Politics & Government

5 Key Points in Clawson Downtown District Rezoning Plan

Clawson seeks to enhance the city's downtown area with a rezoning plan which was introduced to the City Council at Tuesday's meeting. The intent of the plan is to preserve and maintain the downtown character of Clawson, city officials said in a memo from May.

The first reading comes just weeks after the Clawson Downtown Development Authority was awarded a grant by the state of Michigan to install pedestrian crossing islands on 14 Mile Road. Visit the city's website for more information on zoning regulations (PDF).

1.
The proposed district extends the downtown district in Clawson on the north side up to mid-block on North Main Street between Hendrickson and E. Baker; westside of West 14 Mile Road to include the senior high-rise few commercial properties; east side on East 14 Mile Road to include few parcels east of High Street and Bellevue; and south side on either sides of South Main Street up to Nakota Avenue. Visit the city's website for a complete list of addresses and parcel identification numbers (PDF).

2. The proposed district is currently home to a variety of uses; from City Hall to Clawson Schools, offices, restaurants, and a few existing non-conforming residences. The rezoning will likely not alter the non-conforming status of any residential uses as long as the property owners choose to keep the residential use.

3. The proposed district is consistent with the January 2009 Clawson master plan, which identifies all the parcels noted as part of the creation of several "corridor" districts.

4. The proposed district should not hinder public health, safety, and welfare, according to city officials. Future site plan approval requests in the district will come with concerns for any adverse impacts of the sort.

5. The proposed district is intended to help revitalize parcels which abut the current downtown area, according to city officials. Accommodated uses are chosen in part based on a minimal impact on quality of life issues. 

Do you support the rezoning measures? What are your concerns?


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