Last night the Lincoln Park Planning Commission approved the re-zonning of 1312 - 1328 Fort Street from Neighborhood Business District (NBD) to Municipal Business District (MBD) despite the fact that McKenna Associates (our planner) recommended denial. Current owner of the property is Don Hodges who owns Clffords Auto Body Shop. John Kizy. former owner of Pinewood Market who now owns Lincoln Park Palace at 900 Fort Street has an offer to buy the property and build a Marathon Gas Station with perhaps a Blimpies Sub Shop. Representing Mr. Kizy as Counsel is retired Judge De Laurentis.

Judge De Laurentis spoke that Mr. Hodges has had the property for sale for a long time. Mr. Hodges has owned it for 12 years now. One other offer had fallen through.

Speaking out in favor of the proposed development was Dan Lobb of Flowers by Lobb which is on the opposite corner. Speaking out against it was myself and Fred. I cited current crime problems, potential increased crime and current traffic problems at University and Fort Street.
Fred knows John Kizy from his Pinewood days but stated current problems with the prostitutes at Fort Street and Cicotte as well as Fort Street and University. Fred's concerns were that if it was a 24 hour business it would attract much of the nightlife such as the prostitutes.

The planning commission commented that the architectural design of the station was very nice. Mr. Richard Fines commented that he had grown up in that area and was familiar with the problems but wasn't certain if this development would bring additional crime. Another planning commissioner asked Mr. Kizy if he owned the building directly south of him. His pet peeve is that building and he wondered if Mr. Kizy knew the building owner. Mr. Kizy replied that he did not own the building.

Another planning commission inquired on a Blimpies that had initially been in the BP station on Outer Drive prior to the Subway. He wanted to know why they were only there for a short period of time.

Afterwards we talked to John Kizy and Don Hodges. John Kizy showed us the plans for the building. The architectural is very nice. It is 100% brick across the front with a small decorative wrought iron fence to partially decorate the top of the building. The building would sit along the rear of the lot unlike Cliffords which sits at the front of the lot. Access would to to Fort Street and Cicotte. John Kizy said that it would NOT be a 24 hour store which made us feel better. They would also not sell any beer or wine - just pop, juice, milk etc.

Mr. Kizy stated that this would be a $1 million project.
I asked if he owed taxes on 1306 Fort Street which he said he did not. He said he's been fighting with "the treasurer" over it for years.

Don Hodges told us that he wants to sell because the collision repair business is hard to make money at these days. The insurance companies refer their customers to the larger shops with the high tech equipment. For an older shop like his it is almost impossible to update it.

The planner from McKenna stated that it was the opinion of the city attorney and themselves that the Moratorium on gas stations was lifted in February 2004 but for only 30 days.

Last nights approval was only to change the zoning. Additional levels of approval are also needed such as by the Mayor and Council.

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Isn't it odd how land speculators buy property and when they cannot turn a quick profit, they want to change ordinances.

I see the LP Planning Commission has proven to be weak kneed

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A Five Year Millage? Yes
A non-limited Millage? Never
Vote NO on Proposal R

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Magoo...they stated how this property has been for sale for years. However, Mr. Kandes asked me if there was ever a sign. I only remember a 'for lease sign' but I've only lived there for 8 years and the current owner has owned it for 12 years. I understand his problems with crime, trying to find the right buyer, and trying to make a go in a competitive business but at the same time our city does not have anyone trying to recruit new businesses to Lincoln Park. When I mentioned that last night several of the planning commissioners nodded their heads in agreement.

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If I buy some homes in LP and have a hard time selling them, can I expect the Planning Commission to rezone the property so I can make a buck?.

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I think Leslie would be an outstanding promoter of LP.
Leslie, go sell yourself to the powers that be. They and we would be very fortunate to have you as our PR person!

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Leslie (09-08-05), DonnaBird (09-08-05), assistant (09-08-05)

Thanks! You are very sweet!!

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All depends on who ya know, I 'spose.

Also, gas stations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties are barred from selling alcohol products by law, so far as I know; it isn't a choice for the owner. Don't think he's "doing the right thing" by choice. Although I do not agree with that law.

And if no one else is interested in building on the site or using the property for something constructive, why not allow someone to build a gas station. Does it really matter if there is a gas station on every block? As long as their tanks are maintained and up to code, what would be the problem?

As for the 24 hour deal, I would venture to bet that if and when the gas station was in place for a while, they would go to a 24 hour schedule, regardless of what is said now.

And what is the differences between MBD and NBD?

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I do not recall the differences between MBD and NBD. There are certain types of businesses allowed for each classification.

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I totally agree she would be awewsome at this type of job.

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Leslie (09-08-05)