Livonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Livonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Golden Oaks Village senior housing PILOT
The Housing Commission plans 100 income-restricted senior cottages on 9.5 acres of city land next to Newburgh Village, financed largely by state low-income housing tax credits. The 3% PILOT would take the site from $0 in taxes to roughly $37,000 a year once built and occupied.
HOA seat at the table in new developments
A homeowners association leader said residents get no input when developers hand over common areas, leaving HOAs stuck with defective work after bonds are released. He asked for a policy change at building, inspection and engineering.
Regulating data centers in Livonia
The commission considered starting the process of writing zoning rules that would define and regulate data centers in Livonia — a growing land-use issue as facilities expand across Michigan.
14-unit condominium proposed on Five Mile Road
Oasisbuild, LLC is seeking approval for a 14-unit multi-family residential condominium on the north side of Five Mile Road. It would add new housing options in a corridor that already mixes residential and commercial uses.
Sidewalk connectivity on Fairlane Avenue
A developer wants out of building sidewalks at four new homes, but the city's walkability goals say otherwise. Eleven existing homes on the street already lack sidewalks, fueling the debate.
Seven Mile Road planned residential development
Infinity Homes proposes seven attached ranch-style homes plus two single-family houses at the corner of Seven Mile and Floral. The project would bring multi-family housing to a currently single-family corner.
Seven Mile/Farmington development agreement extension
The residential development approved in 2024 hasn't pulled a building permit yet; the developer wants a one-year extension. Council noted the fenced site has become an eyesore and wants a fuller discussion.
Clover Self Storage expansion
Contineo Group wants to build two more self-storage buildings at the existing Clover Self Storage site, which requires tweaking conditions from a 2016 rezoning deal.
Wonderland Flats permit deadline extension
The apartment project's developers want two more years to apply for permits under a court-enforced consent judgment. Council wants a full committee briefing first, and questions remain about what has already been built on the site.
Public comment period on the city planning booklet
Resident Jim Biga said the promised 45-day comment period and public hearing on the city's planning booklet never happened as expected; the planning director said a re-hearing with at least 45 more days of comment is anticipated.
Oval Auto expansion into former Dobby's Tuxedo building
The Chambre family, running Oval Auto next door for ~25 years, wants to renovate the long-vacant Dobby's building into an expanded repair shop with about seven bays — a visible cleanup of Plymouth Road.
Luxe Events banquet facility at 27600 Schoolcraft Road
A new 150-person event center in the former BBS distillery space needs a waiver, including a waiver of the 300-foot residential separation. Council pushed the item to regular agenda to nail down closing hours, noise and neighbor outreach.
Clean Express car wash Fox Drive access condition
A 25-foot strip of land owned by an unresponsive landowner is holding up both a car wash development and a $1.2 million traffic signal at Six Mile and Fox Drive that Masco, Schoolcraft College and seven other developers are helping fund. Council split on whether to soften the access condition and will vote June 1.
Sidewalk waiver on Shadyside Street
The city would let a developer skip building sidewalks where none exist nearby — a neighborhood walkability question a resident spoke up about.
Sale of City-Owned Parcel at 34200 Hathaway Street
A developer offered $40,000 for a city-owned lot appraised at $85,000, hoping to build a single-family home. Council opted to route the sale through public bidding to ensure the city recovers demolition and acquisition costs.
Gas station expansion at Merriman and Schoolcraft
Safiedine Merriman LLC wants to nearly double the existing gas station building, with a full facelift in brick and metal panels, a new trash enclosure, and a sidewalk connection ahead of a planned hotel next door.
Car wash at Buca di Beppo site
Multiple residents urged the council to rescind its December 17 approval of the car wash at the Buca di Beppo site, arguing Councilmember Ptashnik's own comments on car-wash oversaturation justify a new vote by the current council. Ptashnik clarified rescission can be moved by any member.