A subdivision plan in a wooded spot off Dixie Highway has residents worried.
Developer Michael Furnari plans to develop a 26-acre piece of land just south of I-75 on the east side of Dixie Highway at Deerhill Drive.
Homeowner Gary Gavulic knows property can be developed, but wants it to be developed into a “beautiful property.”
‘Would that beautiful neighborhood not be full of winding streets, that follow the natural ridges and valleys of the land, mature trees, play areas and community gathering spaces,” Gavulic asked.
‘Who will speak for the 100-year-old maple trees in Clarkston,” asked resident Chelsea O’Brien.
Based out of Troy, Furnari of Fairview Building is planning to build 69 houses on the Independence Township property, at the border with Springfield Township.
Called at about 8:30 p.m., March 23, Furnari declined to comment.
‘Call me during business hours,? he said.
The next morning, he declined to speak on the record.
The plan for the development shows houses built close to Dixie Highway, extending north and south to the rear of existing homes on Deerhill Drive.
‘Where in the plans are areas for play-space, recreation or room for existing woodlands or natural landscapes,? Cyndi Coe asked.
Coe cited the township’s Master Plan, which limits development on the parcel to 60 homes.
Gavulic said the development plans ‘mimics the wall-to-wall density and mass cookie cutter subdivisions often found in many other communities, not in Clarkston,? he said.
Residents said high-density development doesn’t match the character of adjacent properties.
Another major problem was plans for sewage and drainage to be routed into Deer Lake Farms, with numerous wetlands, creeks and waters including Deer Lake.
The Planning Commission approved preliminary site plan in summer 2014, but denied the final site plan in December, citing lack of natural space, tree buffering, sewage, drainage, and utility easement space.
Township Supervisor Pat Kittle said newly submitted plans for the development are being reviewed by township planners and engineers.
‘Plans were re-submitted to address concerns with the development,? Kittle said. ‘Our planning consultants and engineering firm are reviewing them.?
He assured residents township rules will be followed and concerns will be addressed.
To move forward, the township Planning Commission must sign off on the plan, and the Board of Trustees must grant final approval.
A Planning Commission meeting on the site plan was scheduled for April 9, but has been postponed to April 23.