COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposed site plan for the Milnes Plaza development on Monday night. They will be reviewing the phasing, lighting, signage, landscaping, and storm water details of the conditionally approved Lofts at Milnes Plaza multi-family residential building as well as the reconstruction of the plaza.
On a 4-2 vote last February, the Planning Commission approved the preliminary site plan and a special use permit for the proposed four story, 50 unit apartment complex.
It was one of several hurdles that the project had to clear.
Last July, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority approved almost $990,000 in conditional Low Income Housing Tax Credits for the project.
The proposed development has sparked considerable debate locally.
While Mayor Tom Kramer has backed the project citing the city’s need for affordable housing, several citizens have spoken against it because they feel it will adversely affect downtown parking and hinder downtown development. Opponents have also wondered if such a multi-family residential development is appropriate in the downtown.
Monday’s Planning Commission agenda also includes a public hearing on a request from Camping World Property for the installation of an Outdoor Sales, Storage and Display of Recreational Vehicles that would be used in connection with Retail Sales on the property at 373 North Willowbrook Road.
