West Bloomfield

Maple-Orchard buildings to be cleared for development

By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The long-planned retail and office complex known as the Maple Orchard Commercial Development is getting ready to take root at a busy intersection in West Bloomfield, the township Board of Trustees learned at its June 18 meeting.

Doraid Markus of Maple Orchard Associates LLC said he wants to start tearing down existing buildings, including a BP gas station and the former Larco’s Italian Grill, at the corner of Maple and Orchard Lake roads. Doing so will make the room required to build his proposed two-story, mixed-use commercial building.

Markus said he was hoping to come for a demolition permit in a week’s time, and he hoped to begin working once the permit’s waiting period expires.

Trustee Larry Brown was pleased with the news. “By the first week of July, you’ll be rocking and rolling,” he said.

Township board members have been excited about the prospects of the commercial development in past meetings. They say the building’s 25,099 square feet of space will host a medical office on the second floor and retail shops on the first.

According to officials, an upscale Tim Hortons with a drive-thru window is planned to serve baked goods while giving indoor customers plenty of space to sit and relax.

In previous addresses, Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste said she hoped that the property would add to the Orchard Lake/Maple intersection’s downtown flair.

Besides finding out the demolition plans, the township board also unanimously agreed to approve site plan amendments to the development.

According to a township document, the developer’s proposed amendments included altering the planned building’s façade and getting rid of a second-floor false rail and balcony.

Although West Bloomfield’s Planning Commission approved those ideas at its June 12 meeting, it had its own list of requests for the developer to follow. Those included making green space a priority near an eastern patio and screening any future grease waste bin.

On top of that, Brown wanted the property to have a moisture sensor in its irrigation system, so the sprinklers wouldn’t go off while it’s raining. He also wanted the township to prepare a property maintenance and repair document, so the building’s standards can be kept up.

Markus said the township’s wish list for accommodations seemed fair and appropriate. “We just look forward to hurry up and get this project started,” he said. “We’re anxious. This is the last step, hopefully.”

Trustee Steven Kaplan pointed out the community’s expectations of the project.

“Your project has been well-publicized in various local papers,” he said. “Many members of the community are very excited about this project. They look forward to it being completed. So I know the board appreciates all your efforts.”

To learn more about the proposal, visit www.wbtwp.com or call (248) 451-4800.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1058.