Meadowlake Hills development approved

A final site plan for a planned unit development (PUD) by TRG Holdings and Nosan Signature Homes, to redevelop the former Meadow Lake Elementary School into 17 detached homes, was unanimously approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, March 26.

Patti Voelker, director of planning, building and ordinance, explained the 12-acre site, located at 7100 Lindenmere Drive, near Inkster and Maple roads, would be developed as a planned single family residential development to be called Meadowlake Hills. Of the 12 acres, one parcel, on two acres, would be a single family home. The balance of the property, which is currently owned by the Birmingham Public School district, about 10-acres, would be developed as a planned unit development with 17 detached residential units.

“They would have frontage off of Inkster road, and all of the lots would be on one contiguous cul-de-sac,” Voelker said.

She explained about two acres were required to be dedicated for open space on the property, to provide access to residents, pedestrians, as a pathway to Meadow Lake Drive and to act as a buffer. There will also be a retention basin along Inkster that will be incorporated into the landscape plan.

“The integration of natural features along Lindenmere will provide no impact to residents,” she said.

John Ackerman, the developer with TRG Holdings, said that 3.76 acres of open space would provide a perimeter of greenbelt around the property. Sidewalks and walking trails would connect to existing walking paths.

“There's also a nice natural greenbelt along Lindenmere,” he said.

He assured trustees they would not build “cookie-cutter little houses. They will predominantly be ranch-style homes, between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet.” Prices will range between $500,000 and $800,000, and some homes will have lower level walkouts.

“Demolition of the school, I understand, is being handled by Birmingham Public Schools,” said supervisor Leo Savoie, to assurances from the developer and builder.

Nosan said they had done other infill projects, including two in the township.

As for a timeline, Nosan said, “The plan is for the school district to be out of the site by late summer and turn it over to us, and for us to get in the roads and underground utilities by late fall and begin construction of the homes. We anticipate about three years to construct all of the homes.”

“It's a creative way of developing this land, and it's an improvement,” said clerk Jan Roncelli.