DesignHaus on behalf of WJ Ventures LLC, have petitioned and submitted plans to the Berkley Planning Commission to construction a high-density Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the east side of Coolidge, south of Cambridge and north and south of Columbia. A portion of this building would span across Columbia via bridge. The PUD is a three and a half-story building with plans showing 57 multi-family units butting up to a single-family, residential neighborhood. The general location is 11-mile and Coolidge. 

The proposed project would demolish the homes already in existence, change the character of our neighborhoods and set a precedence for future projects right next to your home!

First look at the traffic congestion, which is already horrendous at that intersection, increased congestion on already terrible Coolidge, and possibility for additional accidents/pedestrian deaths or injuries. Let’s take a moment to think about the kids. There is a high school and elementary school just a few blocks away and into the subdivision. Imagine hundreds of extra cars racing through the subdivision streets to avoid the congestion of 11-mile and Coolidge so they can reach their loft. This will happen because we are talking about quarter to half mile long lines of cars already.

According to the plans this PUD is right up against normal homes with no barrier beyond a vinyl fence (discussed during the 26th public meeting). Ordinance requires a concrete wall, but they don’t have room for that, so a waiver is being provided.  Some other concerns include but are not limited to light pollution, sound pollution, the quality of the environment, additional flooding, and electrical stress. There is extra concern for privacy of the homes it backs up against. Individuals on the 2nd and 3rd floor would be looking directly into the backyards and windows of multiples homes! The sound made from these residents would travel farther due to height, and lack of barrier or distance from these homes. Your master bedroom is no longer private, and I guess no more fan in the window on a cool summer night. 

City staff and consultants have reviewed the plans and provided several comments including: projections on Coolidge that protrude further into the allowable setback than permitted, deficient front setback on Coolidge, DPW citing sever items, and you guessed it...deficient number of parking spaces per current ordinance. This PUD will only have 1.4 parking spaces per unit. How many families do you know with less than 2 cars? I don't know any. A quick Google search shows the state of Michigan has 2.1 cars per household. Where will these extra cars park? Where will visitors park? The answer is in our neighborhood streets, and in front of your home. 

Too many concessions and waivers are being made to "squeeze" this foot into the glass slipper. This location does NOT fit. 

The Planning Commission and City Council can deny the construction of this PUD. We, the petitioners, request that the Planning Commission and City Council deny this project. 

We urge the Commissioners and Council members to protect the character and value of our city, our neighborhoods, and our properties. Protect Berkley. Please don't allow this multi-family to be built.