Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Changes to Country Creek Commons Shopping Center

Residents who live near Country Creek Commons shopping plaza expressed concerns about proposed changes to the retail center Tuesday evening during a public hearing at the Oakland Township Planning Commission meeting. 

Country Creek Commons owner Burton-Katzman is seeking three amendments to the current Planned Unit Development, which was put in place when the complex was built in 1992.

The amendments include the ability to add veterinary clinics and animal grooming, the ability to have unspecified special events on the site and amending the current signage regulations on the site to include a 6-foot by 7-foot electronic sign on the northwest corner of the intersection.

“What we’re seeking to do is expand the range of uses," said Chuck DiMaggio, who represents Burton-Katzman.

“I really feel like it’s a lot less safe for the residents," said Oakland Township resident Marion Janeshek, who lives adjacent to Country Creek Commons. Janeshek cited increased foot traffic through the neighborhood, excess debris from the nearby businesses and possible noise and waste pollution from the proposed veterinary clinic as potential problems for residents.

"I have kids cutting through my yard all the time; I might have other people cutting through my yard all the time," Janeshek said. "If there could be some kind of protection for residents … I know I would feel safer, and I would also feel much more protected."

“That’s going to bring more traffic, more debris to the area," said Rose Blackshea, who also lives near the shopping center. Blackshea said she is also concerned about soundproofing at the proposed veterinary clinic.

James Carter, Oakland Township Planning Commission chairperson, also read two emails from residents in the adjacent Country Creek subdivision who oppose the amendment requests.

Earlier this year, Burton-Katzman had proposed adding a Kroger gasoline station and a drive-through restaurant to the current amendment requests; the Planning Commission ultimately to the Oakland Township Board of Trustees in March.

Tuesday evening's public hearing served only to ascertain public comment on the amendment request; no formal decision was made, and no votes were cast during the meeting. Burton-Katzman may now ask the commission to vote to recommend its new PUD amendment request to the Board of Trustees.