Members of the Westland City Council will soon consider approval of some new neighbors in the community following approval of plans for a serpentarium by the planning commissioners.
Members of the planning commission approved the plans for the reptile exhibition earlier this month. Michael Wilson requested the permit during the March 4 meeting and after some discussion was awarded his request to bring the new business to a 1,000 square-foot space at 958 Newburgh Road in the city. The location is in a retail plaza.
Wilson told members of the commission that the reptiles, included snakes, monitor lizards and alligators would be sed in secure enclosures.
He said a Florida-based partner would take any reptiles that outgrow the enclosures provided at the new space.
According to current city zoning, amusement-based businesses qualify as special land uses under the CB3 General Commercial Business zoning. No objections to the request or plan was submitted by city fire. Police or legal departments and research presented found no additional regulations necessary at the city level.
Following concerns from Commissioner Debra Fowlkes, Wilson outlined strict security measures designed to ensure that the reptiles would not escape. He said the animals and facility would include video surveillance inside the serpentarium.
The proposal for the new business will now go before the members of the city council for consideration.
