COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – On a 6-0 vote with three members absent, the City of Coldwater Planning Commission approved a site plan Monday night from the American Moslem Society for a proposed two story building which would contain a mosque and language school at the current site of the Society’s cultural center at 129 Perkins.
The 33,000 square foot building would be constructed on two-and-a-half acres of land.
The Planning Commission approved a special use permit request last December so the building can be in a A-2 One and Two Family Residential zoned district.
The site plan was approved on six contingencies. They include a storm water management plan that satisfies city staff, all right-of-way facilities have to be built to specifications and approved by the city, parking is installed in a quantity that satisfies the Planning Commission and the city staff, lighting features be directed downward and in a manner that does not extend beyond the boundaries of the site and all signs comply with city sign ordinances.
Traffic and parking have been among the concerns raised. City Planner Dean Walrack said the applicant is now proposing 89 parking spaces.
The plans have been drawn up by Professional Contracting and Consulting of Detroit.
Walrack earlier said the place of worship use will be the primary function of the site. Education would be limited to weekends and only deal with religious and cultural studies.
