry Street. City staff will ensure permit requirements (including the apron) are satisfied during permit review.