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AUGUST 1, 2024 • Vol. 4, No. 16
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ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS SPREADS HAPPINESS IN NOVI • PAGE 3A
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City Council to consider whether Society Hill will be developed under old or new plan BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
A new housing development will be erected at the intersection of 12 1/2 Mile Road and Novi Road. Developer E & M Holdings LLC, aka Society Hill, has had the right to build on the property since 1999. Many residents have taken the time to voice their dismay during City Council meetings at the idea that the wetlands that now encompass the area will soon be replaced with apartments, townhomes and villas. Several said they paid extra for their properties because of the proximity to the wetlands. Other residents were concerned about the effects of increased traffic to the area. However, as valid as their concerns may be, city representatives have stressed that the council is not deciding whether or not to allow the land to be developed, but rather whether or not to allow E & M Holdings to update its now 25-year-old plan. The devel-
oper has had an approved site plan for the area since 1999, and a consent judgment in favor of the developer has been in place since 2001. The consent judgment allows the developer to renew the site plan annually with the city by showing intent to develop the right to build, and the developer has done this like clockwork for the past many years. As recently as July 22, the City Council approved the renewal of the 1999 plan as per the consent judgment. “I think what is important for people to know is that the developer could put a shovel in the ground today and go, ‘We’re building what was approved in 1999,’” said Sheryl Walsh-Malloy, communications director for the city of Novi. “So, it’s not if we want a project. What the City Council is debating over is, do we want the 1999 product or do we want an enhanced neighborhood product with their proposed 2024 (site plan).” The new site plan calls for 463 residential units, 98% of which offer private out-
See SOCIETY HILL on page 12A Photo by Erin Sanchez
After 25 years, this area near 12 1/2 Mile and Novi roads is likely to be developed into a large residential housing complex.
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