Trinity Health's health center expansion moves forward. Here's what happens next
GENOA TWP. - A request by Trinity Health-Michigan for permission to construct a major addition to its existing health center in the township advanced for final approval following a Genoa Township Planning Commission session Monday night.
The commission's unanimous recommendation moves forward Trinity's proposal for a 186,157-square-foot, four-story addition to the existing St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Health Center, at 7575 Grand River Ave.
The amended and restated PUD agreement, according to the motion, will be reviewed with the township planning and engineering staff, and the attorney prior to being sent to the township trustees.
The township board could consider final approval at its September meeting.
The proposal had been tabled during the commission's July 11 meeting to give planners time to address questions, including concerns about traffic flow and storm water management.
MORE: Trinity Health's proposal for new hospital near Brighton tabled over traffic, water concerns
Commissioners raised concerns about a "cleaner" site plan, potential traffic issues with vehicles trying to leave the facility and make a left turn onto Grand River Avenue, and how storm water drainage would impact Woodland Lake in Brighton Township.
Traffic engineer Steven Russo said, after looking at an analysis, he didn't see a significant impact on traffic.
In order to address concerns about turning left on Grand River Avenue, Russo said, signs telling patrons to not block the lane will be posted in front of the hospital, to avoid vehicle stacking.
Commissioners were concerned a sign won't be a significant enough reminder and suggested they watch the intersection for future concerns.
Storm Water Concerns
SmithGroup project manager Cindy Pozolo and SmithGroup civil engineer Michael Campos said drainage into Woodland Lake won't be a concern.
"The detention pond that was referenced for being affected in the wetlands being reworked. It does not drain into the Woodland Lake," Pozolo said.
Campos said SmithGroup and Trinity Health have had a number of meetings with the Livingston County Drain Commission.
"We are currently under review for the storm water design approval. It shows a map of the surrounding area and for our site, its a localized drainage area where no developed portion of our site drains onto any township or county drains," Campos said.
He added, according to LCDC, there is no direct surface water outlet to Woodland Lake
"The map shows its a bit of distance from the lake to Woodland Lake. We show a Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain map of the surrounding area that it shows for this unnamed lake. It's not within the 100-year floodplain. Also no flood concerns," Campos said.
Contact Livingston Daily reporter Patricia Alvord at palvord@livingstondaily.com about news coverage.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Genoa Planning Commission votes to send hospital plans to board
