Residential units could be coming to Hartland Towne Square if the property’s management company and developers are able to sway township officials.

RAMCO Gershenson representatives recently met with Hartland Township officials to discuss potentially changing the allowable use of 20 acres within the development, which is located on M-59, adjacent to US-23. The development is home to Meijer, Taco Bell, Belle Tire, Tim Hortons, Culver’s and soon, the Emagine Entertainment movie theater.

The property is currently designated as commercial use; however Ramco reps are proposing the northwest corner be changed to multiple-family residential. Ramco is currently working with residential development company Redwood Apartment Homes to possibly bring apartment units to the property.

Ramco’s Senior Vice President of Development, Edward Eickhoff, came before the township’s Planning Commission Thursday to hear their thoughts on the proposal, as it would require amending the original Planned Development. Eickoff told commissioners the ability to lease the property for commercial use has been “challenging at best”. Several commissioners said there was a standard Redwood would have to meet in order for them to be on board with the zoning change, noting that they weren’t impressed with Redwood’s example pictures.

Planning Commission Chairperson Larry Fox said they would “need to up their game”. Commissioner Tom Murphy wasn’t present at the meeting, but said in an email prior to that he could not support a request to rezone the acreage to residential. The township’s Board of Trustees is also expected to weigh in on the issue at their February 20th meeting. (DK)