It was standing room only at Clarkston Planning Commission’s Monday meeting, where planners recommended approval of Special Land Use for Rooftop Dining and Patio at 3 E. Church Street and 28 S. Main.
The two downtown properties are adjacent. The E. Church building is currently rented by the city for its DPW, and 28 S. Main is the current location for Morgan’s. The property owner, Union Joints, wants to renovate it into restaurants seating up to 138.
The commission tabled a request to recommend conditional zoning of 59 S. Main, currently an apartment building, to also become a restaurant. This property is owned by CBC Investments of Waterford.
City ordinances require 14-20 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet for restaurants. None of the plans include parking.
The commission recommended city council complete a parking study. Bob Roth, an owner of Washington Management, said he cannot believe parking was not addressed by the commission.
‘It’s disgusting there are so many rules they don’t follow,? he said.
In response to a question from city resident Lorry Mahler during the meeting, City Manager Carol Eberhardt denied telling The Clarkston News, ‘The planning commission is really the experts when it comes to parking issues and requirements? (“Downtown parking questions up to planners,” July 15).
‘I don’t remember saying this,” said Eberhardt in an email, July 21. “I most likely said the council could refer the parking issue to the planning commission ? they can.”
City council could refer the issue back to the planning commission, order a parking study, or do nothing, she said.
“I don’t make a decision, and often what I say is simply a suggestion,” she said.
City Council will discuss the issues for possible approval at Monday’s meeting. Council meets at 7 p.m., July 27, at city hall, 375 Depot Road.