DDA signals support for conceptual 14‑unit townhome plan at 310 East 14 Mile Road

The Clawson Downtown Development Authority voted to adopt a resolution expressing support for the conceptual design of a proposed 14‑unit townhome development at 310 East 14 Mile Road.

Nick, a representative of the community and economic development department, presented the conceptual plans and asked the DDA for a resolution of support to provide early local feedback before the formal planning commission and city council review. "The renderings are intended for conceptual review only," Nick said, adding that detailed zoning items such as setbacks, building height and parking will be addressed during the formal review process.

Agency planning staff told the board the developer plans 14 townhomes — seven one‑bedroom units and seven two‑bedroom units — with underground parking. Staff noted the site is currently zoned CMD (central mixed district), which typically requires commercial on the first floor; because the concept does not include commercial space, the developer would likely request approval as a planned unit development (PUD) that allows negotiated departures from the ordinance.

Board members offered mixed reactions. A committee member who moved the motion to adopt the resolution said residents frequently ask for fewer apartments and more single‑family homes; another member described concerns about repeated two‑story, blocky architecture altering the downtown character. Planning staff emphasized this is an early, conceptual step and that formal hearings and engineering review remain ahead: "This is certainly not the last conversation about this project," an agency official said.

Members also pressed on parking and potential spillover into adjacent neighborhoods. Staff said the concept includes substantial underground parking and that the developer has discussed potential shared‑parking agreements with the neighboring Old Port property owner to address visitor parking needs.

Chair moved the resolution of support and Valerie seconded; roll call votes were taken and the motion passed with multiple members voting yes and two members opposed. The board did not approve design details at this meeting — it recorded support for the concept to allow the application to move forward to planning commission for the formal PUD/site‑plan review.

Next steps: staff said the developer will submit a formal application to the planning commission, which would set a public hearing before any final approvals and a subsequent city council decision.