Weigh In On the Future of Orchard Lake Road During Special Meeting Wednesday

How should Orchard Lake Road look like five years? How about 10 years?

Those are the questions West Bloomfield Township is looking to answer at a meeting Wednesday morning, held by West Bloomfield's Town Center Task Force.

Created in mid-December by the West Bloomfield Township Board, the task force is charged with evaluating the area along Orchard Lake Road between 14 Mile and Pinehurst Court, near Maple Road. 

At the heart of the issue is the township ordinance that governs development in that area, frequently called the center district. The area is largely populated by retail and office buildings.

According to Senior Planner Sara Roediger, township code has specific requirements for buildings in that area, including requirements for multiple stories, zero lot setbacks and having parking in the rear.

At the December meeting of the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees, Trustee Larry Brown said the ordinance could be outdated. He said business owners in that area frequently come to the township looking for ways to get around the rules.

At that meeting, however, Brown said the first thing the township should do is figure out what kind of problem they have.

"I would like to see some changes, but I think the first thing we need to know is where are we going in this community," Brown said. 

On Wednesday, the township will be looking to residents for answers.

"Any thoughts people may have on these topics would be greatly appreciated," Roediger said. "I am excited to help identify possible changes that could be made that will result in a more successful Orchard lake Road corridor."

The meeting starts at 8 a.m. Wednesday at West Bloomfield Town Hall. If you can't make the meeting, email your comments to Roediger at s_roediger@wbtwp.com.