Commons South condominium plans approved

Plans for a 12-unit condominium development along the north side of Shortridge Road, east of Livernois, were unanimously approved on Monday, January 22, by Rochester Hills City Council.

The development, named The Commons South, will include a dozen single-family homes on about four acres of land, which will front onto Donaldson Road. The homes are expected to range from 2,500-square feet to 3,500 square feet in size and sell for $360,000 to $460,000. The plan includes a density of 2.4-units per acre, which is below the 3.4 units-per acre that is permitted under the city's zoning ordinance.

The developer, Vaqar Siddiqui, of Bloomfield Hills, voluntarily plans to retain about 35 percent of the existing trees at the site. However, he is not required to do so, as the site doesn't fall under the city's tree ordinance requirements.

Councilwoman Susan Bowyer said she was pleased with the tree preservation efforts at the site, and inquired whether there would be a uniformity to the homes being built, or wide variations. Staff indicated that sizes would be limited by the amount of space at the location, but could vary as the developer is working with different builders on construction.

In addition to the retention of trees at the site, the development will include a passive park at the northeast corner.

The project first came before the city in 2015, with a preliminary site plan approved by the planning commission in October of that year and by city council in December of 2015. Council on Monday approved the site plan, which is subject to a half-dozen conditions.

The conditions on the site plan require the developer to provide all off-site easements, on-site conservation easements and agreements for approval prior to construction plan approval; provide a landscape bond of $12,500, plus inspection fees; payment of $2,400 into the city's tree fund for street trees; approval of all required permits and approvals from outside agencies; provide a master deed; and comply with all staff memos prior to final approval by staff.