Quick Hits: Dunham's Building Vacancy Discussed

Among the highlights of the West Bloomfield Township Board meeting Monday night were as follows. Stay tuned to Patch for a more in-depth look at the issues discussed later this week:

Dunham's building vacancy discussed

Redevelopment at the former Dunham's Sports building at the corner of Northwestern Highway and Orchard Lake Road will have to wait a little longer, after a board vote.

A motion to ask township officials to draft a zoning amendment which would be necessary to allow for an indoor storage facility to move in was voted down, 4-3.

At its Dec. 20 meeting, the board moved to consider a review of the ordinance with regard to the township's center district area, in which the property is located. However, Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste said at the time that the review would not halt future development proposals amid concern from the applicants.

According to ownership, the building has laid vacant for three years.

Henry Ford Hospital expansion 

West Bloomfield Township officials will work closely with Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital to expand the hospital's offerings with an ambitious plan of new facilities.

The township board unanimously approved a zoning text amendment which would allow the hospital to build on the undeveloped, southern half of the 160 acres it owns on the Maple Road property.

Facilities currently being considered at the proposed medical campus include freestanding surgical outpatient centers or hospitals, independent elderly housing, and a "medical hotel." 

Township Board meetings are usually held on Monday night at Town Hall. Follow along on Twitter at @WBloomfldPatch or Facebook at West Bloomfield Patch. View a replay of the proceedings by tuning in to Civic Center TV or watch meetings live online. View the complete agenda packet on www.wbtwp.com.