Building owners dispute proposed downtown Northville zoning change
A recent public hearing scheduled by members of the Northville Planning Commission drew conflicting opinions about the impact of a new proposal to prohibit new street-level offices in key blocks of the downtown area.
The proposed change to zoning laws is an effort to protect retail spaces from office tenants, supporters said. Currently, some retail spaces are being displaced by tenants willing to pay a premium for street level office space. Those in opposition to the proposal, including building owners, are not in favor of the change, claiming it could limit their rentals,
During the packed hearing at city hall last week, Community Development Director Justin Quagliata said the Central Business District, at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, is a prized commercial area in the city. He said rising property values are creating pressure on the spaces that make it thrive. He noted that currently, there are no vacancies downtown.
He cautioned however that as demand for downtown space grows, businesses looking for office space are increasingly offering higher lease payments for restaurants for street-level storefronts than retailers and restaurants.
The zoning change would require office users to occupy upper floors in the area including two blocks on Main Street and one block on North Center Street.
Quagliata also emphasized that the ordinance would not force out any existing street-level offices.
"They would be able to continue to operate under the ordinance without any ramifications," Quagliata said.
Northville business owner Dan Welch said the proposal was overreach, arguing that the city cannot legislate consumer demand. He said the new ordinance would place a financial burden on property owners looking to attract or build out tenants and limit his options as a property owner.
Several audience members opposing the proposed zoning change suggested planning commissioners delay moving forward with the proposal, which ultimately would have to go before members of the city council for any final decision.
