Unprepared developers frustrate zoning panel, which delays votes

Panel members said the developers have a checklist to follow.
By JEANNE STARMACK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Township zoning commissioners showed their frustration with two developers who were unprepared for reviews on their housing development plans.
The zoning panel did not reject the plans, but it delayed voting on them until Oct. 6 to give the developers more time to correct deficiencies.
Chuck Whitman of CTW Development submitted a final plan for a planned unit development on 21 acres in the Westford development behind U.S. Route 224 between Tippecanoe and Raccoon roads. Called Wakehurst Village, the development will include 66 single-family units.
Whitman also submitted preliminary plans for two more PUDs within the development.
The panel, however, was not satisfied that one of the plans contained sufficient details, and it did not review the other PUD.
What was wrong
Missing from the developer's final plans were details on traffic patterns, utilities, an association agreement, landscaping, lighting, information on a performance bond to ensure development will go forward, and approval from the Cardinal Joint Fire District's fire chief.
The fire district serves the city and township.
Westford is a 400-acre mixed-use development that is to include a shopping center, office space, single-family homes, condos and villas, a hotel and a golf course.
Ken Zuzik of KPZ Development presented his final plan for a PUD called Abbey Road, named for The Beatles' 1969 album.
"Now I'm afraid," Zuzik joked as he approached the panel after listening to what members said about Whitman's plan.
KPZ plans 62 homes on 18 acres south of Route 224 between Summit and Raccoon roads.
The panel said the Abbey Road plan lacked sufficient details on storm drainage, landscaping, a performance bond and the fire chief's approval, and it also needs a better-defined area for green space.
PUDs, which allow more houses to be built on less acreage, are required to have 20 percent green space in their plans.
Scolded developers
The commission told the developers they should have been better prepared. They said developers have a checklist of items needed in their final plans.
"You knew you weren't prepared tonight. Did you expect us to pass it?" panel member Jon Ulicney asked Zuzik.
"Some things were beyond our control," Zuzik said.
Whitman said he might have canceled his appearance before the panel, but he didn't want to lose the $750 fee he paid for submitting the plan.
Panel members expressed frustration that developers come to the meetings unprepared. They said all the information on the checklist, even if it was previously submitted to the panel, should be submitted again at the final review.