Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Will the proposed residential North Street project in Brighton help with downtown parking or create a bigger headache?

The five-story apartment project, which received preliminary site plan approval during a recent City Planning Commission, was discussed by both City Council and the public during Tuesday’s meeting. It would cover 300 W. North Street and 131 Hyne Street. Fifth-Third Bank currently sits in the location, but is scheduled to be demolished once it moves to its new location on W. Main Street.

The developers said they would build a 130-spot parking lot for use solely by the public to help alleviate what many say is a lack of parking downtown, along with creating more green space for Brighton. The site would feature a separate 281-spot lot for the residents.

Multiple members of City Council voiced their support for more parking in the area, but said that five stories may be too high for downtown. City Council members also said the project most likely wouldn’t remain in its current configuration by the time it reaches final approval, if it makes it that far.

City Manager Gretchen Gomolka said the price for the City to build a new parking lot would be significant, adding that if property values dropped, and with it taxes, the City may need to make cuts to other areas to ensure debt payments are made.

The City currently leases several lots, including the two that will be lost as the project moves forward. Part of the concern when leasing lots is that private owners can decide to sell at any time.

Projects such as this one often have multiple meetings, sometimes bouncing back and forth as new designs are drawn up to meet requirements, before they ever make it to a final approval.

Mayor Kristoffer L Tobbe said if the project isn’t approved at five stories, the developers could still build a shorter complex based on the zoning for the area.

During the call to the public, residents raised concerns over more traffic congestion, whether the new lot would help with parking due to an increase in the number of Brighton residents the complex would add and height concerns. Some residents also pushed for a greater emphasis on walkability in the City instead of increasing parking, resulting in more cars and safety concerns for pedestrians and those who live in the area.

One woman who lives on W. Main Street said it took her much longer to get out of her driveway due to traffic.

Residents who have questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to City Council. Council member Renee Pettengill cautioned believing everything posted on social media, adding that City Council is happy to answer any questions people may have.

Both the Planning Commission and City Council will have future meetings to discuss the project. The next Planning Commission meeting is July 7 and the next City Council meeting is July 8.

(photo credit: Brighton City Council via YouTube)