ROYAL OAK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — A controversial Royal Oak apartment complex is set to be built despite the protests of hundreds of residents.
At its Monday evening meeting, the city commission voted unanimously in favor of the development.
Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier said the building will provide more affordable housing in the city, which will help many of the people who may work in Royal Oak but can’t afford to buy a home there. However, some residents have protested the development, saying they are fine with an apartment complex, but not with a building as large as the one the city approved.
One of their biggest concerns is the extra traffic.
“It’s an absolute nightmare to dump 60 to 80 vehicles into this tiny intersection,” said Royal Oak resident Carolyn Martz.
Martz lives at the future apartment complex, which will be located at Rochester Road and Genesee Avenue near 14 Mile Road. It is the location of a former bank.
“This is not good for the area. Stick to the zoning. They could even do two stories, 24 units. You wouldn’t hear a peep from us,” Martz said.
She and other residents said the lot is too small for the planned three-and-a-half-story, 42-unit building and that the site was originally zoned for a smaller building.
At Monday night’s City Commission meeting, one attendee voiced support for the development, saying it will help Royal Oak teachers, paramedics and white-collar workers live closer to their jobs.
“Building an apartment complex that will house more than 40 people, couples or families, should be something that Royal Oak celebrates and not opposes. Because it means we have more affordable and accessible homes for the people who make our city tick.” keep it.” they said.
However, a group of Royal Oak residents have spoken out against the building.
“These are the street prostitutes that walk the streets with me, delivered all the petitions, delivered all the flyers twice,” said resident Rudy Stuglin.
He said they have received about 300 signatures from people opposed to the construction.
Former Royal Oak City Attorney and Commissioner Charles Semchena said the city is siding with developers over residents.
“The sad thing is that they listen to the money, but not to the neighbors,” Semchena said.
Fournier said the building will benefit the city.
“If one of my children grows up to be a letter carrier or a teacher and they can’t find a place, shame on us,” he said.
The group opposing the apartment complex said it will consider what next steps it can take and whether legal action is possible.
